OmniClass
Classification, an introduction describes classification as, ‘what things are called, and how those names are arranged and structured’, or ‘the act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.’
In the construction industry, classification is used in:
- Specifications.
- Production information.
- Libraries.
- Drawings.
- Schedules of rates / quantities.
- Information management systems.
- Operation and maintenance information.
The OmniClass Construction Classification System, also known as OmniClass™ or OCCS, is a classification system used for the organising and retrieving of information for the construction industry. It is the North American equivalent of Uniclass.
It covers the full facility lifecycle from conception to demolition or reuse, and all types of construction in the built environment. It is useful for Building Information Modelling (BIM), organising reports and object libraries.
Similar to Uniclass, OmniClass is derived from internationally-accepted standards developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Construction Information Society (ICIS) and has been developed from the early-1990s to the present.
OmniClass comprises 15 tables, some of which focus on buildings and landscapes, and some of which also serve civil and/or process engineering. Each table can be used independently to classify a particular type of information, or entries on it can be combined with entries on other tables to classify more complex subjects.
The tables are as follows:
- Construction Entities by Function – Table 11.
- Construction Entities by Form – Table 12.
- Spaces by Function – Table 13.
- Spaces by Form – Table 14.
- Elements (includes Designed Elements) – Table 21.
- Work Results – Table 22.
- Products – Table 23.
- Phases – Table 31.
- Services – Table 32.
- Disciplines – Table 33.
- Organisational Roles – Table 34.
- Tools – Table 35.
- Information – Table 36.
- Materials – Table 41.
- Properties – Table 49.
OmniClass incorporates other extant systems currently in use, such as; MasterFormat™ for work results, UniFormat for elements, and Electronic Product Information Cooperation (EPIC) for structuring products.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- CI/SfB.
- Classification, an introduction.
- Classification systems.
- Common arrangement of work sections.
- Construction Project Information Committee.
- Industry Foundation Classes.
- Production information.
- Uniclass.
- Uniclass 2.
- Uniclass 2015.
[edit] External resources
- OmniClass - Official website
Featured articles and news
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 the homebuilding 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.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.