Channel
A view of the English Channel, as seen from the Cliffs of Dover.
The International Levee Handbook, published by CIRIA in 2013, provides four different definitions of the term, channel in the context of water and waterways:
- A natural or artificial waterway of perceptible extent that (is) either periodically or continuously contains moving water or that forms a connecting link between two bodies of water.
- The part of a body of water deep enough to be used for navigation through an area otherwise too shallow for navigation (synonym: sail line).
- The deepest part of a stream, bay or strait through which the main volume or current of water flows.
- A large strait, such as the English Channel.
It may also refer to a steel section such as a C-channel or a U-channel, or to a means of transmitting information - such as a social media channel or television channel.
Functional Standards Common Glossary, published by the Cabinet Office, defines a channel as: ‘The medium to deliver a message to an end audience. Often categorised as either ‘paid’, ‘owned’ or ‘earned’. The publicity gained through means other than paid-for advertising or own channel.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.