Unlocking the Power of Design with the Design Framework for Building Services
Contents |
[edit] Why is BG 6/2018 important?
BSRIA Guide BG 6 A Design Framework for Building Services 5th Edition (BG 6/2018) was first published in 1994 to help give clarity over the roles and duties of those involved in the design phases of construction projects. Since then, it has been revised and updated to reflect the changing nature of the UK construction industry practices, and the implications these have had on the allocation of design responsibilities.
In recent years, changes in technology have brought with them new issues concerning the level of information provided as outputs from design activities. They have also highlighted the need for clarity around existing topics such as the resolution of clashes throughout the design stages and defining coordination roles and responsibilities. These are amongst the topics addressed in the fifth edition of BG 6, which was published in 2018.
[edit] Technological advancements and industry trends
Whilst the advance in technology has enabled developments such as BIM Level 2, resulting in the extensive use of graphical modelling, not every project will be carried out using this approach. The ‘traditional’ method of conveying design requirements via 2D drawings continues to be widely used. As part of the 2018 update, elements of BG 6 were clarified to clearly identify and support these different strategies. The key point is that the correct format of information is used to best meet the project objectives.
The guide contains design activity proformas and drawing / model definitions that are used to support contract documentation and to encourage efficient collaborative working between building services and other designers such as architects, structural engineers and also along building services supply chains.
It must be remembered that BG 6 is, as the title states, a framework. As such, the content of the proformas and output production table should be seen as a starting point for the user to accurately detail what they require their supply chain to do. If any required task or deliverable is not in the published proformas or table, then the user should add them, making sure that the proformas and the output production table align with each other.
[edit] Purchasing options
BG 6/2018 Design Framework for Building Services 5th Edition can be purchased or downloaded here.
Two purchasing options are available. Option 1 is a hard copy or pdf of BG 6/2018. The pdf is a free download for BSRIA members. There is a clickable link in the document to download selected files.
Option 2 is a ‘multi-site licence’. This contains all the editable files including the Appendix A proformas. The multi-site licence allows users to save the editable documents on a company server for colleagues to access.
[edit] Training course: A practical introduction
For professionals looking to deepen their understanding of BG 6/2018 and its practical applications, BSRIA offers a comprehensive training course. The BG 6/2018 Design Framework for Building Services: A Practical Introductioncourse provides participants with hands-on experience and expert guidance on implementing the principles outlined in the guide. Information about this course can be found here.
This article appears on the BSRIA blog site as "Unlocking the Power of Design: Why BG 6/2018 Matters" dated March 14, 2024 and was written by Donna Toomey.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
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.