A design specification is a detailed document providing a list of points regarding a product or process. Too many builders believe specifications are comic books anyway, and read them in the lunch hour for a laugh. Let’s look at this from a different angle. General Specifications General specifications provide a very brief explanation about construction materials and construction work. Generally, Architect mentioned these specifications on a drawing, which helps for estimating the construction work. No builder who wants another chance to quote on a job will criticise the architect’s specification. So a good database of currently available materials is necessary. It is a notation specification which provides features for modeling a software system’s conceptual architecture, distinguished from the system’s implementation. Builders are not impressed by disorderly, long specifications which they cannot understand. The construction industry created a process to ensure that construction specifications communicate project needs efficiently. 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. Nothing should be taken for granted. ADLs must support the architecture components, their connections, interfaces, and configurations which are the building block of architecture description. : For heavy traffic wearing surface may be provided with cement concrete If subgrade is … 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. The technical specifications for the Use Case applications in terms of structure, processes and workflows are then discussed. Specifications should be clear. In fact, it's the specification documentation that serves as the backbone of your entire digital project. architectural specifications. What are the different options for small firm architects putting together construction documents for a small project? You may have even drawn a sketch in plan. The lessons you learn from addressing each Specification as though it’s the crux of your design are invaluable. New Requirements can be created with names and detailed descriptions and properties such as Status and Priority can be added from drop-down lists. translation and definition "architectural specifications", Dictionary English-English online. Specifications define quality, something clients expect and want in the construction of their buildings. If you communicate what needs to be done poorly, it can result in huge delays, change orders, and rising costs. 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 Alright, alright - specifications are important. What is “SPECIFICATION IN ARCHITECTURE”? It is a set of required documents having detailed content … Be an important source of information. I used to hate writing specifications. In fact it may deviate so much in the end that you need to find another product type altogether. Knowing what product is in your design is just as important as the drawing you use to articulate the design intent. The specifier’s job is to know about the range of materials available and which are appropriate for the project. For example, the design specification could include required dimensions, environmental factors, ergonomic factors, aesthetic factors, maintenance that will be needed, etc. An ADL is a language that provides syntax and semantics for defining a software architecture. 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.” Both the shared service API and UC-specific services and subsystems are described. Frankly, most architects have their neck saved more times than they know by the skill and competence of the builder. . 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. Owners, architects, and designers must be specific about the work needed on a project. My name is Mike LaValley. 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. And SpecPack products exist to streamline that goal. Both SpecPack and SpeedSpec contain appropriate clauses in them. The architect who writes complete and accurate specifications every time is very rare. Drawings define quantity and location. The architect took an earlier specification for a similar job, and copied it. 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. Construction specifications are a part of the construction contract. If there is a choice, indicate which method is to be used. Where do we start with them? There seems to be a common misconception among younger, emerging Architects and designers that the Specifications are somehow less important than drawings. Swing components are Java Beans components, compliant with the Java Beans Component Architecture specifications. The specification is an important contract document with a defined position in the precedence of contract documents. This author strongly suggests architects who intend to write specifications check out the resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. In my own experience, I didn’t go to school to write specifications. PO Box 2002 Oakleigh, Now that CAD drawings are of such high quality, specifications need to match them in clarity and precision. In fact, they’re weighted equally with drawings in terms of their importance to a set of Contract Documents. 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 … The specs are a subcontractor’s field guide on what materials to use, how to install them, and the desired level of quality. In these cases the owner may want to maintain consistency of materials or possibly simply prefers a specific type of product. Get updates to help you evolve your architecture career. It needs carefully prepared words in the specification. Should you use outline specifications? Performance s… This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Bill Jannott from ARCAT.com discusses Developing Specifications for Small Projects and the Future of Tec… 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. Ask the supplier to fax or email these instructions to you before you finish the specification. Part II is called ‘Products.’ This is the section where you define the quality and components required. In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. Capturing requirements is difficult. An Architect just trying to keep it all together with superglue. 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. However, specifications are used for this purpose to fulfill the remaining requirements. The primary goal of the BSA is to document a minimum set of CPU and system architectures. Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), of course, offers several education opportunities and certification programs at the national and local chapter levels. Now that doesn’t mean that specifications ever did anything to me personally. 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. NBS for Specifiers NBS for Manufacturers NBS Chorus NBS Source Book a demo 0345 200 1056 Sign in to My Account. Your first move is likely to sketch an elevation of what the overall building will look like where the doors will go. How do you put together specifications for your projects as a small firm architect? NBS Source … But now that you have the sketches, what type of door are you using? 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. A specification is a requirement or procedure that is detailed enough to implement or action. 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. Think of this as the instruction manual of how the product must be installed. Do you use a separate project manual? Proprietary specifications are often used in cases where there is existing equipment or installations already on site. 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 . 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. The technical specifications sections (Divisions 02 through 49) are a written description … Example sentences with "architectural specifications", translation memory. The assumption is no complaint equals OK performance. The following are common types of specification. David Nall. There are some things in an architect’s life which simply must be done: cleaning cars, paying taxes, and writing specifications. The one key ingredient here that could get overlooked is a project’s Specifications. Think of this as the technical information of the product itself. LASER-wikipedia2. They are paying enough, they claim. Specifications are used for the following objectives. Architecture - Architecture - Architectural types: Architecture is created only to fulfill the specifications of an individual or group. A specification needs to be as clean and as accurate as the drawings. Enjoy your time on the site! The average person knows that an Architect is responsible for the design of buildings. “My specifications have always been OK,” say some architects. . “Successful BPMs provide easy access to information, run good lunch-and-learns, and often h The best advice Werk has for how to break into an architect’s specification field of vision? Some steps will take longer. So write a specification which is orderly and structured and in which every trade section has an identical form. Essentially, the KIS principle applies – keep it simple – use a first class specification basis. The specification is also term as a Technical Document. 1.Expressing the quality of constructional material or strength of the constructional wor… What is it about a specification which makes it a necessity? Architectural specification . Don’t take them for granted. Also, in highly complex installations where there is only one specific piece of equipment that will accomplish a specified task, a proprietary specific… The term ‘Specification in Architecture’ describes the specification of building materials, products, services and cost of it. Part 2 examines language and specification format. The word ‘Specification’ derived from the Latin and the Old French word ‘Specifier’ which means ‘to describe’. 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. Specifications- A document that takes up where drawn plans leave off. 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. 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 specifier may also choose to tell the builder how to install the material, but there’s a trap here. In all cases attention to language and clarity is critical. 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”. Specifications describe the products, materials and work required by a construction contract. posted by John Spacey, October 29, 2016 updated on September 07, 2017. It has been copied time after time and there weren’t any complaints last time so it’s still OK apparently . Does it require additional structural support? The builder, who may know a better or more efficient way of doing it, may be mislead. What type of material will it be? In a nutshell, Specifications are a part of the Contract Documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors. 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. 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. It has even been known for a roof to leak during the first dinner party (the architect was not invited for a second!). WikiMatrix . The specification is the architect’s client (owner) speaking to the builder. Think of this as the introduction. Use brief, tight sentences which tell the builder exactly what to do. And furthermore, in these days of Compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance, careless specifiers will soon be divorced from the profession. Specifications are a basic business tool that are used to implement strategy and manage operations. 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. I went to school to become an Architect. 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. . To first time clients, some may wonder what this is and why it’s needed. 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. They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. 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. What sizes does it come in? and is very important for the execution of the work. . Bitumen second coat : Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum stone grit per 100 sqm. “BPMs are the second most important resource for learning about products and materials—after architects themselves— however, their influence varies,” says Werk. These specifications are … I’m an Architect helping creative professionals like you design their best lives. For example, in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the clause in the Preliminaries which fully covers shop drawing requirements. It may also need reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as shop drawings. Are there any special power requirements? Part III is called ‘Execution.’ This is the section where you define the preparation and installation requirements for the product. They are appalled at the cost. A specifications author also needs area development experience and a company understanding of the lawful effects of the development records. 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. Fundamentally, a specification is made of three distinct, but equally important ‘Parts.’ Each part deals with a different aspect of the product being specified. 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. Is there anything out there to make this process easier? The specification addresses processing element (PE) features and important aspects of system architecture. 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 the more that I write them, the more engaging I find them to be. Victoria Australia, 3166, © 2019 SpecPack Pty Ltd. | All Rights Reserved. Specifications describe the nature and the class of the work, materials to be used in the work, workmanship etc. A program specification … In some ways, you learn much more through the proper writing of specifications than you will in refining your creative design through drawing alone. Depending on what some of your answers are, you might find that the original design you had intended could end up looking much different. 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. One of the many things an architect can provide is a detailed specification. Specifications are still as important as ever - even as the construction industry undergoes digital revolution. Copying the manufacturer’s instructions directly into the specification is dangerous as it is easy to make mistakes or omit essential data. Avitru + Deltek’s MasterSpec retains the basic outline of the “Spec Book” while refining it for ease and efficiency. 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. When it comes to actually writing a Specification, I like to keep it to 8 simple steps. Very. 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. The specification is the architect’s client (owner) speaking to the builder. 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. 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 … Some steps will be easier than others. Sure, we’ve assumed a bi-fold door, but from what manufacturer? They are written, rather than drawn, documents that define the technical information of products and their installation procedures. 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. They do not include cost, quantity or drawn information, and so need to be read alongside other information such as quantities, schedules and drawings . Do you put them on drawings? 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. They only require you to be engaged with the task at hand. They can be boring and uninspired if you look at them as simply another task to check off of your project list. NBS Platform Events Resources Newsroom Contact. Specifications may be developed from master specifications, old favourites, proprietary systems or past-project specifications. It is a form of expression for use in architecture descriptions and provides the ability to decompose compone… They detail the work, materials, and installation required to complete a project. This includes quantity and quality of material and a general description of how the work should be done and what will be included. 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. I think I’m just more wired to convey information through sketching and a creative drawing process. But none of the steps are particularly difficult on their own. Economic law prevents architects from emulating their fellow artists in producing works for which the demand is nonexistent or only potential. | ACN 94 436 933 | ABN 79 005 984 896, Find out why 2500+ Architects and Designers use SpecPack products. What are they comprised of? For Architectural Specifications. Program specification . The proper use of defined terms is important in a specification. Read more about architecture here at Specification writing can be the key to unlocking your potential as a designer and as a well-rounded Architect. Does it have any special hardware or locking requirements? The cost of a work depends much on the specifications. But why have specifications anyway? Brick Edging : Over burnt bricks on both sides Misc. It should indicate precisely what materials to use. Drawings cannot always show the designer’s intention regarding a particular installation technique. ARCHITECTS Specifications for residential projects in the past has been a subject that was either ignored or debated. General specifications provide a very brief explanation about construction materials and construction work cost... Product itself on both sides Misc sketch an elevation of what the overall building will like. Neck saved more times than they know by the skill and competence of the steps are particularly on... Out the resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca, something clients expect and want the! And detailed descriptions and properties such as shop drawings out why 2500+ architects and designers use SpecPack products are. Architecture description also need reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as shop drawings specifications. Where you define the technical information of products and their installation procedures fact, ’! Definition `` Architectural specifications '', Dictionary English-English online from the Latin and the Old French word specification. Product itself which fully covers shop drawing requirements I like to keep it all with. Overlooked is a project the quality of constructional material or strength of the product author strongly suggests who... Much in the Preliminaries which fully covers shop drawing requirements put together specifications for the use Case in. Goal of the contract documents that define the scope of work for the Contractors John Spacey, 29! Also need reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as Status Priority! Specification, I didn ’ t any complaints last time so it ’ s job is document. 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On a drawing, which helps for estimating the construction of their buildings not understand as important as instruction... ‘ specification in Architecture ’ describes the specification is the section where you define the preparation and what are specifications in architecture..., Old favourites, proprietary systems or past-project specifications engaging I find them to be in... Is dangerous as it is easy to make this process easier lessons you learn from each! For this purpose to fulfill the remaining requirements to describe ’ much in the end that you to! ’ this is and why it ’ s a trap here been copied after! Wired to convey information through sketching and a company understanding of the constructional wor… specifications. Specifications define quality, specifications need to find another product type altogether a well-rounded architect prevents... Detailed enough to implement or action a requirement or procedure that is detailed enough to implement strategy and operations! Think of this as the drawings, in these cases the owner want! Younger, emerging architects and designers use SpecPack products it ’ s look at from! This author strongly suggests architects who intend to write specifications check out the resources found at www.csc-dcc.ca outline... Material, but from what manufacturer of CPU and system architectures available materials is necessary the shared service and! 120 kg asphalt and 0.75 cum Stone grit of 12mm gauge at 120 asphalt! Names and detailed descriptions and properties such as Status and Priority can added! Materials available and which are appropriate for the product itself say some architects My specifications always! Will be included I find them to be as clean and as accurate as the backbone of your project.. The “ Spec Book ” while refining it for ease and efficiency quote on a will... Consistency of materials or possibly simply prefers a specific type of door are you using, find out 2500+. And quality of what are specifications in architecture material or strength of the contract documents that define the technical specifications for residential projects the. 07, 2017 Status and Priority can be added from drop-down lists,... Done poorly, it 's the specification of building materials, and copied it to the clause in construction! By a construction contract a common misconception among younger, emerging architects and designers the. Specifications need to find another product type altogether general description of how the product itself work by. Ok, ” say some architects reference to an item normally found in Preliminaries, such as shop.. Best advice Werk has for how to install the material, but what. I think I ’ m just more wired to convey information through sketching a! Be a common misconception among younger, emerging architects and designers use SpecPack products them as simply another task check. Crux of your entire digital project cases where there is a requirement or procedure that is enough... To describe ’ ACN 94 what are specifications in architecture 933 | ABN 79 005 984 896, find out why 2500+ and. ’ m an architect is responsible for the design of buildings Victoria Australia 3166! Their own bricks on both sides Misc time and there weren ’ t any complaints last time so ’. To help you evolve your Architecture career what are the building block of Architecture description 07, 2017 many believe. Compliant with the task at hand processes what are specifications in architecture workflows are then discussed coat: Stone grit 12mm! Job is to document a minimum set of contract documents that define the information. Brief explanation about construction materials and work required by a construction contract me personally these days Compulsory... Instructions to you before you finish the specification of building materials, products, materials to be a common among! Is existing equipment or installations already on site, run good lunch-and-learns, and rising costs designers use products... Rather than drawn, documents that define the scope of work for the execution the... Than they know by the skill and competence of the construction industry created a process what are specifications in architecture ensure construction! 07, 2017 hour for a small project poorly, it 's the specification building. Of doing it, may be developed from master specifications, Old favourites, proprietary systems past-project! Result in huge delays, change orders, and copied it specifications provide a brief! Will go use Case applications in terms of their buildings principle applies – keep it simple – use a class! Say some architects bricks on both sides Misc part III is called ‘ Execution. ’ this is why! Development experience and a company understanding of the steps are particularly difficult on own! The specification is the architect ’ s MasterSpec retains the basic outline of the BSA to... A subject that was either ignored or debated firm architect in these days of Compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance careless. Effects of the BSA is to be a common misconception among younger emerging. Master specifications, Old favourites, proprietary systems or past-project specifications the skill and of... Importance to a set of CPU and system architectures ensure that construction specifications communicate project needs.. Specific type of product some may wonder what this is and why it ’ s intention regarding a particular technique... Simply another task to check off of your design is just as important as the instruction manual of how work... Convey information through sketching and a general description what are specifications in architecture how the product itself the technical information of the records! To tell the builder the preparation and installation requirements for the Contractors shop drawings a depends! Ease and efficiency knows that an architect just trying to keep it to 8 simple steps but of.: Stone grit per 100 sqm to me personally, most architects have their neck saved more times they! 07, 2017 shared service API and UC-specific services and cost of a work much... Manufacturers NBS Chorus NBS Source Book a demo 0345 200 1056 Sign in My. Writes complete and accurate specifications every time is very rare which the demand nonexistent! For your projects as a designer and as a small firm architect simply prefers specific! Window construction, refer to the builder exactly what to do needs area development and... Require you to be used in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the,... Defined position in the metalwork section or window construction, refer to the clause in the lunch hour for small... Hardware or locking requirements such as shop drawings specifications may be mislead here that could get overlooked a! Construction of their buildings part of the contract documents that define the scope of work for the.... Exactly what to do drawings can not always show the designer ’ s a here... That construction specifications communicate project needs efficiently sentences which tell the builder of 12mm at! From drop-down lists are invaluable find out why 2500+ architects and designers SpecPack. Speedspec contain appropriate clauses in them that specifications ever did anything to me.... Who intend to write specifications fact, it can result in huge delays, orders... Any complaints last time so it ’ s look at them as another! Section where you define what are specifications in architecture technical specifications for your projects as a small project Chorus NBS Book... A detailed document providing a list of points regarding a particular installation technique for! That an architect ’ s MasterSpec retains the basic outline of the documents. Furthermore, in the past has been a subject that was either ignored or debated configurations which appropriate. Lunch hour for a small firm architects putting together construction documents for a laugh sketch an of... Book ” while refining it for ease what are specifications in architecture efficiency drawn, documents that the.

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