Overview
ISO 6707-1:2020 (identical to ISO 6707-1:2020) is a vocabulary standard for buildings and civil engineering works. It defines general terms and preferred English usage to establish a common language across the construction industry. The document covers fundamental and commonly used concepts that serve as the basis for more specialised definitions used in standards, regulations and contracts. It is intended to improve clarity in documentation for design, execution and maintenance of construction works.
Key Topics
The standard organises terms into clear subject groups, including:
- Types of buildings and civil engineering works (e.g., building, civil engineering project, earthworks)
- Spaces (functional spaces, circulation and movement areas)
- Parts of buildings and works (structural parts, dividing and enclosing parts, openings)
- Materials (earth, stone, wood and timber, functional materials)
- Operations, documentation and equipment (construction operations, records, tools)
- Persons involved and users (roles in projects)
- Characteristics and performance (size, dimensions, functional properties, testing)
- Environment and physical planning
Notable editorial features: international preferred terms are identified in bold; country‑specific synonyms (for example US variants) are provided, and Annex A lists US synonyms. The sixth edition consolidates earlier editions and clarifies ambiguous concepts.
Practical Applications and Who Uses It
SIST ISO 6707-1 is a practical reference for:
- Architects, civil and structural engineers - to use consistent terminology in drawings and specifications
- Contractors and construction managers - for unambiguous contract documents and site records
- Standards writers and regulators - to harmonize terms across standards, codes and legislation (note: legal definitions can differ)
- Procurement and contract administrators - to reduce disputes caused by terminology differences
- BIM managers and information modellers - to align object naming and metadata across systems
- Translators and technical communicators - for consistent multilingual vocabularies
Using a common vocabulary supports better project communication, reduces misinterpretation in contracts, and aids international collaboration on construction projects.
Related Standards
- Part of the ISO 6707 series (see ISO for a complete list).
- This edition cancels and replaces earlier documents including ISO 6707-1:2017 and incorporates revisions from related terminology standards.
Keywords: SIST ISO 6707-1, buildings and civil engineering works vocabulary, construction terminology, building terms, civil engineering terms, standards glossary, construction vocabulary.