The ” 1987 Handbook on Functional Requirements of Buildings (Other Than Industrial Buildings) (Parts I-4)” by the Bureau of Indian Standards serves as a comprehensive guide based on Indian Standards and the National Building Code of India. Created in response to the demand for detailed explanatory materials for civil engineering codes, this handbook has been developed through collaborative efforts initiated by the Department of Science and Technology and the Bureau of Indian Standards since the early 1970s. The publication aims to facilitate better understanding and implementation of building standards across India, particularly focusing on non-industrial buildings like dwellings, schools, and hospitals.
The handbook is segmented into four distinct parts, each addressing critical aspects of building design:
Part 1: This section covers the fundamental climatic elements such as air temperature, solar radiation, humidity, rainfall, and wind. It discusses the climatic zoning of various regions in India, providing essential data for regional planning and construction.
Part 2: Focuses on the heat insulation requirements for both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buildings. It provides guidelines tailored for different types of buildings to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.
Part 3: Details the ventilation needs and design strategies to achieve optimal air quality and flow within buildings. It includes principles and design factors that help architects and engineers develop effective ventilation systems.
Part 4: Concentrates on lighting, outlining design methods for natural daylighting, artificial lighting, and supplementary lighting. The section includes practical tools such as design curves, sky component protractors, and nomograms to aid in the calculation of required lighting levels based on building use and occupancy tasks.
Each part of the handbook is designed to assist professionals in the architectural and engineering fields by providing practical design aids, worked examples, and guidelines, ensuring buildings meet functional requirements while adhering to energy conservation principles. The handbook’s drafts and final versions have undergone extensive review by various experts and stakeholders in the field, ensuring comprehensive coverage and relevance to current standards and practices.
