How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built

by Stewart Brand

Anyone who buries services in the walls should adopt the practice of design/builder John Abrams in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (who will emerge as the hero of this chapter). In all his buildings he has a ritual just before the walls close, when the services are installed but the sheetrock hasn’t been put on yet. He walks methodically through the building photographing every open wall and ceiling and keying each photo to a set of plans. He discovered that the procedure gives him a chance for close overall supervision of the job at a critical moment, but the main purpose is to record precisely where all the services are before they get hidden—every duct, pipe joint, and outlet knockout. The color photos are then assembled with the keyed plans in a ring binder, which is known as “The Book” throughout the rest of the job. The electricians, finish carpenters, and other subcontractors consult The Book as often as they do the building plans. The electricians look to see if there’s enough slack in the wiring to move a light switch; the carpenters want to know where the blocking is for nailing the trim. At the end of the job, Abrams ceremoniously turns over The Book to the owners. With the passing years it becomes ever more precious for repair and remodeling, as original memories fade and construction practices change. Eventually it becomes a major item in the resale value of the building. It costs almost nothing to make.