TS 13007

TS 13007 is a terminology standard for the equipment requirements of public buildings. Its purpose is to define the terms and definitions used in this subject area so that the technical language around building programmes, equipment needs, and related concepts is understood consistently.

As a vocabulary standard, it is less about prescribing design rules than about establishing a shared conceptual framework. In public buildings used for administration, education, health, and social services, equipment requirements are often discussed in specifications, programme documents, and interdepartmental communication under varying names, so consistent definitions are especially valuable.

How the subject is organised conceptually

The standard’s scope is the terminology and definitions associated with equipment requirements in public buildings. In this context, “equipment” refers to the supporting elements that enable building use, while “requirement” points to the functional need that justifies them. This kind of terminology work helps separate closely related ideas that may otherwise be confused in architecture, facility planning, and specification writing.

In general technical practice, terminology standards improve consistency between design language, technical specification language, and specialist usage. For public service buildings in particular, clear naming of functional needs can support better coordination among planners, designers, operators, and users, while reducing ambiguity in later project stages.

• Provides a common vocabulary for administrative, educational, health, and social service buildings.
• Clarifies the conceptual link between equipment needs and building function.
• Draws on architecture, medical terminology, and technical specification references.
• Helps prevent one concept from being described with different terms across programme and specification documents.