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The ISO Measurement Standard

The internationial standard ISO 9836, Performance Standards in Buildings: Definition and Calculation of Areas and Space Indicators, was publshed in 1992 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a worldwide federation of standards bodies that includes the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), publisher of the ANSI/BOMA Standard.

The ISO is located in Geneva, Switzerland. For those in the U.S., the easiest way to obtain it is via the Internet at the ISO web site using a credit card. In the ISO Store, search for 9836. At the time of this writing, it cost 66 Swiss Francs (about US$64) and is available in electronic (PDF) or hardcopy.

This is a well illustrated 9 page standard that defines building volume and exterior vertical surface areas in addition to total floor area, intra-muros area and usable area with a distinctly European flavor. It is a direct measurement methodology that does not include any allocation of common areas and employs only wall surfaces, not centerlines. It is generally not used in the United States.