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
A transformative shift in the design, construction and management of built assets.
Apprenticeship announcement by the Prime Minister
Welcomed but with call for more actionable detail.
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach 7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.