The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community

BESA Highlights Importance of Spatial Awareness in Building Services

BESA Highlights Importance of Spatial Awareness in Building Services
27 March 2023
 

The Building Engineering Services Association has revealed best practice for allowing adequate spacing between building services in projects.

In a technical bulletin (TB56/1.1), the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) provides a snapshot of guidelines, principles, and rules of thumb to be considered as early as possible in the design process for the spatial fit of services.

 

“Spatial fit has long been an area of concern that, unless considered at the earliest stages, can lead to multiple problems down the line..."

–Mark Snell

Offsite Group Chair, BESA

 

It illustrates the importance of making sure the spatial provision of services, particularly key elements like ceiling void depths, distribution routes, access and maintenance zones are validated and accurate by the end of RIBA Stage 3.

The free guidance explains how designers and engineers should ensure that pinch points and spatial consideration are a consideration for all “rooms, routes and risers” (the three R’s). It also gives project teams guidance for ensuring proper separation of services, spare capacity, and future service zones to allow for any potential changes during the lifetime of the building.

BESA Offsite Group Chair Mark Snell said “Spatial fit has long been an area of concern that, unless considered at the earliest stages, can lead to multiple problems down the line and restrict our ability to achieve co-ordination of works at RIBA stage 4 and beyond. It can also leave end clients with a potentially expensive problem if they want to make changes to the building in the future.”

The technical bulletin is free to download and refers to relevant industry guidance including BESA publications DW144 and TR19.

Picture: a photograph of a construction worker wearing a hi-vis jacket and hat, standing amongst some scaffolding. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 27 March 2023

Share


Related Tags


Related Articles

RIBA’s Reinvention Award Shortlist Revealed

RIBA has announced its shortlist for its 2024 Reinvention Award, celebrating the innovative reuse of existing buildings. The award spotlights buildings that have used...

 Read Full Article
BESA Responds to ISG Collapse 

The Building Engineering Services Association has been advising members affected by cash flow problems due to unpaid invoices for work on ISG...

 Read Full Article
BESA Welcomes Adrian Hurley as New President 

The Building Engineering Services Association has named Adrian Hurley as its new President for 2024-25. Adrian has been involved with the association since 2019 when...

 Read Full Article
RIBA Stirling Prize 2024 Shortlist Announced

The RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist, representing the UK’s best new architecture, has been published. First awarded in 1996, the RIBA Stirling Prize is the...

 Read Full Article
BESA Launches Football-Themed Building Safety Campaign

The Building Engineering Services Association has launched a football-themed awareness campaign to address knowledge gaps in the Building Safety...

 Read Full Article
BESA Supports Extension of Social Housing Safety Rules

The Building Engineering Services Association has welcomed the new government’s pledge to implement Awaab’s Law into the private rental...

 Read Full Article
BESA and CIBSE Announce Strategic Alliance

The Building Engineering Services Association and the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers have pledged to collaborate more closely to transform the...

 Read Full Article
The Elizabeth Line Wins RIBA London Building of the Year Award 2024

The Elizabeth Line has been named the winner of the RIBA London Building of the Year Award 2024.   Watch the...

 Read Full Article
Adam Taylor Named as New BESA Indoor Air Quality Chair

The new chair of the Indoor Air Quality group of the Building Engineering Services Association has been elected. Adam Taylor, CEO of ARM Environments will...

 Read Full Article
Building Control Officer Competence Deadline Extended by HSE

Building control professionals in England have received a 13-week extension to allow them more time to complete competence assessments. The Director of Building Safety...

 Read Full Article