Precedent study

A precedent study, sometimes called precedent analysis or precedent research, might be considered as a key design tool for Architecture and Engineering aswell as planning. Many precedent studies are in effect case studies, where an already constructed building is studied in detail, perhaps focussed on a particular theme, as a way to inform a potential future design or scheme. Indicatively the difference between a case study and a precedent study is that a case study is normal a study on a single building in detail, whereas a precedent study may be a number of different buildings with particular features that may connect them to a possible future scheme.

Digital Twin Toolkit, Developing the business case for your digital twin, published by cdbb in February 2021, defines a case study as: ‘…a backward-looking description of the implementation of a solution. It outlines the initial expectations and potential triggers to launch the project, the journey (steps taken, blockers encountered, enablers), the solution itself (data, technology involved …), the learnings, and final outcomes (costs and benefits). A case study may be referred to as a use case scenario and may reference use cases.’

Designing Buildings has a wide range of case studies, see here. For example here is a case study on the BEST Products showrooms design and constructed by SITE architects in the 1970's. The case study looks in some detail at these projects which perhaps set a precedent for postmodern, playfully whimsical, sculptural buildings (Sculpture in the Environment). One might also chose to look at specific themes surrounding these types of buildings as using visual trickery or illusion in their design solutions and perhaps include these as well as other projects in a precedent study of illusion in Architecture.

In terms of planning, precedent studies or analyses may be carried out over a particular area, borough or region to inform planning policy on different aspects of development, for example to look at housing typologies, density, live/work patterns etc. In terms of planning, precedents are however not formally accepted as a material consideration, but precedent studies can be helpful to inform planners, local residents and the public of the reasoning behind certain design choices.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• American architecture and construction
• Architectural styles.
• BEST Products showrooms.
• Deconstructivism.
• Demolishing Modernism: Britain's lost post-war gems.
• Futurist architecture.
• Modern building.
• Modernist architecture.
• Neo-futurism.
• Postmodern architecture.
• Retail buildings.
• Unusual buildings.