How building designers react to the technical publications of the Building Research Establishment and other organizations

Abstract

As part of its programme of research aimed at improving the effectiveness of technical publications, BRE commissioned a survey of architects and architectural assistants to find out about their usage of, and views on, the technical publications of the Building Research Establishment and other organiza tions. An initial postal survey of some 2000 people collected some preliminary information. This was then used to help in selecting a sample of 100 designers for more detailed ' across the drawing board' interviews.

This summary of the results of the survey gives information on the frequency with which technical publications are used, the types of publications preferred, specific views on BRE's output and suggestions for improvements.

The full results of the research are given in the report "Designers' use of BRE and other technical publications" produced for BRE by Mandix in October 1985. (The report is available for examination in the BRE Library).

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References

D. Bullivant , The problem of information before the architectural profession, RIBA Journal 75, (12) (1968).

J. Goodey and K. Matthew , Architects and information, University of York Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, York, Research Paper 1, 1971.

S. Lera , I. Cooper and A. Powell , Information and designers, Design Studies 5 (2) (1984) 113-120.

M. MacKinder , The architects' information needs, The Architects' Journal 178 (47) (1983) 103.

H. Marvin , Meeting designers' needs for trade information, Building Research Establishment Information Paper, IP 14/85, BRE, 1985.

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