Clarity is essential to a robust quality management plan 鈥� AG体育官方网站 Construction Company鈥檚 Quality Management Plan defines 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� as follows: 听
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Means (with) represent all physical resources 鈥� the equipment, material, labor, and tools needed.
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Methods (how) covers all technical procedures 鈥� the work sequences, safety protocols, and coordination strategies that guide how those resources are used.听
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Quick examples of 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� for some common construction activities follow:
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鈥�Contractors need to understand that 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and resources they will be used to build a project, and that this responsibility falls solely on them.鈥�
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鈥�Designers need to understand that 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� does not refer to specific components, their integration, or necessary attachments that will be used to build a project, and that the responsibility of defining these falls solely on them.鈥�
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Designs (what) are the things the AOR/EOR drawings and specifications are describing to be built - not part of 鈥榤eans & methods鈥�, but they can influence the manner of construction.
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A recent social media post titled, Things Architecture School Didn鈥檛 Teach 鈥� But Should Have, states: 鈥淐onstruction docs must be crystal clear鈥� It goes on to suggest 鈥淐ontractors aren鈥檛 mind-readers. Your drawings have to be idiot-proof if you want your vision built right.鈥�
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As an architect applying my skills to contracting, I might say 鈥測our drawings have to be user-friendly if you want your vision built right.鈥� Do not be ignorant of the needs of the contractor 鈥� clearly define components, integrations, and attachments. Be aware of the 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� that the contractor will employ to undertake your design 鈥� if you are unsure ask.
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Designers should define: 听听听听听
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Components 鈥� ensuring that items satisfy their role and aesthetics.
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Integrations - ensuring compatibility and contribution to the system.
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Attachments - ensuring that items maintain their position and compatibility
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A collaborative team can rally around this division of labor and advance a project effectively toward completion. Certainly, the contractor can make suggestions for the betterment of the design as much as the designer can for the construction 鈥榤eans & methods鈥�. An effective project team will in fact do just that 鈥� work together to improve the project.
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Designers should ensure a building:
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Stands Up 鈥� ensuring structural integrity
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Keeps Weather Out 鈥� ensuring weather-tightness
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Protects Occupants 鈥� ensuring life-safety
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It is critical that terminations and integrations are closely coordinated. How is building/material movement accommodated while maintaining weather-tightness? How is compatibility addressed when materials/systems meet to maintain continuity of all items? These are often the most complex aspects of building construction, so team members must be up for the heavy lifting.
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The designers must be prepared to detail the most complex aspects of the building and accommodate the 鈥榤eans & methods鈥�.
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The contractor must be prepared to understand the design intent and develop 鈥榤eans & methods鈥� to implement the design.