CHALLENGES OF SMART BUILDING SPECIFICATION ON WORKING DRAWING AND SPECIFICATION IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

This study examines the challenges associated with integrating smart building specifications into working drawings within the Nigerian construction industry. As the demand for intelligent building systems grows, practitioners face increasing complexities in design detailing, documentation standards, and coordination among stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was employed to capture a comprehensive understanding of these challenges. Quantitatively, a structured survey was administered to 605 professionals in the built environment across Nigeria, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and builders, to identify prevalent issues and assess their impact on project delivery. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives from 15 architectural and construction firms actively engaged in smart building projects, providing nuanced insights into practical difficulties and contextual factors influencing the adoption of smart technologies. Findings reveal that inadequate technical knowledge, evolving client requirements, limited local standards for smart systems, and gaps in multidisciplinary collaboration significantly impede the effective translation of smart building specifications into working drawings. Severity is reflected in the fact that only 39.4% of respondents found existing specification practices fully compliant with best-practice standards, indicating a substantial performance gap. Furthermore, 73.3% reported frequent ambiguities and scope changes, a critical problem in smart building projects where precise definitions of system integration, data protocols, sensor placements, and automation standards are essential for success. The study also highlights the lack of specialized training and insufficient integration of smart technologies into existing regulatory frameworks as key obstacles. The paper concludes by recommending targeted capacity building, the development of localized smart building guidelines, and stronger cross-disciplinary engagement to enhance the quality and efficiency of smart building documentation in Nigeria.