Formwork is a temporary mold used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is cured, and gain sufficient strength to support its own weight. It is commonly made from timber or steel. Formwork must balance requirements like containment, strength, resistance to leakage, accuracy, ease of handling, finish, access for concrete, and economy. It is designed according to factors like the loads it will support, type of structure being built, and materials used. Formwork goes through stages of assembly, concrete placement, and stripping. Proper design, construction, and maintenance of formwork is important to produce high quality, safe concrete structures economically.