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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.