What document provides a detailed account of the design intent in a project?

The Basis of Design document plays a crucial role in conveying the project’s design intent. It provides a comprehensive explanation of the rationale behind the chosen design decisions, outlining the criteria, principles, and requirements that guided the design process. This document typically includes details about the performance specifications, client requirements, applicable codes and standards, and any constraints that influenced the design. By capturing all essential elements of the project’s objectives and design philosophy, the Basis of Design serves as a guiding reference for all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that the project aligns with its intended goals.

In contrast, building drawings primarily represent the visual layout and structural details of the project but do not explain the reasoning behind these decisions. General equipment specifications outline the characteristics of the equipment used but lack the comprehensive context provided by the Basis of Design. Change orders are documents that modify the original project agreement, often addressing alterations in scope, schedule, or cost, but they do not provide insights into design intent. Thus, the Basis of Design is the key document that encapsulates the design intent of a project comprehensively.