Breaking ground
Breaking ground is a phrase often used to describe the start of a project. The expression originates from around the 1670s where it was used more literally to mean to dig or plough the ground to plant or seed. From the 1700's it began to be used more figuratively as an idiom to express the commencement of a plan.
Breaking new ground, in a similar way might be used to describe any form of innovation as opposed to a specifically physical intervention, such as breaking new ground in scientific discovery.
In terms of construction the phrase can be used more formally to express the start of a construction project. In this context it may be accompanied by a celebration, where key stakeholders of a project might use a shovel to ceremoniously dig the soil on a construction site to mark the official start of their building project.
Breaking ground in a construction project may also have significance contractually as various building permissions such as planning permission would normally be in place. It marks the start on the construction phase of a project.
At the other end of a building project procurement process one might come across the term topping-out, which is sometimes also a ceremonial occasion that marks the completion of a construction project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.