The Architect’s Technical Supervision in Prior Communication: Ensuring Excellence in the Urban Planning Process
- Ana Carolina Santos
- Nov 18
- 4 min read
Prior communication represents one of the forms of prior control established under the Legal Framework for Urbanisation and Building (RJUE), constituting a simplified procedure that allows the immediate start of specific urban operations once all legal requirements have been met. This legal instrument provides an efficient means of expediting administrative processes, dispensing with the need for formal permitting acts.
The system is based on the principle of successive supervision, as stated in Article 35 of the RJUE, whereby the municipal council retains the power to verify, at a later stage, the compliance of operations with the relevant legal and regulatory provisions. This approach accelerates the process while shifting part of the responsibility for prior verification to the professionals involved.
"Prior communication does not eliminate technical responsibility — it reinforces it, demanding the architect’s rigorous involvement from design to completion."
The architect’s central role in the process
Integrated technical responsibility
In a prior communication procedure, the architect assumes a triple responsibility extending beyond project design to include development and execution. This continuous technical oversight is essential for the success of any urban development operation.
Law No. 40/2015 defines the professional duties of responsible technicians, allowing the architect to:
Prepare and sign architectural projects.
Coordinate projects across technical disciplines.
Direct public or private construction works.
Supervise works when signing a responsibility statement is required.
Responsibility statement: a guarantee instrument
This document formalises the architect’s technical commitment, certifying that the project complies with all applicable regulations, including:
Current construction standards.
Municipal land‑use plans.
Compatibility among all specialised designs.
Administrative easements and public‑utility restrictions.
The statement is not merely administrative; it represents a binding legal and technical commitment ensuring strict regulatory compliance.
Phases of technical supervision
Preparation and process setup
Supervision begins well before submission. The architect must conduct a thorough assessment by:
Confirming the project’s eligibility for the prior communication regime.
Coordinating architectural and specialised projects.
Promoting and following up on mandatory external consultations.
Submission and technical validation
At submission, the architect ensures all materials are complete:
Architectural project and coordinated specialty designs.
External entity opinions, if applicable.
Documentation regarding contractor and technical direction.
Responsibility statements from all professionals.
Attention to detail is crucial, since deficiencies can compromise the procedure or stall construction.
Worksite supervision
During construction, the architect must ensure the work aligns with the approved project and technical standards.
Verify compliance regularly and correct deviations.
Manage modifications in accordance with Article 83 of the RJUE.
Coordinate all parties to ensure quality.
The architect’s specific responsibilities
Quality control
The architect is responsible for confirming correct implementation of all design specifications, including:
Construction materials and systems.
Structural, acoustic, and thermal standards.
Safety, health, and accessibility compliance.
Interface with supervisory authorities
The architect collaborates with municipal inspectors by:
Maintaining updated technical documentation.
Responding promptly to official inquiries.
Reporting any changes that may affect project compliance.
Managing non‑conformities
When issues arise, the architect must:
Identify the nature of the discrepancy.
Propose corrective technical solutions.
Oversee their implementation and confirm resolution.
Control and verification instruments
Supervision planning
A structured plan defining key verification points, periodic visits, and methods for systematic tracking is essential to prevent future issues.
Documentation
Maintain detailed records, including:
Site visit reports.
Photographic records.
Technical communications with the contractor or client.
Proof of corrective measures when applicable.
Coordination with other stakeholders
Technical specialists
As coordinator, the architect must ensure interdisciplinary coherence, resolve structural or system conflicts, and maintain clear communication on design updates.
Construction management
Collaboration with the site manager focuses on:
Sharing technical data.
Jointly solving technical challenges.
Validating alternative solutions when appropriate.
Client communication
The architect must keep the client informed of progress and relevant technical or legal matters through reports, alerts, and recommendations.
Legal and regulatory framework
Law No. 40/2015 obliges responsible technicians to monitor construction when necessary to guarantee compliance. Failure to do so may lead to:
Civil liability for damages.
Disciplinary actions before the Order of Architects.
Professional reputational consequences.
Supervision must also ensure compliance with:
Technical regulations on thermal, acoustic, and fire safety performance.
Technological innovations in supervision
Digital monitoring tools
Modern technologies enhance supervision through:
Mobile apps for inspections and non‑conformities.
Digital document management systems.
Collaborative online platforms linking project teams.
BIM tools for dimensional and constructive control.
BIM methodology in prior communication
The RJUE already permits BIM format submissions, enabling:
Automated geometric compliance checks.
4D modelling for forecasting issues.
Centralised information management.
Special cases
Historic areas
Supervision in heritage zones requires ensuring compliance with cultural restrictions, compatibility of modern systems, and coordination with restoration specialists.
Innovative or modular construction
These methods demand reinforced supervision, precise documentation, material testing, and post‑assembly compliance checks under the RGEU.
Key takeaway
Technical supervision by the architect in prior communication procedures is crucial to ensuring quality, safety, and legal compliance throughout the construction process. This responsibility extends beyond design to active and methodical participation at all stages. The architect’s ability to integrate technical, legal, and operational dimensions is vital to maintaining the integrity of urban processes. Although prior communication simplifies procedures, it demands unwavering technical accuracy and competence.
AC‑Arquitetos has an experienced and qualified team to ensure technical supervision in prior communication processes, from the initial design phase to the completion of construction, guaranteeing compliance with applicable regulations and satisfaction within the demanding context of Portuguese urban planning law.
