tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post2394053531927728984..comments2024-02-28T02:23:50.477-06:00Comments on Constructive Thoughts: How did we get here? The good old daysSheldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-23679870651103965062016-07-05T23:08:50.814-05:002016-07-05T23:08:50.814-05:00Looking back at membership statistics, the number ...Looking back at membership statistics, the number of members who said they were specifiers leveled off many years ago. I think that reflects saturation of that market; there are only so many people who claim that as their principle occupation, and those who were interested in CSI were members. There were and are many others who write specifications but consider themselves architects or engineers. <br /><br />I agree that many designers rely on manufacturers' specifications without much analysis. The same is true for those who use commercial guide specifications. In either case, many specifications have not been edited to reflect what is required by the current project. <br /><br />The way to correct the problem is for those in charge of producing specifications to reduce the specifications to what is needed for the project. That requires better communication with the project team. It also requires the team to make decisions throughout SD, DD, and CD documents, rather than waiting until it's time to issue the bidding documents. Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-62846073537887338952016-07-02T13:15:25.818-05:002016-07-02T13:15:25.818-05:00A number of new organizations have arrived on the ...A number of new organizations have arrived on the horizon of "Construction Information" with more<br />"value" for 'members' than CSI so that the 'Field'<br />for writers of specifications has become saturated.<br /><br />Competition for the Writer's attention from various sources as Manufacturer's Products produce their own 'written' specifications. Those new to<br />creating specifications are probably relying on<br />many of these "Prewritten" publications to complete<br />their task with a minimum of time; the Contractor<br />usually in a hurry to produce a "structure" or a<br />Perspective for the media with "promotion" in mind<br />does not take the time to thoroughly assess the actual words of the Project Manual for errors and omissions. The distribution is sent to many<br />Subcontractors when errors are found on 'Submittals'; that process needs correction... it could be done by people from CSI but maybe there <br />might be value for the Organization's members.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02498913675633455679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-31115725249085169212016-05-23T15:31:41.274-05:002016-05-23T15:31:41.274-05:00Thanks for the comments, Michael! These are all va...Thanks for the comments, Michael! These are all valid suggestions for new activities and programs that should be considered by our board of directors.<br /><br />Even though CSI did a great job addressing the problems that led to its formation, there are many other things that need attention. It's long past time to stop worrying about how words look on paper and to start dealing with the challenges we face today.Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-29893210864326176532016-05-23T15:05:37.549-05:002016-05-23T15:05:37.549-05:00A thought provoking article. If CSI grew because i...A thought provoking article. If CSI grew because it addressed substantive problems, then it suggests we need to clarify current problems to address that fit our strengths. Here are some I propose:<br /><br />1 Improved organization of product information. This has at least two parts:<br /><br /> Create a replacement for the moribund spec-data format for technical information that addresses current concerns and both electronic and digital delivery.<br /><br />2 Create standards for incorporating meaningful product information into BIM. <br /><br />3 Continued training of newcomers to design, construction, and building management industries in contract documents.<br /><br />4 Tools that will help coordinate and improve the accessibility of the incomprehensibly broad range of data necessary for construction.<br /><br />5 Assess how robotics, 3d printing, holograms, smart buildings, etc will affect the roles and responsibilities of the players in the construction team.<br /><br />I look forward to your next installment.Michael@Chusid.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02539490607555267490noreply@blogger.com