Definitions
We have spent countless hours reading, editing, paraphrasing, and categorizing these definitions. If you find them helpful, please link to us or bookmark the page rather than cut and paste on your own; we really appreciate it.
With that said, the definitions below are provided as a helpful guide only. Please refer to official sources to obtain full and correct definitions. If you would like to have a definition added or defined more clearly please email us and we will gladly add to or modify our glossary for you.
AIA:
The American Institute of Architects
AIA Standard:
Methods of Calculating Areas and Volumes of Buildings, AIA Document #D101-1995
ANSI:
The American National Standards Institute
Area:
As used in building area measurement, the quantitative measure of a horizontal two dimensional plane expressed in Square Feet (s.f.) bounded by lines relating to building walls or classes of space as determined by measurement standards or practices.
As-Built Drawings ( Pre Construction):
Drawings which are prepared without a reliance on the existing documentation (from scratch.) Depending on the use, drawings may be prepared based on REBNY, BOMA, AIA or a variety of other industry standards. Measured as-built drawings are usually used by Architects and Engineers for a wide array of design purposes during the design phase of construction.
As-Built Drawings (Post Construction):
Drawings based on a field survey after all changes/renovations have been completed. Drawings usually consist of Architectural, Electrical, Mechanical, and Data.
Basic Rentable Area:
A term signifying the result of multiplying the “Floor Usable Area” of a floor, suite of “Building Common Area”, by the “Floor R/U Ratio”.
BIM:
Building Information Modeling
BOMA:
“Building Owners and Managers Association”
BOMA Standards:
A standardized method for measuring floor space. BOMA standards are accepted by the National Standards Institute as a suitable way to measure leased space. Based on the ANSI/BOMA standard ANSI/BOMA Z65.1 (1996) “Standard Method for Measuring Floor Area in Office Buildings.”
Building Area:
Section 502.1 of the “International Building Code” defines this term as the area included within surrounding exterior walls (or exterior and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the building area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.
Building Code:
A local statute that governs the design and construction of buildings. In most jurisdictions, building codes require a Certificate of Occupancy, before a building can be legally occupied. When planning an interior or exterior building alteration it is a best practice to consult your local building authorities before finalizing design and or construction drawings.
Building Common Area:
Fully enclosed space within a building that benefits all occupants of that building but which does not accommodate a tenant’s personnel, furniture, fixtures or equipment. Individual measurement standards should be reviewed for their specific definitions. Building Common Areas include public lobbies, janitorial closets, rest rooms, mechanical areas, loading docks, and other service areas which benefit all tenants.
Building Line:
A line established by law or agreement usually parallel to a property line, beyond which a structure may not extend. This restriction generally does not apply to uncovered entrance platforms, terraces, and steps.
CAD:
Computer Aided Drafting – Software enabling the execution of drawings and area calculations on a computer to a much higher degree of accuracy than possible through past means of drawing and calculating areas.
Change Order:
A change in construction dimensions or materials issued after the contract for construction has been awarded but before construction has been completed. Change orders may have an impact on floor area measurements. The record drawings should reflect these changes when construction is completed. Original design, construction or building permit approved drawings with area calculations and wall layouts may need to be verified by a third part other than the contractor of design professional.
Circulation Space:
Corridors, aisles and other similar space required for occupants to access means of egress and all other functions in and serving their space. Circulation may be classified as either primary, secondary or tertiary and it may be fully enclosed as in a corridor, or unenclosed.
Common Area Factor:
Another term for the BOMA R/U Ratio, not defined by the BOMA Standard.
Construction Documents:
Collectively, the working drawings, specifications, general conditions, addenda and instructions to bidders that for the basis of a construction contract. They are sometimes referred to as CDs, but so are Construction Drawings. Does not include RFIs or Change Orders.
Core:
The part of a building being used for public restrooms, public corridors, elevator lobbies, janitor closets, and other multi-tenant purposes. Core space does not include areas that cut through the floor slab and affect more than one floor, such as stairs, elevator shafts, and pipes.