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.
- 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
Compressor market trends for the EMEA region
Report includes sales vs production of compressors by type.
Government announces latest plans for growth.
Changes to product testing under the Building Safety Bill
Will the new requirements - once passed - go far enough?
HORSA huts - prefab school structures
These post-WWII modular buildings were unpopular, yet ubiquitous.
A bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland
What's the verdict from the court of public opinion?
Open plan living falls out of fashion
Shift to home-based work influences closed plan preferences.
The UK heating industry and the Brexit transition
An overview of the current state of the market.
UEFA guide to renovating football training facilities
Organisation offers best practices for construction and modification.
Heritage on the edge?
Prioritising tax considerations.
Reviewing the Double Diamond Design model
The four D creative process: discover, define, develop and deliver.
National Cyber Security Centre initiative is announced.
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.