When is a room not a room? Systematic naming standards for the Built Environment

In the Built Environment, what we decide to call things is very important. We need to be able to communicate with each other accurately and consistently.

For example, we might all think we understand what the word room means, but would we all define it in the same way? Does it mean a space enclosed by four walls? Can an atrium or auditorium count as a room? What about a partially-enclosed terrace?

As defined by BS EN ISO 4157-1 a room as an ‘area of volume, space or void bounded actually or theoretically, even though it is not traditionally thought of as a room’.

Like other naming standards, this ensures everyone from designer to contractor have a shared vocabulary when collaborating on projects.
In a large project, involving millions of documents and many contractors, mistakes and misunderstandings can prove expensive, time consuming or even dangerous.

Four essential Built Environment naming standards

What naming standards are essential for those working in the Built Environment?

1. Buildings and parts of buildings
Different parts of a building such as walls, floors, ceilings and doors can be designated using the principle and additional designators in BS EN ISO 4157-1.

2. Spaces and rooms
Another standard in the BS EN ISO 4157 series, BS EN ISO 4157-2 sets out a system for designating spaces and rooms, for example, through a floor number and reference number system.

3. Files and containers
Part of the information management using Building Information Modelling (BIM) series, BS EN ISO 19650-2 sets out a naming convention for information containers such as drawings, documents, schedules, and reports.

4. Office resources
Library objects for architecture, engineering and construction can be labelled using BS 8541-1, . For example, any template, generic, or product-specific objects.

Using a naming system to prevent mistakes

Naming standards are invaluable tools that help Built Environment professionals to name almost anything in a consistent way, helping to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes. With highly complex and detailed documentation of construction projects, reliable shared naming systems are vital. In short, there’s no room for mistakes.