Perceptions

1. Perceptions “I tell you this tale, which is strictly true Just by way of convincing you How very little, since things were made Things have altered in the building trade” Rudyard Kipling, A truthful song A reputation deserved or undeserved? ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2. The drivers of change • Technological factors • Organisational factors • Economic factors • Governmental influences • Societal/cultural influences • Clients have changed! • Many overlaps and interactions ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

3. Technological Change • The industry and its buildings Structure and fabric – since mid 19th C Building services – especially last 50 years Construction methods – mechanisation, industrialisation • Society and industry generally • Information technology • Manufacturing, business processes etc taking place in buildings ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

4. Organisational Change • Increasing specialisation Driven by technology, business strategy, legislation etc… • Separation of function • Especially design from construction • Growth of professional boundaries – 19th C • The professional “hierarchy” • Pressures for reintegration – 1970’s onwards ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

5. Economic factors • The importance of the industry 6 to 7% of UK economic activity, >£50, 000 million p.a. 4 to 6% of UK employment • The economic cycle – “boom and bust” • Why construction suffers more and for longer • The industry as economic regulator Governmental intention often overstressed General economic controls affect industry hard ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

6. Governmental Influences • Control of economy See previous section • As client of the industry • Approx. 25% of output is commissioned by public sector • Current changes in procurement – PPP & PFI • Legislation & taxation Direct impact - Planning, building regulations, safety Indirect impact - Tax concessions, development areas etc… ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

7. Societal Influences • Greater influence of general public Less accepting of “authority” – government, professions… Environmental consciousness – protest, “NIMBY’s” (Slightly?) more even distribution of wealth • Broader cultural influences • Changing population, easier world travel • Entrepreneurial attitudes Have varied with time Increase in small businesses since late 70’s ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

8. Changing clients • Growth of the corporate client Compare 19th C importance of individual & sole trader • Globalisation • Changing market for business & clients they generate • Business priorities Increasing concentration on time & cost performance Less tolerant of failings – more litigious • Transfer of management methods Project management, procurement methods… ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

9. Further reading Many texts cover the technological changes in buildings and their influence on the industry’s structures, practices, social change etce.g. two books by BillRisebero, The story of western architecture, and Modern architecture & design: an alternative history. Consideration of the specific role of the Architect inthese changes may be found in, amongst others: Saint, The image of the Architect, Yale UP and Kostof, Architecture, Oxford UP. The current economic influences within and on the industry and the current state of the professions is covered by: Harvey & Ashworth, The construction industry of GB, Newnes A venerable (1966) but venerated work on change and the industry as a whole is: Bowley, The British building industry, Cambridge UP worth a look if the topic interests you. ARBE121 - CHANGE & THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY