Drawings and their applications in visual representation

Master Format

It has been observed that architecture is a discipline with its own 'language' just like any other type of vocational subculture. With this in mind, all prospective architects, indeed, anyone who might be involved in the construction of the building (engineers and plumbers alike) should be familiar with MasterFormat. The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) publishes the MasterFormat "the standard that is used most often for formatting construction specifications" ("MasterFormat Specifications Divisions," Arch Tool Box, 2013). Without having such a 'common language,' all persons involved in construction would not have the ability to be on the same page when merging the artistic and practical needs of a structure. Having a common language can improve the speed at which a project can be constructed, always a critical component of building.

Critics of the use of the MasterFormat have noted that it has been a financial boon for the CSI, given that the Institute is responsible for creating and disseminating the format, and can charge virtually whatever it wants, given the ubiquity of the design protocols in the industry. MasterFormat is trademarked as "a master list of numbers and titles classified by work results or construction practices, used throughout the North American construction industry to organize project manuals, detailed cost information, and relate drawing notations to specifications" ("MasterFormat 2012," CSI Net, 2013). All builders must have a current copy of the manual of the MasterFormat. The MasterFormat is as uniform as grammar of the English language or an MLA citation guide: in other words, there can be no creative deviation from this organizational format even though it may be used to describe a very wide array of structures and contracting needs ("MasterFormat 2012," CSI Net, 2013).

However, there are many advantages to using the MasterFormat, many of which are financial. When a project takes too long to complete, it invariably goes over-budget. Having a common language of specifications ensures that individuals from diverse spheres of the industry can quite literally hit the ground running when beginning to work together on a project. Also, if there is a problem and additional resources are required, the contractors can have the confidence of using the MasterFormat to discuss any issues which might arise. The MasterFormat, much like the construction industry itself, is constantly changing, and there are frequent updates to the MasterFormat. Each new update and reissuance must be purchased from the CSI. The CSI also offers assistance in creating specifications which are not found within the Master Format and must be added in a customized fashion for a particular project.

The MasterFormat is comprehensive in nature, spanning from everything from Division 00 - Procurement and Contracting Requirements to Division 48 - Electrical Power Generation. For example, some of the guidelines for Division 02 - Existing Conditions include not only the title division requirements but also general assessment; subsurface investigation; demolition and structure moving; site, water, and facility remediation and contaminated site material removal ("MasterFormat Specifications Divisions," Arch Tool Box, 2013). There are also numerous 'unassigned' categories to deal with potentially unforeseen occurrences within every specific division.

This comprehensiveness encourages a similarly meticulous approach when designing a structure, given the wide-reaching specifications which much be attended to over the course of a design project. Ultimately, although it has its detractors, "MasterFormat provides a standard filing and retrieval scheme that's used throughout the construction industry and can be used throughout the project life cycle. Construction projects use many different kinds of delivery methods, products, and installation methods, but one thing is common to all - the need for effective teamwork by the many parties involved to ensure the correct and timely completion" of project needs and changes ("MasterFormat 2012," CSI Net, 2013).

Q2. Find out other symbols

Electrical plan symbols are, as one might expect, extremely varied, given the widespread nature of possible fixtures. Some of these include the following ("009 Techniques -- Blueprints," Carnation Construction, 2013).

Basic plumbing symbols might include the following (although there would also need to be more detailed instructions for every item regarding the pipes and other implements involved in the apparatus ("009 Techniques -- Blueprints," Carnation Construction, 2013).

Regardless, "there needs to be one floor plan for each level" of every structure, and elevation and foundation plans alike must be included (both horizontal and vertical) ("009 Techniques -- Blueprints," Carnation Construction, 2013). 'Detail' plans are likewise required to highlight the building plans for smaller items (such as how the shower might be put together). Finally, sections and interior elevation blueprints will explain precisely how the overall structure is put together and harmonize existing elevation and foundation plans ("009 Techniques -- Blueprints," Carnation Construction, 2013).

Q3. How BIM or Revit can help

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 'hot' new topic within the building industry that currently has many definitions, although nearly all agree upon its usefulness and the degree to which it has aided workers within the industry realize their visions. "Some say BIM is a type of software. Some say BIM is the 3D virtual model of buildings. Others say BIM is a process or BIM is nothing more than the collection of all building data organized into a structure database" ("About BIM," Graphisoft, 2013).

The confusion may arise because the process of using BIM encompasses all three components of these definitions. It begins with a three-dimensional digital model of the structure in 'real space' but the model is more than a simple, computerized miniature. "A true BIM model consists of the virtual equivalents of the actual building parts and pieces used to build a building. These elements have all the characteristics - both physical and logical - of their real counterparts. These intelligent elements are the digital prototype of the physical building elements such as walls, columns, windows, doors, stairs etc. that allow us to simulate the building and understand its behavior in a computer environment way before the actual construction starts" ("About BIM," Graphisoft, 2013). Before a single dollar is spent on construction or a single shovel digs into a construction site, the computer program can give all relevant parties a 'virtual tour' of the entire entity.

BIM has also become increasingly democratized in its use throughout the industry. Now it is not simply the purview of those directly involved in building. "Clients, building owners and operators" can make use of easy-to-access applications on their iPhones and iPads" that can provide similar simulation services ("About BIM," Graphisoft, 2013). Physical designs have always been essential in 'selling' particular designs to clients, particularly those that are extremely cutting-edge (or extremely expensive). Visualization is a critical component of the design process and generating excitement about (and revenue for) a building and BIM provides customers instantaneous feedback in this area -- and customers are increasingly fluent in the language of BIM.