COMPUTERS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS

This paper demonstrates the potential of computer based systems for checking building design proposals against statutory instruments for Building and Buildings. In the Department of Architecture, University of Bristol, a computer-aided design guide to the Thermal Insulation of Dwellings, Part F of the current English Building Regulations, has been developed. This design guide is explained and is used to demonstrate how design proposals are checked and how guidance is given to the designer. Some problems encountered in the use of Building Regulations are indicated. In particular attention is drawn to the problems in building design of increasing essential numeracy, arising as a result of the increasing use of Regulations based on performance specification approaches. It is concluded that this guide shows that computer based techniques could have a useful role to play in helping designers not only with Building Regulations but with legislation in general. © 1979.