The dubious LOD scale...

I quite like the look of the BIM addendum of the Consensus301.

...But the LODs of AIA E202? The more I explore the concept, the less I like it.

Fixed and agreed-on LODs are supposed to bring certainty to projects, instead they introduce ambiguities at multiple levels.

They seem to be set up based on the assumption that there always is a process of gradual refinement from big picture to small, from bulk down to detail.

Let’s put this to a test: Take a staircase as an example!

According to my experience a typical stair in a high-rise will go through the following transformations:

It will start-off as a blob, if you are lucky someone will allow for a rectangular space big enough for a typical-staircase capable of spanning the height.

Gradually it will get more defined, structurally, with finishes, handrails, guards, balustrades.

Nosing details will be designed, fixings, materials specified, colours chosen...

So far so good...

Then, someone will decide to replace the concrete stair by a steel one.

Someone else, will realise that the accessibility code hasn’t been taken into account and the stair is too-steep.

The allowed space will not accommodate a fully accessible stair.

A supplier of nosing-tiles will suggest an alternative.

Another staircase will become the accessible staircase.

The fire-rating will be down-graded and the nosings amended....

Gradually increasing LODs?