Room data sheets provide a systematic overview of all the requirements for each space in a construction project. They play a crucial role in planning, communication, design verification and change management.
Typically, they are prepared during the briefing phase (architectural programming in the US) of an architectural project. The primary target audience is the design team, which includes architects as well as interior designers and all kinds of engineers who translate the RDSs into spatial solutions for every one of the building’s spatial types.
Alongside a list of the essential requirements for each room type, they typically include general requirements and guidance notes. Ideally, the future tenants should be involved in this process through discussions and workshops. This will provide the design team with an understanding of what they require from their spaces, for example slip-resistance for shoes, ease of cleaning and their explanation recycling.
The RDSs might also include information about systems and elements like a floor finish that has specific requirements for its durability as well as environmental conditions and warranty. In these instances, the datasheet would list all the requirements that must be met for this particular element or system.
BriefBuilder is an open-source database tool allows users to create room data sheets easily and quickly. It also allows users to customize them to match their workflow. The tool tags each bit of data with the same parameters associated with similar types of rooms. This makes it simple to navigate through and find requirements. It is a tool that can be utilized by project stakeholders who don’t use Revit. This allows all members of an organization.