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Databases and Directories

AJ Specification
 http://www.ajspecification.com/



 AJ Specification describes itself as "a new generation online specification tool", helping specifiers experience proven products in the context of inspiring buildings. The site brings together two well known brands in the world of buildings and product specification - the Architects' Journal, and Specification - with access via paid subscription. Once logged in, users can browse or search the site by building, architect, supplier or product. AJ Specification's detailed coverage is impressive - information about specific buildings is complemented by useful articles and images from the Architects' Journal. Navigation of the site is highly intuitive, with clear and effective hyperlinking between different sources of information. Though the requirement to pay does act as a bar to access, AJ Specification is nevertheless an impressive resource, providing an essential source of reference for the architect, specifier or student. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 7 Jul 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-040602-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Building Design and Construction Services Directory
 http://www.buildingdesign.co.uk/



 Created by information taken from a series of formal Notebooks used for recording meeting minutes, and produced by Arundel Jones Associates, the Building Design and Construction Services Directory aims to provide information for architects, building services engineers and surveyors. Company information is grouped into three directories, covering Architectural, Mechanical HVAC and Electrical products. Within these, information on featured companies is presented in a standard format, with a concise technical introduction listing relevant standards and product ranges, and plenty of appropriate illustrations. A particularly useful feature allows UK and European users to request further information about any of the products which interest them, and each directory also features a page of links to related sites. Overall, this is a valuable resource, awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 2 Oct 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-200304-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Building Products Index
 http://www.bpindex.co.uk/



 The Building Products Index is a detailed, searchable database of UK building products and materials, includings thousands of links. The site has always been very clearly organised, but a recent redesign means that it now boasts a sleek and attractive interface to go with it. Users can search the BPI database either by manufacturer or brand name, or by product or material. Search results are displayed simply and cleanly, and now include access to downloadable PDF files of manufacturers' literature (for which free registration is required). All in all, the Building Products Index is a sophisticated, easy-to-use and highly convenient resource, deservedly awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-141002-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Designguide.com
 http://www.designguide.com/



Newly launched in 2004, Designguide "is dedicated to providing the design and construction industry with the most comprehensive and efficient directory for professionals, products and online resources". Users can browse the site's content by category ('professionals', 'products' or 'links') or use the convenient search tool. When it launched, the site described its interface as "a sophisticated online environment built on imagery, speed and simplicity", and it certainly is unusual to see construction-related content presented within an architectural aesthetic. It all looks very professional indeed, with a recent redesign tweaking the category headings to better articulate the site's undoubted value as a resource. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-070604-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ESI.info
 http://www.esi.info/



 ESI.info describes itself as "a leading online marketplace of products, services and suppliers working in architecture, construction and environmental engineering." The website is free to use and aims to provide designers, specifiers and buyers with an easy way to research, select and specify products and services across built environment projects. A colour-coded menu on the clean and attractive homepage provides access to sections covering External Works, Building Design, Building Services, Interior Design and Environmental Engineering; once inside, users can access over 11,000 illustrated product profiles, featuring specification information and company details. The function to compare and save lists of product selections for use in live or future projects is especially useful. It's easy for a site based around specification information to be dull and stodgy, but ESI.info's lively and well-illustrated pages ensure that the site is lovely to look at as well as an invaluable resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Dec 2011].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-051211-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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Hire-Contractors.com
 http://www.hire-contractors.com/



Hire-Contractors.com is a US-based directory of home improvement and restoration contractors, including cleaning services, carpet cleaning, architects, landscape architects, interior designers and builders. The site is attractively designed and easy to use, with users able to browse the directory by category or search it by Zip code. A series of home improvement-related articles add to the site's value as a resource. [GAS, 4 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040906-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Lighting Directory
 http://www.lightingdirectory.com/



 As its name implies, Lighting Directory is a comprehensive resource listing manufacturers and suppliers of lighting fixtures and related products. The site is attractively designed, well laid-out and easy to use - visitors can browse the directory by category, or search by keyword or company name; each entry then includes a company profile, contact information and web link. Elsewhere, new lighting product releases, an up-to-date news section, and current job vacancies add to the site's value as a resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 13 Dec 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-240304-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Structurae
 http://www.structurae.net/



 Created by bridge engineer Nicolas Janberg, Structurae is an International Database and Gallery of Structures, and is an excellent resource for students, teachers and professionals in the field of civil but especially structural engineering. It contains information relating to bridges and bridge construction; skyscrapers, towers and other tall buildings; domes, shells, tensile structures and other roofs of long spans; dams and other engineered structures; and the designers (i.e. engineers and architects) of these structures. Database entries include a wealth of information, including technical data, images, bibliographical references and useful web links. The site is provided in English, French and German, and welcomes the submission of additional data from its users. All in all, a fantastic resource, deservedly awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-221000-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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