Technical guide for building users
The soft landings framework is a joint initiative between BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) and UBT (Usable Buildings Trust). It is an open-source framework available from BSRIA that is intended to ‘…smooth the transition into use and to address problems that post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) show to be widespread’.
The government considers that soft landings sits alongside building information modelling (BIM).
Amongst a number of strategies intended to improve the performance of buildings, the soft landings framework proposes that building owners and operators should be provided with a technical guide to help them understand how building systems are supposed to work and enabling them to operate and fine-tune those systems.
This is in addition to the traditional requirement for a building owner's manual (sometimes called an operation and maintenance manual or O&M manual) which contains more detailed information required for the operation, maintenance, decommissioning and demolition of a building, and in addition to a non-technical building user’s guide which explains the principles behind the design of the building and how these affect its operation to building users.
The soft landings framework proposes that the technical guide is not aimed at individual users.
It should be written in plain English and should include information about:
- How the building and its systems work.
- The performance that is expected.
- The building log book, which is a requirement of part L of the building regulations and provides information about building services to help ensure the building is operated properly and efficiently.
- The strategy for energy metering.
- The requirements of any energy rating schemes used, such as LEED, BREEAM or Ska.
The soft landings framework suggests that the technical guide should be developed during design and construction and that two pre-handover meetings should be held between the project team and the facilities management team to explain the content of the technical guide and the systems it describes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
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.