Knowing what product is in your design is just as important as the drawing you use to articulate the design intent. What type of material will it be? No builder who wants another chance to quote on a job will criticise the architect’s specification. The architect took an earlier specification for a similar job, and copied it. Specifications should be clear. A program specification … The specifier’s job is to know about the range of materials available and which are appropriate for the project. translation and definition "architectural specifications", Dictionary English-English online. The lessons you learn from addressing each Specification as though it’s the crux of your design are invaluable. If there is a choice, indicate which method is to be used. The specification is an important contract document with a defined position in the precedence of contract documents. David Nall. If the instruction wanders around and is unclear, using language and terms thirty years out of date, the specification will stay in the ute, and will never be opened. Before I started practicing, I was of the belief than an Architect created a set of drawings, gave those drawings to the Contractor, and the Contractor built the design. But none of the steps are particularly difficult on their own. A specifications author also needs area development experience and a company understanding of the lawful effects of the development records. . Once you finish all 8 steps, you start at the beginning and write the next section, then the next, until you have a full Specification book for your project. Drawings cannot always show the designer’s intention regarding a particular installation technique. posted by John Spacey, October 29, 2016 updated on September 07, 2017. | ACN 94 436 933 | ABN 79 005 984 896, Find out why 2500+ Architects and Designers use SpecPack products. In fact, it's the specification documentation that serves as the backbone of your entire digital project. Specifications are still as important as ever - even as the construction industry undergoes digital revolution. “BPMs are the second most important resource for learning about products and materials—after architects themselves— however, their influence varies,” says Werk. What is it about a specification which makes it a necessity? For example, the design specification could include required dimensions, environmental factors, ergonomic factors, aesthetic factors, maintenance that will be needed, etc. Alright, alright - specifications are important. It does not limit competition, but rather is dictated by a set of standards that more than one manufacturer can meet, allowing for many alternatives to be submitted for approval. In my own experience, I didn’t go to school to write specifications. Sure, we’ve assumed a bi-fold door, but from what manufacturer? Is there anything out there to make this process easier? In simpler terms, the Drawings act as a graphic representation of the work, while the Specifications are the instructions of what pieces need to be purchased and any associated installation requirements. According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in building construction”. Victoria Australia, 3166, © 2019 SpecPack Pty Ltd. | All Rights Reserved. Very. Think of this as the technical information of the product itself. Copying the manufacturer’s instructions directly into the specification is dangerous as it is easy to make mistakes or omit essential data. The proper use of defined terms is important in a specification. The one key ingredient here that could get overlooked is a project’s Specifications. I think this probably has to do with two key factors: (1) Most schools don’t teach their architecture students how to write specifications and (2) Specifications are complicated and not as ‘fun’ for most creatives. The cost of a work depends much on the specifications. In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. Say you’re working on a restaurant project and you need to design a series of bi-fold doors that allow for the seating areas to extend to the outside spaces. Performance s… It is possible for a brick wall to stand up for a few months with 10% of the correct amount of lime and cement in the mortar but you all know what will happen when the owner proudly leans against the wall, welcoming his guest . Read more about architecture here at Architectural specification . Your first move is likely to sketch an elevation of what the overall building will look like where the doors will go. I think I’m just more wired to convey information through sketching and a creative drawing process. The builder, who may know a better or more efficient way of doing it, may be mislead. Now that doesn’t mean that specifications ever did anything to me personally. In all cases attention to language and clarity is critical. If the architect does not specify the quality of materials, workmanship and installation in a carefully prepared contract document that protects the client’s interest, they may as well visit the casino with the client’s blank cheques. Construction specifications are a part of the construction contract. The specs are a subcontractor’s field guide on what materials to use, how to install them, and the desired level of quality. These specifications are … Some steps will be easier than others. Too many builders believe specifications are comic books anyway, and read them in the lunch hour for a laugh. A specification is a requirement or procedure that is detailed enough to implement or action. The primary goal of the BSA is to document a minimum set of CPU and system architectures. Think of this as the instruction manual of how the product must be installed. Specifications- A document that takes up where drawn plans leave off. ARCHITECTS Specifications for residential projects in the past has been a subject that was either ignored or debated. General Specifications (Roads) Bitumen first coat : Stone grit of 20mm gauge at 220 kg asphalt or Tar no.3 and 1.35 cum stone grit per 100 sqm. A Blog about Being an Architect in the 21st Century, The Evolving Architect Community Content Survey, Book Review // 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School. If the instruction wanders around and is unclear, using language and terms thirty years out of date, the specification will stay in the ute, and will never be opened. In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. An Architect just trying to keep it all together with superglue. I’m an Architect helping creative professionals like you design their best lives. A trade section from a specification should contain the following basic data: a scope of work; a list of essential Australian Standards; a list of materials to be used; and any non-standard installation instructions apart from the manufacturer’s standard. Owners, architects, and designers must be specific about the work needed on a project. Capturing architecturally significant requirements is particularly difficult.This article discusses the root causes of this difficulty, and suggests a systematic approach to capturing architectural requirements to ensure that these elusive, and yet extremely important, system specifications are not overlooked. architectural specifications table of contents p art p art 2 of 5: a rchitectural w orks division 5 -metals section 05120 - structural steel section 05500 -metal fabrications division 6 -wood and plastics section 06200 - finish carpentry section 06410 - custom cabinets division 7 - thermal and moisture protection section 07130 - sheet waterproofing section 07140 - fluid-applied waterproofing So a good database of currently available materials is necessary. And SpecPack products exist to streamline that goal. To first time clients, some may wonder what this is and why it’s needed. The specification is the architect’s client (owner) speaking to the builder. : For heavy traffic wearing surface may be provided with cement concrete If subgrade is … What is “SPECIFICATION IN ARCHITECTURE”? It has even been known for a roof to leak during the first dinner party (the architect was not invited for a second!). They can be boring and uninspired if you look at them as simply another task to check off of your project list. One of the many things an architect can provide is a detailed specification. Specification writing can be the key to unlocking your potential as a designer and as a well-rounded Architect. Architecture - Architecture - Architectural types: Architecture is created only to fulfill the specifications of an individual or group. They only require you to be engaged with the task at hand. Frankly, most architects have their neck saved more times than they know by the skill and competence of the builder. However, specifications are used for this purpose to fulfill the remaining requirements. It may also need reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as shop drawings. Do you put them on drawings? Remember that construction technology changes (not always for the better), and it is unlikely that a specifier will know all he should about all aspects of construction. Depending on what some of your answers are, you might find that the original design you had intended could end up looking much different. In fact, they’re weighted equally with drawings in terms of their importance to a set of Contract Documents. A design specification is a detailed document providing a list of points regarding a product or process. In these cases the owner may want to maintain consistency of materials or possibly simply prefers a specific type of product. A specification assumes that a builder and the sub-contractors are skilled so it should not insult tradespeople by telling a carpenter to hold the hammer in his or her right hand and the nail in the left. Specifications are “that portion of the Contract Documents consisting of the written requirements for materials, equipment, systems, standards and workmanship for the Work, and performance of related services,” according to AIA Document A201-2007, the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Along with these three types of construction specifications, specs can also be classified as open or closed, a division often determined by the projects stage in design development. Whilst working with an architect you’re more than likely to be inundated with a plethora of drawings and schedules but alongside this, you should be getting a … They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. A builder rarely shows sub-contractors the complete specification at tendering time, so remind the trades of the relevant Preliminaries which are to be complied with. Specifications may be developed from master specifications, old favourites, proprietary systems or past-project specifications. An open specification is when an architect does not name a specific supplier or product and allows for substitutions to be made by the contractor. Part I is called ‘General.’ This is the section where you define the administrative procedures and list any related Specifications that deal with the product you’re specifying. Some steps will take longer. Specifications are used for the following objectives. 1.Expressing the quality of constructional material or strength of the constructional wor… The best advice Werk has for how to break into an architect’s specification field of vision? Enjoy your time on the site! Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), of course, offers several education opportunities and certification programs at the national and local chapter levels. But one of the things that’s often lost on most is that the path to get from initial sketch to final product is much more complicated than that. The technical specifications sections (Divisions 02 through 49) are a written description … New methods, tools and fixing technology may be unknown to the specifier so it is better to say “comply with the manufacturer’s current written instructions,” but only after you have read them yourself. Bitumen second coat : Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum stone grit per 100 sqm. The assumption is no complaint equals OK performance. . It should indicate precisely what materials to use. Essentially, the KIS principle applies – keep it simple – use a first class specification basis. For example, in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the clause in the Preliminaries which fully covers shop drawing requirements. You may have even drawn a sketch in plan. NBS Source … What are the different options for small firm architects putting together construction documents for a small project? The reasons for believing this are: Essential quality assurance in the architectural profession has frequently been achieved on the building site by a conscientious builder doing the work of the specifier. But now that you have the sketches, what type of door are you using? “Successful BPMs provide easy access to information, run good lunch-and-learns, and often h The term ‘Specification in Architecture’ describes the specification of building materials, products, services and cost of it. The Specification Manager is the central tool for working with requirements and provides a Word Processor or Spreadsheet like interface for entering, maintaining and viewing Requirements. They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. An ADL is a language that provides syntax and semantics for defining a software architecture. architectural specifications. According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is, “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in building construction.” In a structural company, this role is managed in several different ways, based on the dimension and cosmetics of the company, the venture type, and the time limits for generating the specifications. 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