Building Recording

Building Recording

A close-up of a drawing AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Photographic Survey  

  • All external elevations.   
  • All internal elevations (if safe to access).  
  • Unusual features/details (e.g. datestones, ornate/unusual stonework, ornate/unusual metalwork, blocked openings.  
  • General photograph(s) of the building in its landscape setting.  
  • To be accompanied by a plan illustrating the photo positions.  

For Level 3 surveys, consideration should be given to additional image recording in the form of, for example, video, photogrammetry, laser survey, drone footage etc. 

Map Regression  

As a minimum this should comprise 1st and 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps, but where they exist, earlier (meaningful) maps, plans, and other OS maps should also be utilised.  

For Levels 2 & 3, all available (meaningful) maps should be included in the map regression, along with any estate/architect’s drawings. 

 Measured Drawings  

  • Plans - each floor (where it is safe to access upper floors) annotated with feature numbers (for openings, fireplaces, etc).  
  •  Elevations – each elevation, external and internal, annotated with feature numbers (for openings etc). External elevations should include the roofline. Construction material should be illustrated on the elevations.  
  •  Sections – for Levels 2 & 3 only. Key sections of the building which illustrate its history and/or construction.  
  •  Key details/features – for Levels 2 & 3 only. To include (but not limited to): industrial fixtures/fittings (e.g. mill wheel sockets); unusual/well-preserved fireplaces, doorways, window openings etc; unusual architectural details; decorative details (e.g. heraldic panels); distinguishing features of the building; architect’s “calling cards”, i.e. features which indicate the work of a specific architect; areas of the building where multiple phases of its history are evident; key details noted specifically in a building’s Listing description.  
  • Plan of phases (and, where appropriate, elevation phases) – to illustrate buildings development sequence. Can be single colour coded/shaded drawing, or sequence of drawings.  

Written Description  

To include measurements of building and rooms within.  

Level 1: a summary of the building’s form, style, materials, function, development and use.  

Level 2: expanded description of the building’s form, style, materials, function, development and use; detailed room-by-room description; limited archival research.  

Level 3: full written description of the building(s); detailed room-by-room description; extensive historical analysis and research; comprehensive archival research into the building, its inhabitants and its architect(s), using all available sources.