Building systems
The Uniclass classifications, state that: “Systems are typically single-trade built objects made up of several products, collectively serving a common purpose, such as the load-bearing blockwork inner skin of an external wall Element. In ISO 12006-2, they roughly equate to the concept of ‘designed elements’.” NB ISO 12006-2 is the international standard: Building construction -- Organization of information about construction works -- Part 2: Framework for classification.
Uniclass 2015 suggests that: “Systems are the collection of components that go together to make an element or to carry out a function. For a pitched roof, the rafters, lining, tiles, ceiling boards, insulation and ceiling finish comprise a system, or a low temperature hot water heating system is formed from a boiler, pipework, tank, radiators, etc. A signal system for a railway has a number of components and products; and the scum removal system is part of a wastewater treatment entity.”
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 defines building systems as: ‘The constituent parts of a building, including, but not limited to, structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, façade, ceiling, floors and wall systems.’
Flourishing systems, published by the Centre for Digital Built Britain in 2020 suggests that: 'A system is a connected collection of interrelated and interdependent parts; a complex whole that may be more than the sum of its parts. A system is influenced by its environment, defined by its structure and purpose, and expressed through its function. Infrastructure is the interconnected ‘system of systems’ that provides the physical foundation for our society. It does more than just provide water, power or transport services; it helps to make cities liveable, boosts quality of life and supports productivity and prosperity, all in the context of its interface with the natural environment.'
Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Cooling (BG 1/2010), written by Kevin Pennycook and published by BSRIA in 2010, defines a system as: ‘An organised arrangement of plant and equipment that works together to provide a function such as heating or cooling.’
PAS 2080:2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure, second edition, published by The British Standards Institution in March 2023, defines a system as a: ‘…collection and interconnection of all physical facilities and human interactions that are operated in a coordinated way to provide a particular service.’
Articles about systems on Designing Buildings include:
- Building Automation and Control Systems
- Building energy management systems
- Building heating systems
- Building management systems
- Classification systems
- Commercial security systems
- Commissioning building systems
- Cooling systems for buildings
- Curtain wall systems
- Daylight lighting systems
- Daylight Lighting Systems
- Daylight systems
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Electrical control systems
- Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
- Global positioning systems global navigation satellite systems
- Infrastructure
- Integrated systems
- Intelligent building management systems
- Light gauge steel framing systems
- Lighting control systems
- Parking reservation systems
- Personal protection watermist systems in the homes of vulnerable people
- Solar thermal systems
- Structural systems
- Structural systems for offices
- Sustainable drainage systems
- Systems thinking
- System of systems
- Walling systems
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Finalists for 2024 CIOB Awards revealed
80 construction leaders and companies from across the UK.
Health and Safety Training for Construction Employers
A brief run through essential training tips from a user.
3D Laser Scanning in Building Construction
A comprehensive guide from a Cohesive BIM wiki user.
BIM for structural reinforcement modelling
From the basics to the future from our Cohesive BIM wiki.
ECA skills recharge at the House of Commons
As electrical sector feels skills shortage bite.
The impact of pandemic and new legislation on courses
CIOB Academy’s course take-up inked to external factors.
An artist, philanthropist and ex-Army helicopter pilot
Q and A with self-representing artist, Hannah Shergold.
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
Fropm practice to research and the business of materials.
Terms, histories, theories and practices.
Types of work to existing buildings - repurposing of buildings
Alteration and everything else before demolition.