Discoverable construction knowledge specification
The Discoverable Construction Knowledge specification was launched by the Construction Knowledge Task Group (CKTG) on 27 August 2020. It is a common standard for the way construction knowledge is described that makes it easier to identify the right knowledge in every situation.
The standard was developed by the CKTG with technical authoring by Barbal Limited. It was funded by the Lloyd's Register Foundation with the support of the Open Data Institute.
The standard can be used to identify construction knowledge resources, to define their type, subject and location, and to describe the circumstances in which they might be useful. Adopting the standard across the industry will allow the creation of tools that can search, filter and manage all construction knowledge, whatever its source, and to integrate it into project environments.
The standard includes 2 mandatory fields, 11 recommended fields, and 16 that are optional. It builds upon well-known and well-used open standards, such as the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) and Friend Of A Friend (FOAF), using the terms most applicable to construction knowledge. Other existing classification systems are also referred to and recommended for use, such as Uniclass 2015, Thema, Media Type and ONIX Product Form. Discoverable Construction Knowledge extends on these standards by including knowledge ‘types’ and a new vocabulary for classifying knowledge.
Anyone can adopt the scheme. It has been designed to be applied across the whole spectrum of knowledge for the construction industry. It can be used by formal and informal knowledge organisations, as well as any company that publishes content that it considers to be knowledge. The specification has been designed for both digital and physical resources.
It is free to access, and is available at: Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge
Guidance for applying the standard to a web page is available here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building information modelling.
- Construction information.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction Knowledge Task Group.
- Data.
- Fit for purpose - Big data reveals the construction knowledge gap.
- Is construction knowledge fit for purpose?
- ISO 30401 Knowledge management systems.
- Knowledge management.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- Uniclass.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.