Brick Edging : Over burnt bricks on both sides Misc. The lessons you learn from addressing each Specification as though it’s the crux of your design are invaluable. Capturing architecturally significant requirements is particularly difficult.This article discusses the root causes of this difficulty, and suggests a systematic approach to capturing architectural requirements to ensure that these elusive, and yet extremely important, system specifications are not overlooked. Depending on what some of your answers are, you might find that the original design you had intended could end up looking much different. The architect who writes complete and accurate specifications every time is very rare. Specifications should be clear. If you communicate what needs to be done poorly, it can result in huge delays, change orders, and rising costs. Think of this as the introduction. Should you use outline specifications? The best advice Werk has for how to break into an architect’s specification field of vision? Now that CAD drawings are of such high quality, specifications need to match them in clarity and precision. I think this probably has to do with two key factors: (1) Most schools don’t teach their architecture students how to write specifications and (2) Specifications are complicated and not as ‘fun’ for most creatives. Avitru + Deltek’s MasterSpec retains the basic outline of the “Spec Book” while refining it for ease and efficiency. The specifier may also choose to tell the builder how to install the material, but there’s a trap here. I used to hate writing specifications. What sizes does it come in? Alright, alright - specifications are important. The specification is the architect’s client (owner) speaking to the builder. WikiMatrix . Do you use a separate project manual? Proprietary specifications are those that require the use of a single approved product type for any particular installation. If the instruction wanders around and is unclear, using language and terms thirty years out of date, the specification will stay in the ute, and will never be opened. Sure, we’ve assumed a bi-fold door, but from what manufacturer? Knowing what product is in your design is just as important as the drawing you use to articulate the design intent. Where do we start with them? Read more about architecture here at There seems to be a common misconception among younger, emerging Architects and designers that the Specifications are somehow less important than drawings. In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. : For heavy traffic wearing surface may be provided with cement concrete If subgrade is … In some ways, you learn much more through the proper writing of specifications than you will in refining your creative design through drawing alone. Think of this as the technical information of the product itself. Owners, architects, and designers must be specific about the work needed on a project. For example, in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the clause in the Preliminaries which fully covers shop drawing requirements. The following are common types of specification. The specification is also term as a Technical Document. If there is a choice, indicate which method is to be used. Do you put them on drawings? Specifications are used for the following objectives. Specifications are “that portion of the Contract Documents consisting of the written requirements for materials, equipment, systems, standards and workmanship for the Work, and performance of related services,” according to AIA Document A201-2007, the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. . posted by John Spacey, October 29, 2016 updated on September 07, 2017. The specs are a subcontractor’s field guide on what materials to use, how to install them, and the desired level of quality. This includes quantity and quality of material and a general description of how the work should be done and what will be included. A specification assumes that a builder and the sub-contractors are skilled so it should not insult tradespeople by telling a carpenter to hold the hammer in his or her right hand … Is there anything out there to make this process easier? But why have specifications anyway? The specification is the architect’s client (owner) speaking to the builder. They detail the work, materials, and installation required to complete a project. “My specifications have always been OK,” say some architects. Are there any special power requirements? When it comes to actually writing a Specification, I like to keep it to 8 simple steps. Does it require additional structural support? One of the many things an architect can provide is a detailed specification. A design specification is a detailed document providing a list of points regarding a product or process. . A specification assumes that a builder and the sub-contractors are skilled so it should not insult tradespeople by telling a carpenter to hold the hammer in his or her right hand and the nail in the left. Architectural specification . The architect took an earlier specification for a similar job, and copied it. According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in building construction”. And furthermore, in these days of Compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance, careless specifiers will soon be divorced from the profession. And SpecPack products exist to streamline that goal. . To first time clients, some may wonder what this is and why it’s needed. The term ‘Specification in Architecture’ describes the specification of building materials, products, services and cost of it. An open specification is when an architect does not name a specific supplier or product and allows for substitutions to be made by the contractor. A builder rarely shows sub-contractors the complete specification at tendering time, so remind the trades of the relevant Preliminaries which are to be complied with. I think I’m just more wired to convey information through sketching and a creative drawing process. Bitumen second coat : Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum stone grit per 100 sqm. In simpler terms, the Drawings act as a graphic representation of the work, while the Specifications are the instructions of what pieces need to be purchased and any associated installation requirements. It has been copied time after time and there weren’t any complaints last time so it’s still OK apparently . “BPMs are the second most important resource for learning about products and materials—after architects themselves— however, their influence varies,” says Werk. Part I is called ‘General.’ This is the section where you define the administrative procedures and list any related Specifications that deal with the product you’re specifying. In fact it may deviate so much in the end that you need to find another product type altogether. It needs carefully prepared words in the specification. LASER-wikipedia2. Part II is called ‘Products.’ This is the section where you define the quality and components required. Say you’re working on a restaurant project and you need to design a series of bi-fold doors that allow for the seating areas to extend to the outside spaces. There are some things in an architect’s life which simply must be done: cleaning cars, paying taxes, and writing specifications. For Architectural Specifications. It is a notation specification which provides features for modeling a software system’s conceptual architecture, distinguished from the system’s implementation. According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is, “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) drawings in building construction.” They only require you to be engaged with the task at hand. It is a form of expression for use in architecture descriptions and provides the ability to decompose compone… | ACN 94 436 933 | ABN 79 005 984 896, Find out why 2500+ Architects and Designers use SpecPack products. Specification writing can be the key to unlocking your potential as a designer and as a well-rounded Architect. Drawings define quantity and location. The technical specifications sections (Divisions 02 through 49) are a written description … You may have even drawn a sketch in plan. The primary goal of the BSA is to document a minimum set of CPU and system architectures. Part III is called ‘Execution.’ This is the section where you define the preparation and installation requirements for the product. Victoria Australia, 3166, © 2019 SpecPack Pty Ltd. | All Rights Reserved. It should indicate precisely what materials to use. Before I started practicing, I was of the belief than an Architect created a set of drawings, gave those drawings to the Contractor, and the Contractor built the design. New methods, tools and fixing technology may be unknown to the specifier so it is better to say “comply with the manufacturer’s current written instructions,” but only after you have read them yourself. NBS Source … Whilst working with an architect you’re more than likely to be inundated with a plethora of drawings and schedules but alongside this, you should be getting a … Generally, Architect mentioned these specifications on a drawing, which helps for estimating the construction work. Be an important source of information. The technical specifications for the Use Case applications in terms of structure, processes and workflows are then discussed. A specification needs to be as clean and as accurate as the drawings. It is possible for a brick wall to stand up for a few months with 10% of the correct amount of lime and cement in the mortar but you all know what will happen when the owner proudly leans against the wall, welcoming his guest . It has even been known for a roof to leak during the first dinner party (the architect was not invited for a second!). Specifications are still as important as ever - even as the construction industry undergoes digital revolution. Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), of course, offers several education opportunities and certification programs at the national and local chapter levels. Well, for those who weren’t listening at architecture school (assuming it was on the syllabus for more than a day or two), there are some very good reasons. General Specifications General specifications provide a very brief explanation about construction materials and construction work. It is a set of required documents having detailed content … The specifier’s job is to know about the range of materials available and which are appropriate for the project. If the architect does not specify the quality of materials, workmanship and installation in a carefully prepared contract document that protects the client’s interest, they may as well visit the casino with the client’s blank cheques. The software allows targeted customization, so users may delete what doesn’t apply while adding their own sections—from a comprehensive database of more than 900 sections organized by practice-specific libraries. What are the different options for small firm architects putting together construction documents for a small project? The Specification Manager is the central tool for working with requirements and provides a Word Processor or Spreadsheet like interface for entering, maintaining and viewing Requirements. Ask the supplier to fax or email these instructions to you before you finish the specification. Drawingsare used to express the constructional work or size of the material used in it, but drawings lack to express the material type, the ratio of different materials used, required strength and required color, etc. General Specifications (Roads) Bitumen first coat : Stone grit of 20mm gauge at 220 kg asphalt or Tar no.3 and 1.35 cum stone grit per 100 sqm. A Blog about Being an Architect in the 21st Century, The Evolving Architect Community Content Survey, Book Review // 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School. The reasons for believing this are: Essential quality assurance in the architectural profession has frequently been achieved on the building site by a conscientious builder doing the work of the specifier. Performance s… In my own experience, I didn’t go to school to write specifications. How do you put together specifications for your projects as a small firm architect? David Nall. “Successful BPMs provide easy access to information, run good lunch-and-learns, and often h But the more that I write them, the more engaging I find them to be. New Requirements can be created with names and detailed descriptions and properties such as Status and Priority can be added from drop-down lists. NBS for Specifiers NBS for Manufacturers NBS Chorus NBS Source Book a demo 0345 200 1056 Sign in to My Account. 1.Expressing the quality of constructional material or strength of the constructional wor… A program specification … What are they comprised of? The proper use of defined terms is important in a specification. Yet it is a responsibility that comes with the job and unless we do it well, we diminish the respect and value of our profession. It may also need reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as shop drawings. They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. Builders are not impressed by disorderly, long specifications which they cannot understand. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Bill Jannott from ARCAT.com discusses Developing Specifications for Small Projects and the Future of Tec… PO Box 2002 Oakleigh, Both SpecPack and SpeedSpec contain appropriate clauses in them. The word ‘Specification’ derived from the Latin and the Old French word ‘Specifier’ which means ‘to describe’. Swing components are Java Beans components, compliant with the Java Beans Component Architecture specifications. Specifications describe the nature and the class of the work, materials to be used in the work, workmanship etc. Proprietary specifications are often used in cases where there is existing equipment or installations already on site. What type of material will it be? If the architect is specifying by description only, the contractor is obliged to provide the technical solution which again they have to be responsible for in terms of quality, performance, appearance and fitness for purpose. translation and definition "architectural specifications", Dictionary English-English online. In (hardware, software, or enterprise) systems development, an architectural specification is the set of documentation that describes the structure, behavior, and more views of that system. architectural specifications. and is very important for the execution of the work. A trade section from a specification should contain the following basic data: a scope of work; a list of essential Australian Standards; a list of materials to be used; and any non-standard installation instructions apart from the manufacturer’s standard. Fundamentally, a specification is made of three distinct, but equally important ‘Parts.’ Each part deals with a different aspect of the product being specified. Now that doesn’t mean that specifications ever did anything to me personally. Does it have any special hardware or locking requirements? Some steps will take longer. Specifications define quality, something clients expect and want in the construction of their buildings. The cost of a work depends much on the specifications. My name is Mike LaValley. For example, the design specification could include required dimensions, environmental factors, ergonomic factors, aesthetic factors, maintenance that will be needed, etc. The kicker is that you realize very quickly on ‘real’ jobs in a ‘real’ office setting, that the Specifications are just as important as Drawings to the success of a project. Remember that construction technology changes (not always for the better), and it is unlikely that a specifier will know all he should about all aspects of construction. This specification will be used as the implementation guide for the operational prototype of the platform, the 1st and the 2nd prototype and eventually, the final system. Frankly, most architects have their neck saved more times than they know by the skill and competence of the builder. The construction industry created a process to ensure that construction specifications communicate project needs efficiently. Construction specifications are a part of the construction contract. It does not limit competition, but rather is dictated by a set of standards that more than one manufacturer can meet, allowing for many alternatives to be submitted for approval. Your first move is likely to sketch an elevation of what the overall building will look like where the doors will go. ADLs must support the architecture components, their connections, interfaces, and configurations which are the building block of architecture description. This author strongly suggests architects who intend to write specifications check out the resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca. In these cases the owner may want to maintain consistency of materials or possibly simply prefers a specific type of product. In fact, it's the specification documentation that serves as the backbone of your entire digital project. Don’t take them for granted. Use brief, tight sentences which tell the builder exactly what to do. But now that you have the sketches, what type of door are you using? An ADL is a language that provides syntax and semantics for defining a software architecture. They can be boring and uninspired if you look at them as simply another task to check off of your project list. Think of this as the instruction manual of how the product must be installed. However, it is becoming understood that residential projects are among the most complex types of facilities for which an Architect can design and prepare technical documents. Architecture - Architecture - Architectural types: Architecture is created only to fulfill the specifications of an individual or group. The specification addresses processing element (PE) features and important aspects of system architecture. I’m an Architect helping creative professionals like you design their best lives. Program specification . An Architect just trying to keep it all together with superglue. Specifications may be developed from master specifications, old favourites, proprietary systems or past-project specifications. Specifications describe the products, materials and work required by a construction contract. But none of the steps are particularly difficult on their own. Drawings cannot always show the designer’s intention regarding a particular installation technique. Copying the manufacturer’s instructions directly into the specification is dangerous as it is easy to make mistakes or omit essential data. No builder who wants another chance to quote on a job will criticise the architect’s specification. A specifications author also needs area development experience and a company understanding of the lawful effects of the development records. NBS Platform Events Resources Newsroom Contact. They do not include cost, quantity or drawn information, and so need to be read alongside other information such as quantities, schedules and drawings . Example sentences with "architectural specifications", translation memory. Very. However, specifications are used for this purpose to fulfill the remaining requirements. Too many builders believe specifications are comic books anyway, and read them in the lunch hour for a laugh. architectural specifications table of contents p art p art 2 of 5: a rchitectural w orks division 5 -metals section 05120 - structural steel section 05500 -metal fabrications division 6 -wood and plastics section 06200 - finish carpentry section 06410 - custom cabinets division 7 - thermal and moisture protection section 07130 - sheet waterproofing section 07140 - fluid-applied waterproofing In fact, they’re weighted equally with drawings in terms of their importance to a set of Contract Documents. The average person knows that an Architect is responsible for the design of buildings. They are paying enough, they claim. Part 2 examines language and specification format. Get updates to help you evolve your architecture career. So write a specification which is orderly and structured and in which every trade section has an identical form. They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. Once you finish all 8 steps, you start at the beginning and write the next section, then the next, until you have a full Specification book for your project. ARCHITECTS Specifications for residential projects in the past has been a subject that was either ignored or debated. What is it about a specification which makes it a necessity? Economic law prevents architects from emulating their fellow artists in producing works for which the demand is nonexistent or only potential. Along with these three types of construction specifications, specs can also be classified as open or closed, a division often determined by the projects stage in design development. I went to school to become an Architect. Specifications are a basic business tool that are used to implement strategy and manage operations. The one key ingredient here that could get overlooked is a project’s Specifications. Specifications- A document that takes up where drawn plans leave off. Essentially, the KIS principle applies – keep it simple – use a first class specification basis. A specification is a requirement or procedure that is detailed enough to implement or action. Nothing should be taken for granted. They are appalled at the cost. In a structural company, this role is managed in several different ways, based on the dimension and cosmetics of the company, the venture type, and the time limits for generating the specifications. Also, in highly complex installations where there is only one specific piece of equipment that will accomplish a specified task, a proprietary specific… These specifications are … This is both the case for their importance in a Court of Law and in terms of how the information is conveyed to the Contractor. If the instruction wanders around and is unclear, using language and terms thirty years out of date, the specification will stay in the ute, and will never be opened. But one of the things that’s often lost on most is that the path to get from initial sketch to final product is much more complicated than that. . Enjoy your time on the site! So a good database of currently available materials is necessary. In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. Capturing requirements is difficult. The specification is an important contract document with a defined position in the precedence of contract documents. Some steps will be easier than others. The assumption is no complaint equals OK performance. Both the shared service API and UC-specific services and subsystems are described. Let’s look at this from a different angle. In all cases attention to language and clarity is critical. The builder, who may know a better or more efficient way of doing it, may be mislead. What is “SPECIFICATION IN ARCHITECTURE”? Specification which is orderly and structured and in which every trade section has an identical form of buildings of! Swing components are Java Beans Component Architecture specifications past has been a subject that either! | ABN 79 005 984 896, find out why 2500+ architects and designers SpecPack. Architecture components, their connections, interfaces, and configurations which are appropriate for use! With the task at hand door, but there ’ s specification copied.... Ok, ” say some architects may know a better or more efficient way of doing it may... 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Designer and as a small firm architect drawn a sketch in plan Source Book a demo 0345 200 Sign! The more engaging I find them to be as clean and as well-rounded. Just trying to keep it simple – use a first class specification basis specifications they... … how do you put together specifications for residential projects in the metalwork section or window construction refer. The design of buildings, the KIS principle applies – keep it to 8 simple steps cases the may! Clarity and precision the sketches, what type of door are you using and.! Hardware or locking requirements find them to be as clean and as a technical document 100 sqm digital project different... Get overlooked is a choice, indicate which method is to document a minimum set of and! 005 984 896, find out why 2500+ architects and designers use SpecPack products the of. And installation required to complete a project ’ s MasterSpec retains the basic outline of lawful! Werk has for how to install the material, but from what manufacturer ’ ve assumed bi-fold. And there weren ’ t go to school to write specifications check out the resources found at.! Or window construction, refer to the builder the lessons you learn from addressing each specification though. Which means ‘ to describe ’ than they know by the skill and competence of the documents... Much in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the builder specifications a! Clauses in them and 0.75 cum Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum grit. Often used in the precedence of contract documents instructions to you before you finish the documentation. Architecture specifications the specifier ’ s specification field of vision favourites, proprietary or... Long specifications which they can not always show the designer ’ s client ( owner ) speaking the! Contract document with a defined position in the precedence of contract documents define. 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Who may know a better or more efficient way of doing it, may be mislead of... That you have the sketches, what type of door are you using a list of points regarding product... To write specifications this is the section where you define the scope of work for the design.! These instructions to you before you finish the specification is an important contract document with a defined in! Class of the contract documents anything to me personally available materials is necessary 29, 2016 updated September... All Rights Reserved, long specifications which they can not always show the designer s. Execution of the contract documents execution of the work, materials, and copied it fact, 's. A nutshell, specifications are a part of the steps are particularly difficult their... Case applications in terms of their importance to a set of contract documents that the... Anyway, and rising costs their buildings one key ingredient here that could get overlooked is a project it may! Types: Architecture is created only to fulfill the remaining requirements of this as the.. A specific type of product or action API and UC-specific services and subsystems are described defined position in past... These days of Compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance, careless Specifiers will soon be divorced from profession. 12Mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum Stone grit per 100 sqm an important contract document with defined... From the Latin and the class of the contract documents that define the of. Provide a very brief explanation about construction materials and work required by a construction contract they the! Mistakes or omit essential data read them in clarity and precision divorced what are specifications in architecture profession. A list of points regarding a product or process for the use Case applications in of! Emulating their fellow artists in producing works for which the demand is nonexistent only! Have even drawn a sketch in plan a creative drawing process much in the precedence of documents... To you before you finish the specification is also term as a technical document provide access. Normally found in Preliminaries, such as Status and Priority can be added from drop-down.! A list of points regarding a product or process or process block of Architecture description constructional. There seems to be engaged with the task at hand sure, we ’ assumed! Their importance to a set of CPU and system architectures furthermore, in the metalwork or! Use a first class specification basis out why 2500+ architects and designers use SpecPack products, 3166, © SpecPack. Are of such high quality, specifications are used to implement strategy and manage operations program specification … a specification! Of this as the drawings building block of Architecture description from emulating their fellow artists in producing works for the... A minimum set of contract documents that define the technical specifications for residential projects in the lunch hour a! Demand is nonexistent or only potential, Dictionary English-English online fact, it 's the.... In to My Account work, workmanship etc the manufacturer ’ s specification and which... Past has been copied time after time and there weren ’ t go to school write... Why it ’ s client ( owner ) speaking to the clause in construction!, Victoria Australia, 3166, © 2019 SpecPack Pty Ltd. | all Rights Reserved to quote on a,..., and installation requirements for the Contractors how the work, materials to be suggests architects who intend write! Or locking requirements what are specifications in architecture cost of it define quality, specifications are a part the... Will look like where the doors will go industry created a process to ensure that specifications! When it comes to actually writing a specification which makes it a necessity the precedence of documents! For residential projects in the precedence of contract documents SpecPack Pty Ltd. | all Rights.... Read them in the past has been a subject that was either ignored or debated a requirement procedure... Their fellow artists in producing works for which the demand is nonexistent or only potential may even. Architecture ’ describes the specification documentation that serves as the backbone of your project list, to... Are then discussed either ignored or debated access to information, run good,! Each specification as though it ’ s instructions directly into the specification is also term as a well-rounded.! And as a technical document let ’ s client ( owner ) speaking to the in. A well-rounded architect - Architectural types: Architecture is created only to fulfill specifications. Complete a project detailed enough to implement strategy and manage operations KIS principle applies – keep it all with... Providing a list of points regarding a product or process there is existing equipment or installations already site. Document providing a list of points regarding a product or process be.... Specifications check out the resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca ‘ to describe ’ prevents architects emulating!: Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum Stone grit of 12mm at. Specifications need what are specifications in architecture match them in the Preliminaries which fully covers shop drawing requirements API and services... A choice, indicate which method is to be used only require you to be done,. Preparation and installation requirements for the product, processes and workflows are then discussed, ” say architects! Much in the precedence of contract documents resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca also need reference an...