nbs branding guidelines...typography primary typeface 16 alternative typeface 16 colour, case,...

NBS branding guidelinesVisual identity framework

August 2018 | V1

NBS branding guidelines

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Contents


Introduction 5

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.0 Core elements

Overview Logo 7Colour palette 7Typefaces 7Pattern 7

Our logoLogo 8Logo mark 8Clear space 8Minimum size 8Versions 9Things to avoid 10

Colour paletteOverview 11Colour variations 12Tints 13Using colour in text over solid colours 14

Typography Primary typeface 16Alternative typeface 16Colour, case, justification and font styling 16Typography online 17Typography offline 19

PhotographyOverview 20Style 1 20Style 2 21Stock photography 21Text over photography 22

Pattern guidanceOverview 23Relationship with logo 24Pattern over photography 25


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Contents

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.0 Brand in action

Message hierarchy Overview 27

Position and sizeLogo position 28Digital logo examples 29Logo size in print 30Text alignment to logo 31

Generic guidanceOverview 32Partner logo size 32NBS-led partnerships 33Equal partnerships 34Partner-led partnerships 35

Document composition Covers 36Cover options 37Internal grid 38

Design examples External systems 40Internal and external documents 42External facing materials 44Graphics 45


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This is a living, breathing document. Please make sure you have the latest version.

About the NBS branding guidelines

1.0Core elements


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ArialBoldRegular

Core elements

1.1 Overview

Logo

Typefaces

When Azo Sans isn’t available

Colour palette

Pattern

Azo Sans MediumRegularLight


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Core elements

1.2 Our logo

Clear space

Logo mark

Our logo mark is the embodiment of NBS. It communicates collaboration, control, simplicity and protection.

Give the logo space. The minimum clear space that should surround the logo is equivalent to the height of the mark. This gives the logo emphasis and prevents it from being undermined by other elements on the page.

Minimum size

Digital Print

30px 8mm

Logo

The most distinctive part of the NBS identity is the logo reproduced in NBS Purple against a white background. This combination should be used whenever possible.


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Core elements

Versions

Vertical logoThe vertical logo can be used if the horizontal logo can’t be reproduced above its minimum size.

Mono logoThe mono logo can be used if the NBS logo cannot be reproduced in NBS Purple.

White logoThe white logo is only to be used when it is impossible to reproduce the NBS logo on a white background.

Isolated markThe NBS mark can be used in isolation when the full logo can't be reproduced above the minimum size. It can also be used in special circumstances where using the full logo would reduce impact, for example on social media profiles and very small promotional merchandise.


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Core elements

Don’t alter the colour of either of the elements.

Don’t stretch either horizontally or vertically.

Don’t change the order of the elements.

Don’t add colour to the strokes.

Things to avoid

Don’t overlay the logo on low contrast imagery.

Don’t overlay the logo on low contrast colours.

Don’t use or create a 3D version of the logo.

Don’t isolate the outline of either of the elements.


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Purple P525#592d5e R89 G45 B94C69 M100 Y4 K45

White#ffffff R255 G255 B255C0 M0 Y0 K0

Core elements

1.3 Colour palette

Overview

NBS Purple and white are core to our identity and appear on all communications.

White space has an important role in our branding. It helps reduce clutter and creates clarity in our communications. We use white space to give our key messages the impact they deserve.

NBS Purple should be used predominantly for headers and large paragraphs.

Grey P427#dbe0deR219 G224 B222C13 M7 Y10 K0

Should be used in the pattern and other background elements.

Accent Blue P631#00b9d7R0 G185 B215C74 M0 Y13 K0

Should be used for graphic elements and is the preferred blue for print as it is Pantone matched.

Action Blue#39b1c8R57 G177 B200

Should be used for graphic elements and is the preferred blue for digital use.

Black#333333R0 G0 B0C0 M0 Y0 K100

Should be used for body copy only. Note the hex and CMYK values do not correlate. A softer black is used for online applications, as specified by the hex value.


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#dbe0dePantone 427

R89 G45 B94Pantone 525

Core elements

Colour variations

There are slight variations in colour when moving from digital to print due to the different processes used. Below are swatches reproduced in the correct colours to show the slight differences which are to be expected.

C13 M7 Y10 K0R219 G224 B222

Grey

C69 M100 Y4 K45

NBS Purple

#592d5e

R0 G185 B215Pantone 631 C74 M0 Y13 K0

Accent Blue

#00b9d7

Action Blue

R57 G177 B200#39b1c8

R0 G0 B0Pantone Black C0 M0 Y0 K100

Black

#333333


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For online and other digital applications, tints of the grey and NBS Purple can be used to help with navigation and usability. Tints can be used for certain elements when contrast is required, for example buttons, charts and tables. They should be used sparingly and only when required.

Action Blue can be used for important links and buttons. It is darker than Accent Blue and has been selected to aid accessibility in digital environments.

Tints

#79bfd0R121 G191 B20880% tint

#98cfdcR152 G207 B22060% tint

#b9dfe8R185 G223 B23240% tint

#dceff3R220 G239 B24320% tint

Action Blue

#e2e5e4R226 G229 B22880% tint

#e9eae9R233 G234 B23360% tint

#eff0efR239 G240 B23940% tint

#f6f6f5R246 G246 B24520% tint

Grey

#59396c R89 G57 B10880% tint

#755e87R117 G94 B13560% tint

#9887a7R152 G135 B16740% tint

#c3bacdR195 G186 B20520% tint

NBS Purple

Core elements


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Grey on white

White on Action Blue

Using colour in text over solid colours

White onNBS Purple

Black on grey

White on Accent Blue

Do use:

Accent Blue on white

Black on white

NBS Purple on white

Action Blue on white

Core elements

White on grey


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Core elements

Black on Accent Blue

Grey onNBS Purple

Accent Blue on NBS Purple

Black on NBS Purple

Black on Action Blue

Action Blue on NBS Purple

NBS Purple on Accent Blue

Action Blue on Accent Blue

Grey on Accent Blue

NBS Purple on Action Blue

Accent Blue on Action Blue

Using colour in text over solid colours

Don't use:

Grey on Action Blue

Accent Blue on grey

Action Blue on grey

NBS Purple on black

White on black

Accent Blue on black

Action Blue on black

Grey on black

NBS Purple on grey


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1.4 Typography

Primary typeface

An important part of building a strong and distinctive NBS identity is the consistent and correct use of typography. Azo Sans has been chosen as our primary typeface for its modernity, simplicity and its close visual link to the NBS logo.

Azo Sans MediumAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Azo Sans RegularAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Azo Sans LightAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Azo Sans Web For use in digital environmentsAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Alternative typeface

Arial has been chosen as our alternative typeface and should be used when Azo Sans is unavailable.

Arial BoldAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Arial RegularAaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMm NnOoPpQqRSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz 0123456789!@£$%^&*()

Colour, case, justification and font styling

Headlines, titles and callouts may appear in NBS Purple. Small annotations may also appear in Action Blue in digital environments or Accent Blue in print. Body copy should appear in black.

Sentence case is standard for all communications. Try to avoid using all uppercase wherever possible.

Type should always be aligned left. Avoid lines that end with hyphens, widows and orphans.

Italics can be used in special projects on a case by case basis.

Core elements


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Core elements

Typography online

Various font sizes and weights are used on our websites and across our products. Header sizes on websites are usually determined by body copy size. Several examples are provided below.

Products and services that save time, money and reduce risk.

Body copy | Azo Sans Web 400 | 16px | Black

H1 | Azo Sans Web 300 | 40px | NBS Purple

Our vision


Leading the built environment with powerfully connected knowledge, products and services around the world.


We are global leaders.


We are true experts.

Our integrated products are used across the industry, from small practices to large global firms.

Lead-in body copy | Azo Sans Web 500 | 16px | Black


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Typography online

‘NBS helped us instruct the contractor in a new way of working, allowing us to control project timings and costs.’

Learn more about the NBS BIM Toolkit, developed for the UK Government.

NBS helped us instruct the contractor in a new way of working, allowing us to control project timings and costs.

Quote style 1 | Azo Sans Web 300 oblique | 20px | Black | Vertical 5px line in NBS Purple can be placed to the left

Quote style 2 | Azo Sans Web 300 | 20px | Action Blue

Body copy link | Azo Sans Web 400 | 16px | Action Blue | Underline on hover

Core elements


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Core elements

Typography offline

This section explains some simple typographic rules for use in graphic design programmes. Following them will help you to create documents that are clear and legible.

Baseline gridNBS documents are based on a 6pt baseline grid. NBS typographic styles use leading that are multiples of 3pt that align to the baseline. This means that when using different styles side-by-side, they will align every few lines to create a neat appearance.

Large titles | Azo Sans Light | 38pt on 42pt leading | NBS Purple

Our values

Medium titles | Azo Sans Light | 26pt on 30pt leading | NBS Purple

Our values underpin everything we do and create a culture that we are proud of – they bring our brand to life.

Small titles and call-outs | Azo Sans Medium | 16pt on 18pt leading | NBS Purple

Service, trust, knowledge, excellence, teamwork

Body copy | Azo Sans Regular | 9.5pt on 12pt leading | Black

Putting the customer first is one of the core foundations of our business.

We value our colleagues and enjoy working togetheras a team in an honest and open way.

Annotation | Azo Sans Light | 8.5pt on 12pt leading | Accent Blue


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Style 1 photography is made up predominately of a real working environment where an interaction between people is happening. Although the environment takes up most of the space in the shot, the focus is still on the people.

Style 1

1.5 Photography

Overview

NBS brand photography tells a story about people working together towards a common goal. It helps communicate the role of NBS and NBS products within the context of a project.

Our photography captures authentic situations and is reportage in style. Lighting and pose feels natural and is never contrived. It should be upbeat, energised and subjects need to appear focused and animated. Always refer to the photography library for examples.

There are two styles of NBS photography, which should be used in full colour.

Core elements


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Core elements

Style 2

Style 2 uses a tighter crop than Style 1. It is still centred around the idea of collaboration between people, but the image is slightly more focused on one or two individuals. Images should focus on the animated and engaged faces of the people in the shot. The people being focused on should be facing the camera whenever possible.

Stock photography

Stock photography rather than commissioned can be used when required to represent products as long as it fits into one of the above styles, and the look and feel is genuine and fit for the specific audience.


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Text can be used over photography, however the text should be kept brief so that the focus is balanced between the text and the image. Photographs chosen should have an area of clear space to place the text for the best legibility. If an image has low contrast, a light gradient of either black or white can be used to aid legibility. Gradients using any colour other than black or white should not be used. Use of the pattern and text over the same image should be avoided where possible; occasionally it will be necessary to combine all three elements.

Text over photography

Many had hoped that the launch of the UK Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) strategy last year would inform and direct the industry, and set a path towards improved methods of working to deliver the benefits that advocates believe BIM can achieve. Unfortunately, the second NBS National BIM Survey provides a potentially worrying picture of a divided UK construction industry in which real progress has been made but where real areas of inertia remain. The leap in the percentage of those who are both aware of and use BIM is offset by the large portion of the industry that remains unaware. At a time when government is pushing the industry towards this innovative collaborative environment, our research indicates that far from ignoring the drive towards BIM, one in five remain in blissful ignorance of BIM’s existence.

The picture is certainly not all bad. Research and anecdotal evidence indicate that some sectors are prepared to invest earlier than others, with constructors (medium- and large-scale) seeing the benefits and investing in the use of BIM. Those across the industry who have adopted BIM in the early stages are using it to strengthen their businesses in a competitive environment. Rather than investing in what might be seen as ‘risky’ new technology, the proponents argue that they are willing to invest not just in technology but in a process that improves certainty and efficiency.

Our ground-breaking collaborative specification tool built for BIM.

Core elements

Our valuesOur values underpin everything we do and create a culture that we are proud of – they bring our brand to life.


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Core elements

Overview

1.6 Pattern guidance

The NBS pattern is a graphic illustration which helps reinforce the ideas of collaboration and control. The pattern is a ‘hero’ element and as such is only to be used on primary brand touch points such as front covers, back covers or splash screens. The pattern should not cover or hide the NBS logo. Do not create your own pattern variations. The pattern is based around the NBS logo mark. We do not highlight the mark within the pattern in our communications; the below is shown for illustration purposes only.


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Relationship with logo

The pattern can be flipped vertically or horizontally. It can also be rotated (preferably in increments of 60 degrees). It can be cropped and positioned to best suit the context and purpose it is being used for, or to allow for copy space. It can be shown as transparent white over photography. The level of opacity when transparent white should always compliment the image underneath.

Core elements


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Core elements

Pattern over photography

The NBS pattern can be represented either as low contrast texture or as a ghosted white-over photography. The opacity of the pattern should compliment the image underneath and be adjusted accordingly so that the primary focus is on the photograph and not the pattern.


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Core elements

2.0Brand in action


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2.1 Message hierarchy

Overview

Maintaining consistency across the business will help build the overall NBS brand. The NBS logo should be the lead element in all communications.

Brand in action

Service – Putting the customer first is one of the core foundations of our business.

Trust – Mutual respect and dependability, internally and externally.

Knowledge – Knowledge and information is at the heart of what we do.

Excellence – We strive to be smarter, more innovative and the best at everything we do.

Teamwork – We value our colleagues and enjoy working together as a team in an honest and open way.

Our values



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2.2 Position and size

Logo position

The preferred position of the NBS logo is at the top left of any format. The proportions of the mark in the NBS logo are used to help determine positioning, as illustrated here. At minimum, the NBS logo should be positioned one mark from the top and left of the design.

Brand in action


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Digital logo examples

Below are examples of the NBS brand, shown on the website homepage, across multiple digital platforms. The logo remains in a consistent position and of a consistent size across all platforms.

Brand in action


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A4 portrait16.5mm in height

A4 landscape16.5mm in height

A5 portrait14mm in height

16.5mm

16.5mm

14mm

Logo size in print

Brand in action


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Text alignment to logo

Content is aligned to the left edge of the NBS symbol.

Our values Our values underpin everything we do and create a culture that we are proud of – they bring our brand to life.

Brand in action


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Overview

Occasionally, we produce materials in partnership with another organisation. When materials are co-published, the partners' logo must also be included.

Co-branding is a strategic agreement between two or more partner brands to work together to achieve a desired goal. Co-branding encompasses a wide range of marketing activities including partnerships, promotions and sponsorships.

Partner logo size

The area for the partner logo is only partly defined, as partner logos can have different proportions. Partner logos shouldn't sit higher than the NBS logo, and the area a partner logo occupies shouldn't be greater than the NBS logo, unless partners' guidelines indicate otherwise – this should be negotiated with the partners.

These key principles give a framework for approaching all co-branding opportunities:

• Present NBS as the dominant/lead brand whenever possible.• The NBS logo should be clearly displayed and given prominence.

2.3 Generic guidance

Brand in action


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NBS-led partnerships

If NBS is the lead partner and the other organisations are supporting partners, the NBS logo should be placed top left and the supporting partners’ logos should be placed along the bottom of the page.

Partner logo

Brand in action


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Equal partnerships

If it is an equal partnership, the partner's logos should appear in a line across the top of the page, ideally the NBS logo will lead from the top left. If there are a large number of partners, it may not be possible to fit all the logos on the front cover – it might look better to list them on the first page or back cover of the communication.

Partner logo


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Partner-led partnerships

Where an organisation other than NBS is the lead partner and NBS is the supporting partner, the lead partner’s logo should go at the top and their visual style should dominate. The NBS logo should lead from the bottom left of the document. Please consider the brand guidelines of the partner organisation(s) in all instances.

Partner logo

Partner logo

Brand in action


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Covers

2.4 Document composition

A document cover derives all of its proportions from the logo, so it is important to use the logo in the correct size. Refer to section 2.2 (Position and size) for commonly used document formats.

The margins are derived from the proportions of the logo as shown below.

A horizontal grid is then constructed by dividing the space between the top and bottom margins into five rows.

Document title

Brand in action


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Using this grid creates a consistent structure while creating pace across the corporate literature system by using the pattern, image blocks or full-page imagery.

Cover options

Our values

Our values Our values


Brand in action

Our valuesOur values underpin everything we do and create a culture that we are proud of – they bring our brand to life.


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Internal grid

Grids should be used on all documents to help create a uniform and considered appearance.

Document grid (right hand page)The margins are derived from the proportions of the logo as used on the cover.

NBS documents are based on a 6pt baseline grid. A horizontal grid is constructed by dividing the space between the top and bottom margins into five rows.

An A4 document uses 10 columns with a gutter width of 12pt.

Document grid (left hand page)To create a left hand page, simply invert the left and right margins.

Brand in action


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Internal grid

The idea that BIM is only for big business is challenged by the growing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate a return on investment. These businesses can be extremely agile. They can use enhanced access to information to extend the range of services offered, as well as producing efficient delivery of these services, thereby providing a welcome boost in difficult economic times. However, there are real concerns regarding the levels of investment required. Those who remain unsure seek to confirm that investment is well researched and well made: they seek evidence that BIM works and represents a good investment.

This is the new BIM challenge. And so we come to implementation (‘How do we get started?’) and return on investment (‘How do we ensure that when we invest, we get a.Many had hoped that the launch of the UK

Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) strategy last year would inform and direct the industry, and set a path towards improved methods of working to deliver the benefits that advocates believe BIM can achieve. Unfortunately, the second NBS National BIM Survey provides a potentially worrying picture of a divided UK construction industry in which real progress has been made but where real areas of inertia remain. The leap in the percentage of those who are both aware of and use BIM is offset by the large portion of the industry that remains unaware. At a time when government is pushing the industry towards this innovative collaborative environment, our research indicates that far from ignoring the drive towards BIM, one in five remain in blissful ignorance of BIM’s existence.



Many had hoped that the launch of the UK Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) strategy last year would inform and direct the industry, and set a path towards improved methods of working to deliver the benefits that advocates believe BIM can achieve. Unfortunately, the second NBS National BIM Survey provides a potentially worrying picture of a divided UK construction industry in which real progress has been made but where real areas of inertia remain. The leap in the percentage of those who are both aware of and use BIM is offset by the large portion of the industry that remains unaware. At a time when government is pushing the industry towards this innovative collaborative environment, our research indicates that far from ignoring the drive towards BIM, one in five remain in blissful ignorance of BIM’s existence.

The picture is certainly not all bad. Research and anecdotal evidence indicate that some sectors are prepared to invest earlier than others, with constructors (medium- and large-scale) seeing the benefits and investing in the use of BIM. Those across the industry who have adopted BIM in the early stages are using it to strengthen their businesses in a competitive environment. Rather than investing in what might be seen as ‘risky’ new technology, the proponents argue that they are willing to invest not just in technology but in a process that improves certainty and efficiency.

The idea that BIM is only for big business is challenged by the growing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate a return on investment. These businesses can be extremely agile. They can use enhanced access to information to extend the range of services offered, as well as producing efficient delivery of these services, thereby providing a welcome boost in difficult economic times. However, there are real concerns regarding the levels of investment required. Those who remain unsure seek to confirm that investment is well researched and well made: they seek evidence that BIM works and represents a good investment.

This is the new BIM challenge. And so we come to implementation (‘How do we get started?’) and return on investment (‘How do we ensure that when we invest, we get a return and do not buy into a dead-end technology?’). The answer is simple: the software and data providers have to make it easy to use and share information across tools and services. Expect to see much more activity and advice in both of these areas during 2012. NBS will continue to provide both guidance and supporting information across these sectors.

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Brand in action


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2.5 Design examples

External systems

Brand in action

Nimbus screen

National BIM Library screen


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External systems

Brand in action

Email template


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Internal and external documents

Different coloured covers are used to help distinguish between internal and external documents. Where possible, internal documents should feature a predominantly purple cover, and external documents should use a predominantly white cover. This applies to both print and digital documents.

Brand in action

Document (internal)

Leadership FrameworkAttributes and overview

Version 1.0 - November 2017

• Adopts a proactive approach – they make things happen rather than waiting for things to happen to them

• Shows positive curiosity, asking questions for improvement rather than micro-managing

• Demonstrates flexibility when business priorities change

• Has the courage to check and challenge when appropriate

• Takes control of situations, and follows-up if progress stalls

• Presents robust proposals based on facts and full context

Bold

Showing initiative and adaptability to explore options and seize opportunities

What it isn’t• Making decisions impulsively without considering the business or people impact• Being drawn to new initiatives at the expense of ‘business as usual’• Spending significant time developing ideas or initiatives without consulting others first• Sticking to existing methods and working within their comfort zone• Being blunt with people and ignoring their feelings• Publicly resisting planned changes or fueling negative viewpoints

Essential Consistent

Strong Role model

• Encourages insight and innovation in others• Identifies and flags business improvement

opportunities• Regularly reviews and questions what we do

to improve effectiveness

• Brings critical conversations and projects back on track if they are not progressing as planned

• Shows courage and demonstrates strong leadership when faced with business challenges

• Ensures successful planning and implementation on cross-company change projects to deliver success


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Internal and external documents

Brand in action

Document (external)

Specification report 2017

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Specification Report 2017

Addressing these challengesIt is worth considering how the above challenges can be addressed. The need for early collaboration around specification decisions and proper planning can go a long way towards making this process a lot smoother. The RIBA Plan of Work provides a well-respected, standardised structure for documenting design responsibilities and deliverables. This structure also allows design intent to be documented early on so that architects, engineers and the wider team can start to transition from the briefing stage to the stage where technical design starts to develop.

For example, early on in a project there can be an understanding over whether curtain walling is required. The client’s requirements may be captured and the designer responsible may note whether, contractually, their responsibility will be for a full or performance specification. This may be documented at an early stage prior to any technical decision over whether the curtain walling is a stick or a unitised system. The same principles may be applied to the engineering work. For example, responsibilities for the heating system may be determined, and early discussions can take place which will inform the space requirements for potential plant rooms and the heat emitter requirements that may influence the interior design.

The plan of work should be produced collaboratively, and it should be updated at each stage of the project as more decisions are made. Too often on projects information is communicated but not documented, or it is documented in emails which are then not recorded properly.

If this process is followed then specification writing becomes a much easier task, and also one where the risk of incorrect decision-making has been greatly reduced. The information will have grown from the initial brief, structure will have been applied and responsibilities will be clear.

An industry-standard process such as this can be of great value, particularly when a project team comes together for the first time. When a team works together on a number of projects, or when a client procures many similar buildings, then this process can be greatly simplified.

ChallengesA specification is a key contract document, typically produced during the technical design stage of a project. It is issued as part of the tender documentation and used throughout the subsequent timeline of the project. The content of a typical specification is traditionally a description of systems and products on a project and how these systems and products should be installed, finished and tested. This specification provides detailed technical information that accompanies what is visually represented in drawings or models. When preparing a well-written specification, there are a number of challenges. Three common problems are listed below:

1 Leaving the task of specification writing to be the final job of the technical design.

Too often stories are told of specifications that are written on the Friday afternoon (or even over the weekend) to complete the tender package. Designers are often given challenging deadlines for projects and as a consequence, writing the specification may be the task that gets pushed back.

2 Not recognising the need for a different approach to specification where contractors have design responsibility.

Design responsibility does not always fall to the designer directly employed by the client: many designers will work on projects where the description of the types of products is not their responsibility. On these projects, the client’s designers must describe the required overall performance of these systems and leave the system and product choices to the design team employed by the Contractor.

3 A lack of communication and collaboration across the design team.

With modern technologies, many design teams are now collaborating by sharing models so that the spatial design of the architecture, structural and building service engineering is coordinated. However, it is not always the case that the same level of information-sharing takes place across the different disciplines with respect to specification responsibility and decision-making. This is especially true when considering the first two points – if specification writing is taking place late in the workflow and there is not sufficient clarity on responsibilities, then this can lead to confusion on the project.

The alternative to last-minute specification writing

Dr Stephen Hamil Director of Research and Innovation, NBS

With modern technologies, many design teams are now collaborating by sharing models so that the spatial design of the architecture, structural and building service engineering is coordinated.

Stephen has worked at NBS since 1999 and has played a major role in the development of products such as NBS Building, NBS Create, the NBS National BIM Library and the NBS BIM Toolkit. He now leads the Research and Innovation team that focuses on understanding customer needs and developing innovative digital solutions to meet these needs.

@StephenHamilNBS

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National BIM Report 2018

Jaimie Johnston Director, Head of Global Systems, Bryden Wood

When the Latham Report, ‘Constructing the Team’, was published in 1994, Michael Latham noted that ‘There is scope for improvements through greater standardisation of components and design details and more off-site prefabrication’. 24 years later, the wait for those improvements may finally be coming to an end.

The unavoidable truth is that without innovation, we don’t have the resources to accomplish the huge amount of building that the UK needs. There’s £600 billion of government investment in the pipeline, yet our workforce is ageing and short of the skills needed in traditional construction processes.

Some of the sobering statistics are well known. The residual value of a building is little more than half the cost of its construction. Around 30% of building materials and 40% of working hours are wasted. Yet profit margins are slim, and the unpredictability of the process poses risk for everyone from the customer onwards. The collapse of Carillion shows how real those risks are.

Platforms. Bridging the gap between construction and manufacturing

The solution is not squeezing the supply chain – that’s been tried and has not worked. Nor can there be compromise on the performance of the assets, networks and systems. Much-needed efficiencies can only be achieved through a fundamental shift in process, where construction becomes much more like manufacturing, and the use of raw materials is minimised, as is their processing and handling. The components of a construction asset can be delivered to the site at the right time, in the right sequence with the

correct information. And once there, they can be assembled by fewer, more easily trained people.

This produces a new way of working (see Figure 2), where integrated solutions use standard components configured using standard processes to give bespoke assets. It contrasts with the traditional model (Figure 1). Here, there's fragmentation at every level, and clients become distanced from multiple suppliers or installers – the people who are actually delivering what they want.

The residual value of a building is little more than half the cost of its construction. Around 30% of building materials are wasted and 40% of working hours.

Figure 1 Figure 2


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External facing materials

Brand in action

Adverts

Pop-up banners


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Graphics

Graphic elements should be flat and not incorporate any 3D elements or gradients.

Brand in action

nbs branding guidelines...typography primary typeface 16 alternative typeface 16 colour, case,...

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