An initial integrated set of documents and structural diagrams that capture the essence of the relationships, linkages and interdependencies embodied in a complex SystemA set of Components that are formally related together by a ... Click for more.
By analogy, a ‘Reference Architecture’ is somewhat like a detailed background and set of structural diagrams outlining how and why a major public building was constructed in the last century, and a detailed exploration of the structural options for how it can be made more fit-for-purpose for 21st century needs.
The development of a Reference Architecture functions as the first major loop of architectural development and ‘community of practice’. It is foundational to subsequent Detailed ArchitectureEvery functioning System created by humans has an architectu... Click for more and Engineering Detailed Design phases.