Top 15 articles of 2016
[edit] More than 1,400 articles were added to Designing Buildings Wiki in 2016. We've taken a look back and picked out the 15 most highly viewed.
15. What does Brexit mean for construction?
It was the biggest news story of the year, and the answer is still far from clear, but this article published on the morning of June 24th laid down some of the key areas - from the skills shortage to red tape - where construction may be most affected by Brexit.
14. Commissioning building systems
Commissioning is the process of bringing an item into operation and ensuring it is in good working order. On building projects, this refers primarily to building services, but the process is not always done well.
Folded plate structures are assemblies of flat plates, or slabs, inclined in opposing directions and joined along their longitudinal edges. This creates a structural system capable of carrying high loads without the need for additional supporting beams.
Elevations are orthographic projections of the exterior (or sometimes the interior) faces of a building. That is, they are two-dimensional drawings of the building’s façades.
Contract documents for a construction contract will typically include articles of agreement, which set out the core obligations of the parties involved.
A 'section drawing', 'section' or 'sectional drawing' shows a view of a structure as though it had been sliced in half or cut along an imaginary plane. For buildings, this can be useful as it gives a view through the spaces and surrounding structures (typically across a vertical plane) that can reveal the relationships between the different parts of the buildings that might not be apparent on plan drawings.
A wide range of different types of crane can be used on construction projects for lifting and moving materials and other building elements from one place to another. Cranes range from a simple rope pulley to tower cranes fixed to the top of a skyscraper.
Within the context of the built environment, the term ‘structure’ refers to anything that is constructed or built from different interrelated parts with a fixed location on the ground.
Long span roofs are those that exceed 12 m. They can create flexible, column-free internal spaces and can reduce substructure costs and construction times. They are commonly found in a wide range of building types such as factories, warehouses, agricultural buildings, hangars, gymnasiums and so on.
Concept drawings or sketches are drawings used by designers as a quick and simple way of exploring initial ideas. They are not intended to be accurate or definitive, merely a way of investigating and communicating design principles and aesthetic concepts.
Measurement is the transformation of drawn data into description and quantity information. Measurement is not an end in itself, it is a tool to enable other functions. It can be undertaken to value, cost, and price construction work, as well as enabling effective management.
4. Building regulations completion certificate
A completion certificate is issued by the building control body, providing formal evidence that the building works have been approved and that, in so far as it is reasonable to determine, the works have been carried out in accordance with the building regulations.
3. Typical tender process for construction projects
A tender is a submission made by a prospective supplier in response to an invitation to tender. This article describes in detail the tender process for a typical commercial construction contract.
2. Step-by-step guide to using BIM on projects
This step-by-step guide explains how level 2 Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used for the development of a built asset such as a new building. It is written for use by people who are not BIM experts and will be helpful for employers, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
1. Valuation of interim payments
Interim valuation is a pre-cursor to the issue of an interim certificate, which in turn allows an interim payment to be made. It is a detailed breakdown, generally prepared by a contractor, that constitutes an application for part payment for work undertaken since the last valuation.
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.