Building levels
Contents |
Definition
Defining different building levels is a way to analyse buildings by breaking them down into successively smaller or simpler units, e.g. into elements, components and materials.
However, depending on the purpose of the analysis, buildings can be broken down in various ways, e.g. by functional, physical, legal or economic characteristics. Accordingly, a common terminology could not be developed.
Guidelines
Whenever the deconstruction of a building into successively smaller parts is proposed or adopted, further clarification will be indispensable. Only for the levels ‘building’ and ‘material’ could a general definition be found. The levels in-between both vary according to the purpose.
The necessary clarification should not only present the introduced hierarchy and the different levels it includes. Also, the characteristics that determine to which level a certain assembly or part belongs should be defined unambiguously.
Because of the consistent interpretation of their meaning throughout different domains, the use of terms ‘part’ and ‘assembly’ is encouraged. Nevertheless, for both terms it is useful to clarify whereof and of what the considered unit is a part or assembly. After all, every unit can be a part of a larger part and the assembly of several smaller assemblies at the same time. For instance, a window, an assembly of parts such as glass panes and aluminium profiles, is only a part of the building façade.
It is impossible to define unambiguously the however frequently used terms ‘component’ and ‘element’. If these terms would be used for one or more specific purposes, a corresponding definition should be provided in this common language.
Related terms
Building: construction providing space to persons, their activities or belongings. Generally, it is a complicated assembly of building materials.
Material, building ∼: a raw material or bulk product used to construct buildings, e.g. lime, sand, clay and cement, as well as wood, concrete, natural stone and bricks, zinc, glass, stucco, paint and so on.
Part, building ∼: a subdivision of a more complicated entity. It is advised to state of what entity the described subdivision is a part; not just “a part”, but “a part of…”.
Assembly, building ∼: a group of less complex entities. It is advised to state of what entities the described group is an assembly; not just “an assembly”, but “an assembly of…”.
System, building ∼: a group of less complex entities characterised by a specific relation describing how the constitutive parts (can) work together or how they are connected, as in ‘open building systems’.
References
Haslinghuis E. and Janse H. (1997) Bouwkundige termen: verklarend woordenboek van de westerse architectuur-en bouwhistorie. Primavera: Leiden.
ISO (2013) ISO 15686-11 Buildings and constructed assets, Service life planning – Part 11 Terminology. International Organisation for Standardisation
De Troyer F. and Sarja A. (1998). Open and Industrialised Building, A Review of Approaches and a Vision for the Future. E & FN Spon, London.
--BAMB - Buildings As Material Banks 07:56, 15 Aug 2018 (BST)
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.