Specifying Buildings : A Design Management Perspective

by Emmitt; Yeomans

• ISBN13: 9780750684507
• ISBN10: 075068450X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-05-01
• Publisher: Elsevier Science

Summary

Selecting the best materials, techniques and systems for each project and then specifying them correctly to meet all the requirements of quality, time, value, constructability, maintenance and durability is a fundamental aspect of architectural design. It also helps to determine the quality and environmental impact of the project. Specifying Buildings: A Design Management Perspective provides a unique insight into the entire specification process, from selecting materials and products to writing the specification, dealing with changes and minimising risk. This new edition has been extensively revised and includes new case studies, research findings and reviews to illustrate how to translate design intent into building assembly. The book is structured to meet the needs of students on construction-related programmes such as architecture, engineering, surveying and construction management. It provides valuable insights and practical guidance, with end of chapter exercises helping students achieve a thorough understanding of the specification process *Core subject on all Architectural Technology courses, recommended reading for Building Surveying and Construction Management students *Deals with the complete specification process, from decision-making to how-to write the brief *Covers hot issues such as sustainable building practices

Author Biography

Stephen Emmitt is Professor of Architectural Technology, Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University.

Table of Contents

Specifications in context	p. 1
A historical note	p. 3
Specification research	p. 6
Learning to specify	p. 7
A framework for specifying	p. 9
Consequences	p. 13
Terms, definitions and scope of the book	p. 13
Specifying design intent	p. 16
Coordinated project information	p. 18
Specification methods	p. 24
Case study: Using proprietary and performance approaches	p. 35
End of chapter exercises	p. 37
Information sources	p. 38
Regulations	p. 40
Standards and Codes of Practice	p. 42
Trade associations	p. 44
Testing and research reports	p. 46
Manufacturers' information	p. 48
Manufacturers' trade representatives	p. 55
Touching the product	p. 57
End of chapter exercises	p. 59
The selection process	p. 60
Contributors to the specification process	p. 61
Detail design decision making	p. 67
Product selection criteria: fitness for purpose	p. 73
End of chapter exercises	p. 83
Writing specifications	p. 84
Writing the specification	p. 87
Standard formats	p. 91
Specification language	p. 94
Clarity, brevity and accuracy	p. 96
Typical contents of a written specification	p. 98
End of chapter exercises	p. 105
Managing the specification process	p. 106
The specifier's milieu	p. 107
Office standards and masters	p. 110
The master specification	p. 112
Project specifications	p. 114
Design reviews and coordination	p. 116
Value management	p. 119
Design control during the realization phase	p. 120
Resource allocations	p. 126
End of chapter exercises	p. 131
Specifying 'new' building products	p. 133
New ideas and products	p. 133
Innovation	p. 134
Diffusion of innovations research	p. 142
The innovation decision process	p. 146
Research methodology	p. 148
Becoming aware of new products	p. 152
Early clues	p. 152
Prior conditions	p. 155
The knowledge stage	p. 157
What specifiers want and how they behave	p. 160
Marketing	p. 164
Outside influences	p. 168
Product characteristics	p. 169
Monitoring the specification of buildings	p. 174
Two gates	p. 175
The specification of 'new' building products	p. 178
Contributing factors	p. 183
Implications	p. 186
Observing specifiers	p. 188
Specifier A	p. 189
Specifiers B and C	p. 196
Specifiers D and E	p. 200
Discussion	p. 204
Design management issues	p. 206
Implications	p. 207
Towards best practice	p. 209
A model of the specifier's decision making process	p. 210
Research matters	p. 215
Establishing and maintaining best practice	p. 218
Common problems and practical suggestions	p. 223
Future directions	p. 225
References	p. 228
Postal questionnaire results and commentary	p. 235
Index	p. 251
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