CSI Considers Updating Formatting Standard

To keep up to date with changing technology, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Alexandria, Va., is currently studying the need to revise its MasterFormat, a nationally used formatting standard for nonresidential construction. Specifically, CSI is looking to adapt the standard to reflect advances in telecommunications technology.

By Staff January 25, 2001

To keep up to date with changing technology, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Alexandria, Va., is currently studying the need to revise its MasterFormat , a nationally used formatting standard for nonresidential construction. Specifically, CSI is looking to adapt the standard to reflect advances in telecommunications technology.

“People’s needs in the construction industry are changing more and more rapidly and CSI is doing its very best to see that their formats and documents meet those needs properly,” explained Frederick J. Klemeyer, Jr., CSI’s technical committee chairman.

Currently the task team is deciding whether to recommend adding a division for telecommunications to the standard. Proponents argue that the current electrical division only focuses on the light and power requirements of commercial structures, but doesn’t take into account units such as computer-driven audio and video systems.

CSI is now accepting input from A/E firms, associations and other building design and construction industry groups at masterformat@csinet.org