Phase III: Construction Documents

Construction documents are the graphic and written directions prepared by the landscape architect and used to secure bids from potential contractors. The same documents will be used to guide all work of the selected contractor to build the project. The construction documents consist of three main components prepared by the landscape architect:8

1. Graphic drawings, consisting of plans, details, technical sections, notes, material schedule. 2. Technical specifications. In some cases, for instance, a geotechnical investigation and report with soil testing results and recommendation would also be included. 3. Construction contract (between owner and contractor) and bid documents including various bid forms and related insurance documentation materials.

The construction drawings show “the what” is to be built, installed, and where (see grading plan, Figure 3.8). The technical specifications describe the quality of the materials, the general methods of construction, and how the built and supplied elements will be evaluated for their conformance to the intent of the drawings for acceptance and payment as recommended by the landscape architect to the owner. The drawings are prepared in sufficient detail describing the size and shape, quantities, and locations of physical elements compared with one another. The drawings should not describe building products or quality standards on drawings; this information is included in the technical specifications. For example, the drawings will indicate the size, color, and type of brick in addition to the pattern for the bricks to be installed. The technical specifications will describe the quality of

Figure 3.8 Site plan with grading. Courtesy of LSU Facility Services Planning & Design, and Dennis Mitchell, LSU landscape architect.