Alternate: work requiring detailed cost analysis at time of construction bid but which may or may not be part of the project depending on availability of funds

ADA/Americans with Disabilities Act: federal legislation, effective January 1992, addressing issues of accessibility and accommodation

ATM/asynchronous transfer mode: two way technology transmitting audio, video, and data simultaneously

Bearing wall: wall supporting a load other than its own weight

Bid forms: forms used to provide a uniform arrangement of information for ease in fair and equitable comparison of bids

Bubble diagram: a diagram that uses geometric forms to depict spaces and their functional, proportional, and physical relationship

Built-ins/built-in equipment: items purchased as part of the construction project and installed permanently in the building during construction, i.e. wall shelving

Change order: an alternation to the construction contract after the contract has been approved and amended, and the project is under construction

Circuit breaker: a fuse-like device, designed to protect a circuit against overloading, which can be reset

Clerk of the works: (see project manager/project engineer)

Clerestory: part of roof with windows extending above main roof

Crawl space: shallow space between the first tier of beams and the ground

Head end: in a school building, the site which receives television transmission for distribution to classrooms within the building

HVAC: heating, ventilation, air conditioning

Ground: a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or piece of equipment and earth or some other conducting body serving in place of the earth

ITV/instructional television: the technology and methodology for the delivery of educational content, live and/or taped, via a one way video and two way audio system among post-secondary institutions and public school receive sites

Lintel: horizontal steel member spanning an opening to support the load above

Movables/movable equipment: items purchased separate from the construction contract, which support the educational program of the school; generally identified as having a life expectancy of more than five years and a cost of more than $500.00 e.g. a piano

Planning sequence:

(1) program document: narrative description of entire construction project, the basis for proposals or invitations to bid by architectural firms and general contractors

(2) schematic design phase: study by architect of project requirements, followed by the preparation of schematic design drawings (not to scale) and supporting data; includes floor plan

(3) design development phase: preparation of more detailed preliminary drawing than schematic design phase and supporting data; floor plan further defined

(4) construction documents phase: final drawings, specifications, and bidding documents

(5) floor plan: showing placement of walls, doors, and windows; may include equipment and furnishings layouts; final phase prior to bidding

Project manager/project engineer/clerk of the works: a representative of the owner and/or designer, retained on a full time basis, for inspection purposes that are beyond the scope of normal architectural services

Raceway: any channel designed expressly for holding wire or cables

Scale: dimensions used to express relative proportion of linear feet

Site plan: shows entire site at suitable scale with boundary line and orientation; includes topographic information, building layout, drives, parking areas, walks, play areas

Specifications: definition of the qualitative requirements of products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is based