Transformer
The Illustrated Guide to Electrical Building Services, Third Edition (BG 32/2014), by David Bleicher & Peter Tse, published by BSRIA in 2014, suggests that: ‘Transformers convert electrical energy to either a higher or lower voltage. In their most basic form, they consist of two coils of wire wrapped round an iron core... There is no electrical connection between the primary and secondary coils, however the alternating current (AC) in the primary coil produces an alternating magnetic field in the core. This in turn induces an alternating current in the secondary coil.’
According to the UK 'Artificial intelligence (AI) glossary' dated January 2024. "Transformers have greatly improved natural language processing, computer vision and robotic capabilities and the ability of AI models to generate text (UK Post Brief 57 'Artificial intelligence: An explainer'). A transformer can read vast amounts of text, spot patterns in how words and phrases relate to each other, and then make predictions about what word should come next. This ability to spot patterns in how words and phrases relate to each other is a key innovation, which has allowed AI models using transformer architectures to achieve a greater level of comprehension than previously possible. See also artificial neutral networks and generative adversarial networks.'
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
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.