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  • 1.  going metric

    Posted 04-06-2011 10:55 AM

    Since we are in a global economy would it not make sense for architects to start dimensioning plans in  the metric system and feet/inches, or just the metric system? We could still use the nominal dimensioning system for building elements, studs, etc... converting them to metric, but as architects we would force the change of manufacturers and contractors in the U.S. to move over to the metric system in line with the rest of the world. In CAD systems it is easy to make the dimensional change. Any thoughts on this?
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    Jeffrey Jordan AIA
    Owner
    Jeffrey Jordan, Architect
    Elmsford NY
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  • 2.  RE:going metric

    Posted 04-07-2011 07:32 AM
    Metric System?  Was this written in 1975 and only now posted?

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    Francis Watkins AIA
    Bignell Watkins & Hasser Architects, P.A.
    Annapolis MD
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  • 3.  RE:going metric

    Posted 04-08-2011 12:28 PM
    As Francis suggests, the federal government supported construction metrication throughout the late 20th century, and much remains of this effort. The National Institute of Building Sciences ran an active metric council under staff vice president Bill Brenner, and NIBS continues to offer publications and other resources; see:

    https://www.nibs.org/index.php/nibs/resources/constructionmetrication

    I suggest Judy Marks as a possible current NIBS contact on this history.

    Bob Miller
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    Robert Miller FAIA
    Robert Miller Associates
    Washington DC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:going metric

    Posted 04-07-2011 10:10 AM
    If you might recall, there was an initiative in the 1980's to convert to metric.  For a number of reasons that did not transpire in the construction industry.  My personnal opinion is that it is really not necessary to make the wholesale convertion.  For projects overseas that must be done in metric, like you say, our computer graphics programs can make the dimensional convertion pretty easy.  Nominal materials on the international market do not equate exactly to US nominal materials, so it is not just a simple conversion.  Unless we get more unneeded government intrusion, it is really not that important.  We can compete in the international market, and have successfully, while still relying on feet and inches here in the states.  Maybe gradually the construction material industry will convert over, much like the automotive industry has (due in large part to international suppliers of parts and components).  My opinion anyway.

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    Kerry Hogue AIA
    HKS, Inc.
    Dallas TX
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  • 5.  RE:going metric

    Posted 04-07-2011 08:59 PM
    It might make sense if the units you were using were also designed in metric. 

    Some years ago I worked on a commerical project in Mexico.  When I asked about the sizes of their drywall and plywood, I found out that their equipment came from the US, and so their sizes were still 48" wide.

    Besides, I'd like to see you explain all those odd numbers to plan checkers and contractors...

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    Klaus Steinke AIA
    Las Vegas NV
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