Dimensional Order

As discussed previously, almost all buildings need to be composed from individual parts which are small enough to be manufactured and transported but large enough to save erection or assembly work. As a result, these parts need to be carefully co-ordinated and adapted to each other not only in functional terms, but also, particularly, in dimensional and geometric terms. Hence, the overall building as conceptualised and envisaged in the architectural project is subdivided into convenient parts which fit into a general spatial organising system devised by the designer. Since most elements used in construction today are industrial, the most widely used spatial ordering systems are modular, i. e. are based on a recurring basic spatial unit. In order to facilitate the work of the designer and, especially, in order to make industrial parts produced in stock dimensionally compatible with each other, generally accepted codes and standards were introduced. Also axial grids, which can be used for different functional parts, are important for achieving a rational and consistent modular organisation of the building structure.