Guide
How architects keep precedent and material references ready for review
An architectural reference library becomes useful when precedent, material, site, and detail cues can be reopened in the exact mix the review is asking for.
Architecture references rarely come from one channel. They arrive through site visits, consultant PDFs, desktop research, precedent archives, and presentation reviews. The harder job is keeping those inputs coherent once the project turns active.
Separate precedent research from live review boards
Broad precedent research should stay broad. Live review boards should narrow to the details that support the current massing, facade, circulation, or material decision.
Keep materials, site captures, and references in one project space
An architecture library becomes more practical when site images, precedent details, supplier references, and supporting links live together instead of being scattered across folders and tabs.
Retrieve by issue, not just by building name
Tags and Smart Folders help the library answer the questions that repeat across projects: stair rhythm, rainscreen details, concrete tone, lobby lighting, soft daylight, or compact circulation patterns.
Questions
Can Hive help with precedent research on iPad?
Yes. It is useful when precedent images, details, site captures, and supporting links need to stay inside one project library.
Does Hive work for material references too?
Yes. Materials, finishes, and supplier references often benefit from staying close to precedent and site images.
Why use Smart Folders in architecture workflows?
Because recurring combinations like material plus lighting plus facade cues often need to resurface across multiple review sessions.
Related