No question is a silly question, and you'd be surprised how many people ask us the difference between the Planning Process and the Building Control process. Architecture is full of jargon, acronyms and technical wording so we are here to Simplify Architecture, just as our slogan says.
Two crucial phases in your projects journey are planning drawings and building regulation drawings. While these terms might sound technical, they play distinct roles in bringing a project to life. In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between planning drawings and building regulation drawings, explaining each in simple terms.
Planning Drawings: Crafting the Vision
Imagine planning drawings as the overall basic design of your project. These drawings serve as a visual representation of your creative ideas and intentions. Their primary purpose is to communicate the overall concept of the building to various stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, and the general public.
Key Points about Planning Drawings:
Conceptual Visualization: Planning drawings are all about capturing the essence of your design concept. They illustrate the building's layout, proportions, and scale, helping everyone involved understand how the structure will fit into its surroundings.
External Impact: Local authorities, such as city councils or planning departments, review planning drawings to ensure the proposed building aligns with zoning regulations, urban aesthetics, and community needs. These drawings help assess if the project contributes positively to the environment and the neighbourhood.
Stakeholder Communication: Clients can better comprehend the architect's vision through these drawings. It allows them to provide feedback, make necessary changes, and ensure that the project aligns with their expectations.
Building Regulation Drawings: Navigating the Details
Once the initial concept and planning drawings is approved, the focus shifts to building regulation drawings. Think of these drawings as the meticulous blueprints that dive into the nitty-gritty of how the structure will be constructed. They provide the technical specifications required to ensure the safety, functionality, and compliance of the building.
Key Points about Building Regulation Drawings:
Technical Precision: Building regulation drawings go beyond aesthetics, focusing on technical details such as structural integrity, fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing, ventilation, and accessibility. These drawings ensure that the building meets all necessary codes and standards.
Legal Compliance: Government regulations dictate the design, construction, and usage of buildings to safeguard public safety and health. Building regulation drawings act as a roadmap for adhering to these regulations, preventing potential issues down the line.
Contractor Reference: Contractors, engineers, and builders rely heavily on building regulation drawings during construction. These drawings provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute each aspect of the design accurately.
In the world of architecture, both planning drawings and building regulation drawings play pivotal roles in bringing a project to fruition. Planning drawings set the stage by illustrating the design concept and gaining approvals from relevant authorities and clients. On the other hand, building regulation drawings translate the concept into technical reality, ensuring the structure meets all legal requirements and industry standards. Together, these two types of drawings form a comprehensive roadmap that guides the transformation of architectural dreams into tangible structures.