When imagining the work of an architect, we often mistakenly think only about the design component, that is, the visual part of the project. In fact, this is only half of the finished result, because other documents are responsible for the functional content. It is impossible to imagine the work of an architect without construction documentation. Despite this, few people understand what these are and what their importance is before they start working directly with an architect.
What are construction documents?
In short, construction documentation is a scheme or instruction that allows you to turn the design into reality, taking into account the necessary functions. This is a very detailed drawing of a room or a whole house and a list of all the features that will need to be taken into account during the implementation of the project. Usually, these documents are created by an architect or an engineer, sometimes with the help of a designer's assistant.
How are construction documents created?
The whole team of specialists mainly works on construction documents. Today's agencies use Computer-aided Design (CAD) software. With its help, it is easy to create not only 2D elevations but also a volumetric 3D format for the project.
During the work on the project, all areas that require the attention of builders and designers are taken into account. First of all, structural elements are designed, such as floor plans, roof and foundation construction, heating and sewage systems, and electrical circuits. Next, small details such as surfaces, materials, coatings, etc. will certainly not be left without attention. Taking all this into account, the program forms detailed and accurate architectural construction drawings, which are difficult to make by hand. CAD construction documentation is a fast way to create projects that are easy to edit and achieve the main tasks of the final result. Construction documentation has the following goals:
Main goals of construction documents
create guidelines for builders, and general contractors who will be involved in implementing the project
to provide designers with an understanding of what functionality should be built into their design solutions
to optimize the work at the next stages (creation of interior design and construction)
get an accurate estimate of the cost of project implementation
The importance of construction documents
Considering these goals, it is easy to conclude that construction documents are a really important element of any architectural project. Without this part, the result will not be possible to apply in practice. It is like a graphic component of any site, which will work only with the addition of functional code, and before that, it will remain impractical images. I suggest analyzing the importance of construction documents according to the stage of implementation and the professional involved in the process.
For designers
A professional interior designer will not start working without familiarizing himself with construction documents. This is a source of functionality that must be embedded in design solutions within the project implementation. Without taking functions into account, it is impossible to create effective space planning, that is, to arrange all the elements in the room so that they are as usable as possible and at the same time satisfy the aesthetic component of the interior. The most simple example is the location of sockets, which must be taken into account before deciding where to put a lamp, music system, or TV. Construction documents allow the designer to obtain an ideal balance between practical and decorative, to take into account the peculiarities of the design of the room, and to optimize this part of the project according to the construction requirements.
Also, construction documents allow the designer to see the whole picture and be a part of the process from beginning to end. Such a plan is a bridge that connects the designer with the team of architects and contractors. This will have a positive effect on the result, as all actions and decisions will be coordinated taking into account the vision and requirements of the parties, each of which is responsible for its integral function.
For builders
It should be understood that the correct and effective work of the construction team is impossible without construction documents. This is their main source of information about the project, the specifics of the materials, the required functions, the locations, the proportions, and all other precise data. If the architect or group that was responsible for creating the prototype does not provide the necessary documentation, then contractors and builders must make it themselves. This creates room for misunderstandings, as people who were not involved in working on the concept will try to interpret certain parts of the project in their way. Further clarification of all problematic aspects will slow down the construction process and increase its cost.
For general contractors
In addition to participating in the creation of construction documents if necessary, general contractors monitor the construction process at all stages. Accordingly, the presence of clear schemes with details and features of the premises will help to optimize this control, especially at the stage of project implementation. As a result, we will receive effective supervision of the construction process, which will reduce the chance of errors and save time for both customers and executors.
I hope that now the importance of construction documents in the process of implementing an architectural project is clear. This is an element that cannot be avoided without negative consequences in the form of increased construction time and unexpected costs. Properly made documentation and plan ensure the coordinated work of all specialists in the team and the best result at all stages.
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