Document
A document is a representation of information in a written, drawn or digital form. Construction and engineering projects are often complex, involving large quantities of information, and as a result, they can be 'document-heavy'.
An understanding of where documents are, who created them, what they are for, what there status is and how to retrieve them is extremely important in order to avoid confusion and mistakes. Projects, or organisations may implement document control systems to ensure that common and consistent approaches are adopted. For more information see: Document control.
Documents may be used to report on progress, convey design intent, obtain prices, formalise agreements and so on. There are a number of articles on Designing Buildings Wiki describing particular types of documents:
- Contractual documents.
- Contract documents.
- Design documentation.
- Tender documentation.
- Types of drawings.
- Briefing documents.
- Construction contract certificates, notices and instructions.
NB: The 'approved documents' provide guidance for how the building regulations can be satisfied in common building situations. For more information see: Approved documents.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a built asset such as a building, bridge, highway, tunnel, and so on. It centres around the creation of employer's information requirements (EIR), which define the information that the employer wishes to procure in order to develop and operate a built asset. Setting this out in a contract document ensures that appropriate information is created in a suitable format at the right time. For more information see: Building information modelling.
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.