NBS Knowledge Feed

Daylighting

Tue, 23 May 2023 23:00:00 Z

In architectural terms, ‘daylighting’ refers to using natural light to provide occupants of a building with the level of lighting they need for essential activities. In this article, Jess Sharman explains how to effectively use lighting, and the things you need to consider on your projects.

BIM dimensions – 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D BIM explained

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 23:00:00 Z

Here we explore 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D building information modelling (BIM), and show how adding extra information can make for more timely decisions – and ultimately better buildings.

Top 5 webinars of 2021

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:00:00 Z

Over the last year, we’ve hosted a wide range of webinars covering everything you need to know about the construction industry.

Here’s just five of the most popular webinars of 2021.

Five reasons to use NBS even when you don't have projects

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:00:00 Z

We've outlined the key reasons that you should keep using your NBS subscription even when you're not working on a project.

Holistic Specification of Materials

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 23:00:00 Z

Being an Architect has never been so important. Originally, we would have needed to deliver a building that suited the client and withstood the elements. As time has gone on, our plates have stacked ever higher. The construction industry is now at risk of being labelled a 'dirty industry' with the built environment being linked to 49% of carbon emissions.

Three reasons why NBS Chorus Pro is the right choice for your projects

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:00:00 Z

NBS Chorus includes the essential features needed to produce high-quality specifications in the cloud. The Chorus Pro level of subscription includes an enhanced set of features which enable complete cloud specification for smarter working. This article looks at these features, and the reasons why Chorus Pro is the right choice for organizations that specify on construction projects.

Uniclass 2015 - July 2021 update

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015. It includes updates to eight tables.

The three pillars of sustainability

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 23:00:00 Z

Our Common Future is the 1987 publication by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) credited for introducing the concept of sustainable development, with Gro Harlem Brundtland chairing the UN-sponsored Commission. In the report, the WCED – informally known as the Brundtland Commission – outlined what sustainable development should look like and how to achieve it.

Making the most of NBS Source

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:00:00 Z

From the first versions of NBS, connecting specification writers with construction product manufacturers has always been a big part of what we do. In the 1970s, this was purely in the form of a promotional page within the paper version of NBS. This developed into the RIBA Product Selector directories, and then into digital websites for product literature, specifications and objects.

Specification: A living document, golden thread, and essential to digital project success.

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 23:00:00 Z

As we embrace construction’s digital age, project data requirements are becoming more complex. Having a central unified basis of information is tantamount to project success.

Uniclass 2015: Your questions answered

Tue, 18 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

In May 2021, NBS hosted two webinars exploring the leading classification, Uniclass 2015, and how it's used across the industry on a range of construction projects. Following the session, several questions were asked by attendees, and we have provided answers.

Historical Uniclass: the restoration of the Houses of Parliament

Sun, 16 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

Recently, the Uniclass 2015 team have been working closely with specialists at the Palace of Westminster to develop additional codes that can be applied to historic items within the Houses of Parliament and elsewhere.

Inclusive Design and the RIBA Plan of Work

Thu, 13 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

We explore inclusive design in construction and how NBS Chorus works in conjunction with the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 to create successful project specifications.

Third-party certification and construction

Wed, 12 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

The success of any project depends upon the asset’s performance, and an asset’s performance hinges on the integrity of its elements. This includes the systems, products and materials that make up the element and the standard of workmanship applied during construction and installation.

NBS Chorus specification content for use in Ireland

Tue, 11 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

This article gives customers guidance on what they need to do when specifying technical content in NBS Chorus.

8 key takeaways from CLS 2021 for Specifiers

Wed, 05 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

Paul Swaddle, Head of Technical Solutions at NBS, discusses the key highlights for specifiers from our latest event ‘Construction Leaders’ Summit: Building for the Future’.

Death Star Specification 101

Mon, 03 May 2021 23:00:00 Z

So you want to conquer a galaxy, or maybe blow up a moon? You’ll be needing a Death Star. Here’s our top tips to help make all of your Sith Lord dreams come true.

Uniclass 2015 - April 2021 update

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 23:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015. It includes updates to nine tables.

NBS Chorus for NBS Create users

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 23:00:00 Z

Last year, NBS announced that support for desktop products including NBS Building, NBS Landscape, and NBS Create will be withdrawn over the coming months. This article is intended to support customers moving from NBS Create to Chorus and builds on the content of this NBS Support article.

A coordinated approach to specification for clients

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 Z

In this article, NBS Innovation Director Dr. Stephen Hamil examines how construction clients are increasingly recognizing the importance of having a consistent approach to specifications on projects across their business.

Uniclass 2015 - January 2021 update

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015. It includes updates to eleven tables.

Post-Brexit conformity marking and designated standards; how the new rules affect you

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 Z

With new regulations around UK construction products having come into effect on 01 January 2021, you may be confused about exactly how this will affect you.

12 Days of Digital Construction

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:00:00 Z

This Christmas, after such a transformational, innovative and challenging year we’re bringing you the 12 things we’ve learned about digital construction.

Uniclass 2015 - October 2020 update

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015. It includes updates to six tables.

The Construction Leaders' Summit: six key takeaways

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:00:00 Z

Over 2000 construction professionals from across the industry registered for our first-ever two-day digital conference, 'The Construction Leaders' Summit: The Digital Future'. The summit aimed to bring together government and industry experts to discuss the political, legal and technological drivers for change as well as the impact of the pandemic. The event gained an incredible reaction and response over two days. Here are our key takeaways.

Conservation and the RIBA Plan of Work

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 23:00:00 Z

This article is based on a webinar of the same name by NBS Technical Author Charles Stirling with a guest introduction by Paul Chatham, Peregrine Bryant Architects. In it, we explore conservation in construction and how NBS Chorus works in conjunction with the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 to create successful conservation project specifications.

Understanding the draft Building Safety Bill: Further Reading

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:00:00 Z

Following the recent NBS webinar reviewing the context, content and potential impact of the draft Building Safety Bill, there have been a few requests for a list of the many references mentioned in the presentation. This article provides some useful links and summaries of the key documents and reports for easier access and further reading.

The new contract normal – What does it look like?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 23:00:00 Z

The situation that the construction industry is confronted with today would have been beyond anyone’s perception or comprehension at the start of 2020.

A review of the Draft Building Safety Bill, and what it will mean for construction product manufacturers

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:00:00 Z

On the 20th July 2020, the Government published the ‘Draft Building Safety Bill’: the most radical proposed overhaul of building safety regulations for decades. In the wake of recent tragedies, much work has been conducted under Dame Judith Hackitt’s leadership to make way for a better, safer future for buildings and those who occupy them.

Health and Safety and the RIBA Plan of Work

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 23:00:00 Z

The construction industry operates under a considerable amount of health and safety legislation – and for a good reason. Before the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, the industry regularly had more than 300 health and safety-related worker deaths per year.

The adoption of Uniclass 2015 in Australia

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:00:00 Z

Classification is needed in the construction industry. It was needed in a pre-BIM environment (an early example being the Swedish Samarbetskomittén för Byggnadsfrågor, SfB, which was launched in 1950), and it is needed even more in a BIM environment where the benefits of digital interoperability are likely to be huge.

Uniclass 2015 - July 2020 update

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015 and includes updates to eight tables.

What is environmentally conscious building

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

Within the construction industry, there have been advances in the way we look at how we create buildings. Environmentally conscious building, also known as sustainable construction, is an innovative modern idea introducing more environmentally, socially and economically aware construction methods.

10 things we’ve learnt from the 2020 BIM Survey

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

This year’s 2020 BIM survey marks the 10th year of asking the industry for their views about BIM. In this article, we’ve picked out ten of the key things that we’ve learnt about the latest state of BIM from this year’s survey.

NBS for small practices

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

Many smaller practices work on less complex construction projects. While there is no universal definition of what a ‘small works’ project is, it is generally characterized by being simple, using straightforward methods, and it is typically procured following a traditional methodology.

Pricing specifications and drawings for small works

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

When working on basic construction projects, where the work is of a simple nature, then typically this work will be undertaken using a ‘small works’ standard form construction contract. Generally speaking, contracts for small works do not support the use of bills of quantities as pricing documents because the extra cost of preparation is not usually justified when the level of detail is not required.

Fire safety and the RIBA Plan of Work

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 23:00:00 Z

Based on a webinar of the same name by NBS Technical Author James Smith, this article looks at the importance of having a robust fire safety strategy and why it should be integrated into your specification.

RIBA Plan of Work 2020 and specification

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 23:00:00 Z

The specification is the backbone of any project. Products must be researched, selected and agreed with the client, with finishes and facades requiring careful consideration and discussions with clients, planners and other stakeholders.

Is this the new face of CPD seminars

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 23:00:00 Z

CPD is a crucial part of any architects role. As it’s usually delivered in person, lockdown proved a challenge for those wishing to attend CPD seminars. As a result, as the construction industry shifts online, so has CPD. Phil Ward, at Lee Evans Partnership, shares his experience of attending his first virtual RIBA CPD seminar.

NBS’ 10th National BIM Report

Mon, 25 May 2020 23:00:00 Z

This year’s 2020 BIM report marks the 10th year of asking the industry for their views about BIM. Read the latest on the state of BIM, reflecting the views of over 1,000 industry professionals. See how usage and views of BIM have changed since 2011. What progress have we made as an industry and what changes do we anticipate in the next decade?

Using NBS to specify sustainable outcomes on projects

Thu, 21 May 2020 23:00:00 Z

Sustainability is arguably the most expansive strategy in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020. It is also a topic that is being asked about increasingly when specifiers are reaching out to NBS to know more about how our technical content can help them achieve sustainable outcomes for their projects.

Construction verification – a revolution in accuracy

Sun, 17 May 2020 23:00:00 Z

The increasing frequency for as-built point cloud scans as part of the delivery of a project is a sign that clients are no longer willing to rely on design models unchecked and issued as record information. However, the approach that contractors are taking is a reactive one which fails to make use or take the full benefit of the technology.

Uniclass 2015 - April 2020 update

Mon, 11 May 2020 23:00:00 Z

This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass 2015 and includes updates to five tables.

RIBA Plan of Work 2020 Overview – Question and answer

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:00:00 Z

In April 2020 Dale Sinclair, Director of Technical Practice at AECOM gave a presentation giving an overview to the RIBA Plan of Work 2020. Following the session, a number of questions were raised by attendees. These questions are addressed below by Dale and Alex Tait, Head of Technical Practice at RIBA.

How to work remotely with NBS Chorus

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 Z

The move to homeworking has created new challenges for the industry that we are all adapting to. We’ve seen an increase in usage of our NBS Chorus specification platform, and many of our customers are seeing the benefits of specifying in the cloud now more than ever. In this article we outline how Chorus will make your life easier while you’re working from home.

Construction, Car Shows, Covid19

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:00 Z

In what seems like just a few weeks, the world has changed. We face a threat, the likes of which we have rarely seen. Governments are taking drastic actions to limit the spread of the virus to protect the vulnerable. At the same time, this risks hurting even more through economic damage. In China, GDP fell by over 20% in February and most economies are looking at similar declines.

Collaborative specification writing

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 Z

This article illustrates how a specifier can use NBS Chorus to collaborate with a manufacturer to produce a complex specification.

What is The Golden Thread?

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 Z

In the construction industry there's a lot of discussion around the 'golden thread of information'. But what is it?

Megatrends

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:00:00 Z

What are the global, long-term impacts on the future of the built environment? This article will form part of a wider series on these subjects, in association with CIMCIG.

What are architectural specifications?

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 Z

Architectural specifications give a detailed overview of your project work. Use our writing software today to write a construction-specific template.