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PurposeThe architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry encounter substantial risks and challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development. International businesses, multinational AEC organisations, technical professionals, project and portfolio management organisations face global connectivity challenges between business units, especially during the outbreak of novel coronavirus pandemic, to manage construction megaprojects (CMPs). That raises the need to manage global connectivity as a main strategic goal of global organisations. This paper aims to investigate barriers to integrating lean construction (LC) practices and integrated project delivery (IPD) on CMPs towards the global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives and develop future of work (FOW) global initiatives in contemporary multinational AEC organisations.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach is adopted. The qualitative research methodology consists of a literature review to appraise barriers to integrating LeanIPD&GID on CMPs. Barriers are arranged into six-factor clusters (FCs), with a conceptualisation of LeanIPD&GID, GID strategy placements and FOW global initiatives with multiple validations. This analysis also involved semi-structured interviews and focus group techniques. Stage two consisted of an empirical questionnaire survey that shaped the foundation of analysis and findings of 230 respondents from 23 countries with extensive cosmopolitan experience in the construction of megaprojects. The survey examined a set of 28 barriers to integrating LeanIPD&GID on CMPs resulting from a detailed analysis of extant literature after validation. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were exploited for data analysis, percentage scoring analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and eigenvalues were used to elaborate on clustered factors.FindingsThe research conceptualised LeanIPD&GID principles and proposed GID strategy placements for LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives and FOW global initiatives. It concluded that the most significant barriers to integration of LeanIPD&GID on CMPs are "lack of mandatory building information modelling (BIM) and LC industry standards and regulations by governments”, "lack of involvement and support of governments”, "high costs of BIM software licenses”, "resistance of industry to change from traditional working practices” and "high initial investment in staff training costs of BIM”. PCA revealed the most significant FCs are "education and knowledge-related barriers”, "project objectives-related barriers” and "attitude-related barriers”. Awareness of BIM in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is higher than LC and LC awareness is higher than IPD knowledge. Whilst BIM adoption in the MENA region is higher than LC;the second is still taking its first steps, whilst IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, whilst LeanIPD integration is almost not present.Originality/valueThe research findings, conclusion and recommendation and proposed GID strategy placements for LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives to integrating LeanIPD&GID on CMPs. This will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling LeanIPD&GID barriers identified in this research and commence GID strategies. The study has provided effective practical strategies for enhancing the integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs.
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This paper explored the temporary facilities created during the pandemic for use as COVID-19 test centers at Zaventem Airport, the main airport for the city of Brussels, Belgium. The possibilities of modular construction technology and the impact of the building envelope on users' perception of indoor space comfort and privacy were closely observed. The three main problem statements were as follows: (1) the COVID-19 crisis indirectly influenced the creation of temporary modular buildings with glass envelopes;(2) the modular envelope is adaptable to the existing context;and (3) the envelope meets the needs of the users. This study's objectives were to identify the critical factors for users' well-being in temporary modular buildings, and to conduct factor comparisons among different users and between different building-enclosure systems. The study data were collected through a subjective assessment using a SWOT analysis and a survey questionnaire. The glass facade affected the users' acceptance levels of comfort and privacy. The main results show that the users were satisfied with the level of comfort and dissatisfied with the level of privacy. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and provide useful feedback to designers and engineers about specific design features and operating strategies for temporary modular emergency healthcare buildings.
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Cities experience rapid growth and transformation. Over the past decades, change has been particularly intense and complex, associated to globalization, spatial compression and temporal acceleration. Within this context, the EU funds introduced new urban rehabilitation dynamics that made a city center more and more attractive. This, alongside the growth of international tourism, has increased the number of city users, which has furthered the discussion on the relation between the physical, economic, social and environmental intervention of the city, as well as the debates on the positive and negative impacts of tourism in cities. With that in mind, we look at the intense change that occurred in the city of Porto, Portugal, in the period from an intense economic crisis to the COVID-19 confinement. We consider changes in buildings, retail and policies to conclude that a neoliberal attitude favoured a tourism-led and sustainability blind gentrification. Based on a survey and analysis of 50 urban rehabilitation initiatives in downtown Porto and on the analysis of recent public policies, we discuss the relation between urban rehabilitation and tourism in Porto, and therefore the effectiveness of public policies and its contribution to sustainable urban development.
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PurposeThe unexpected spread of COVID-19 rapidly switched from a health crisis to an economic one. The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry experienced drastic impacts, especially in Africa. Several studies investigated COVID-19 impacts on the AEC industry, but very few were conducted in Africa. This study aims to cover this gap, address detailed overview of negative and positive impacts of COVID-19 on the AEC field, especially in the different African regions, and highlight their causes and the measures taken to overcome them.Design/methodology/approachThe authors combined a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a survey involving 87 AEC companies operating in Africa. The SLR initially used four scientific databases;however, considering the limited Africa-related found data, institutional and governmental databases were also included.FindingsGlobally, implementing the mandated restrictive measures against COVID-19 caused significant losses for developers, designers and contractors but helped the information and communication technologies operators to thrive. In the five African regions, the AEC industry experienced 22 heavy impacts that can be split into four categories: financial, managerial/strategic, operational and opportunities. This paper thoughtfully explains the causes of COVID-19 impacts and presents the undertaken measures by the African private and public sectors to overcome them. Generally, the African AEC industry lost 51% of the total sales in 2020.Originality/valueThis paper contains all aspects related to health hazard influences on the AEC industry, especially in Africa. Researchers and decision-makers may use it to build new approaches or strategies related to risk management or design technological solutions.
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Several studies have indicated that children who grow up in green environments enjoy beneficial impacts on their development. However, to date, very little attention has been paid to the types and characteristics of dedicated public open green space for children. In addition, studies on biophilic design that could help landscape architects to design open spaces for children are limited. In order to fill this gap, this perspective examines the scientific literature on the relationship between open spaces and children. The authors specifically discuss and analyze the following points: (1) pathways to and effects on children's health and well-being;(2) types and characteristics of open spaces for child-dedicated facilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, fitness camps, playgrounds, etc.), as well as for child-friendly urban open spaces. Finally, the authors provide inspiring examples and case studies of biophilic design for children's health and well-being. Conclusions from this perspective show that biophilic design could benefit both the physical and mental health of children, as well as improve children's overall resilience to pandemics and other diseases. This perspective provides, for the first time, new insights for designing biophilic and child-friendly cities, and explores areas of future research.
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Since early 2020, COVID-19 has had devastating and ongoing health and economic impacts worldwide. The construction industry has not been immune to these impacts. Although construction was generally deemed essential, in some jurisdictions only certain sectors of the construction industry were deemed essential and therefore allowed to continue with work. Any construction that took place was subject to additional precautions that may have resulted in delay and disruption claims. The methodology of the paper involves a review of primary and secondary legal resources in the United States that are used to derive applicable rules of law. Those rules of law are then applied to force majeure contract language from the American Institute of Architects to outline the criteria for successful delay and disruption claims. For construction contracts entered into prior to the onset of the pandemic, delay claims will likely result only in an extension of the contract time, whereas disruption claims may result in additional time and/or money depending on how the contract addresses unforeseen costs. In the absence of express contract terms addressing unforeseen costs in a situation such as COVID-19, principles of equity will dictate whether additional compensation is granted. © 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Since the COVID-19 shutdown in March of 2020, I have a newfound appreciation for space and its influence on "work" and productivity. Inherent in designing spaces for learning is an understanding of each space's purpose and who is using the space. Learning in space took on even greater importance during the 2020-2021 school year. As educators considering student engagement, we soon realized that the best way to stay safe and increase student engagement was to learn outside.
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Many educational buildings still do not have proper ventilation systems, are not sustainable in use, and contribute to the spread of Covid-19 viruses. The biggest challenge for the future is to provide attractive, useable, healthy, and sustainable educational buildings in the Netherlands. But is this challenge realistic? Old buildings are usually demolished and replaced by new ones because the government hardly gives any compensation for building renovation or transformation. This leads to the demolition of many school buildings even though the application of new raw materials is not circular and has an impact on our climate and environment. Furthermore, many pre-war buildings are heritage that have a positive impact on neighbourhoods. It is unclear who is responsible for educational buildings, renovation, and financing all the ambitions. The government, the municipality or the school foundation? Problems will soon be exacerbated. At this moment the environmental impact (MilieuPrestatieGebouwen MPG) has no legal base however, this will rapidly change in the age of a circular economy and the upcoming renovation wave. Atelier PRO architects designs many educational buildings and they noticed a change of attitude in conceptualizing educational buildings the last years in the forerunner municipality Amsterdam. Based on these cases and experiences atelier PRO learned their lessons about the ideal renovation towards attractive, healthy and sustainable educational buildings.
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Introduction: It is clear that there is a gap between academic knowledge and professional practice in the field of architecture. Based on feedback from the industry, recent graduates lack the required skills, technical knowledge, and professional competencies. To keep pace with the rapidly changing technological scenario, the entire curriculum and syllabus of undergraduate (UG) level architectural education in India need restructuring and revision with reference to the contents to be taught and technical skills to be gained. In the past few years, student enrollment in UG-level architecture programs in India has declined, whereas demand projected experiences an upward movement. Purpose of the study: We aimed to restructure architectural education post COVID-19 pandemic with reference to professional practice and market expectations. For that purpose, we needed to review various aspects of higher education, the current scenario, and graduate attributes and reformulate those in terms of architectural education. It has become imperative to strengthen architectural education, especially post COVID-19 crisis. Prospective future professionals should be trained to meet the construction industry expectations while continuing their independent lifelong learning to ensure their global acceptability. Methods: The study methodology involves a market survey to analyze the current situation and determine construction industry expectations for recent graduates of architecture programs. The survey covered representatives of academia and construction industry professionals. Results and Discussion: The findings show that there is potential for restructuring the architectural education curriculum to both suit the educational purpose and meet the industry expectations. Its restructuring with a fresh approach will help architecture students learn more thoroughly how to become professionals ready to work in the Indian market as well as accept the global challenges presented by changing technology. The outcome of this study is presented in the form of a simple model curriculum, which can be adopted by institutions imparting architectural education. © Architecture and Engineering.All right reserved.
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It has been determined that the existing studies in the literature about women architects have remained in the background or ignored in the historical process, there are barriers they have encountered in the sector, their visibility in the sector is low and they have left the profession of architecture over time. However, it has been observed that it has not been investigated whether the career barriers that female architects encounter differ according to their career stages. The aim of this research is to fill the knowledge gap identified in this field in the literature and to reveal the career barriers faced by women architects. Quantitative research method was used in this study and data were collected by questionnaire method. It has been understood that the glass ceiling and sexist attitudes, which are among the career barriers of female architects, differ according to career stages. The limitations of the research are that the participation of the participants in the research is based on voluntariness, contacting people through online platforms due to Covid 19, the research is carried out in a limited time frame and the opinions of the participants are limited to the questions in the measurement tools. Within the construction industry, women architects face career barriers throughout their careers. Ensuring that more women architects take part in the construction sector will be an important step in reducing or eliminating such barriers. However, making individual efforts to prevent these barriers faced by female architects during their careers will not produce a real solution. The research is considered important in that it has not been investigated whether the career barriers found to be faced by female architects differ according to career stages and in this context, this study is the first of its kind.
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This study aims to identify and compare the objectives and elements of three emerging concepts, Health, Sustainability, and Resilience (HSR), which are proposed in this paper working together to provide a better response to the post-pandemic challenges that cities face today. This paper argues that it is possible to create sustainable, healthy, and resilient environments by reconnecting with nature through biophilic design (BD) by answering the following questions (1) What would be the common variables and elements when seeking to create a sustainable, healthy, and resilient environment and (2) How can those resultant elements be linked to biophilic design patterns to achieve solutions focused on improving people’s health and well-being by reconnecting with nature? Consequently, this paper tries to integrate biophilic design with the healthy, sustainable, and resilient environments while comparing the variables and indicators of each concept to demonstrate that there is a common connection between them. As a result, 19 overlapping concepts are identified through the content analysis method, namely: safety, crime, risk, adaptability, environment, green, land, water, pollution, food, affordability, housing, education, transportation, planning economics, policy, community, and management. Finally, it is shown that 16 of the 19 concepts are closely related to biophilic design. In conclusion, through biophilic design, it is possible to solve the problems represented in the HSR model. For those that are not contemplated by any of the patterns, it provides an opportunity for further research.
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In the era of digitalization, we have increasingly moved from real-life experiences towards virtual experiences. Consequently, we have lost our inherent connection to nature and our natural ability to understand the natural world around us. The human-nature connection has lost its meaning in urban life. There is a real need to find a new vision for the post-pandemic city that is different than the pre-pandemic city: we are moving from the tech-driven smart city to Nature Smart Cities with an emphasis on human connection and nature connection. Howard Gardner, who created the theory of multiple intelligences, later on added to his list naturalistic intelligence or nature smart. This particular form of intelligence manifests itself in an individual's sensitivity to nature and the world. People endowed with this form of intelligence are the people who see both the forest and the trees. Restoring and rebuilding our interdependence with environmental systems is the very essence of human and planetary wellbeing. How to design cities for happiness, doing and living well, in harmony with humans and nature?
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It is clear that we are facing a tipping point in global politics, climate change and social justice. Much has been trumpeted under the banner of the 'Green New Deal'. Billy Fleming, the Wilks Family Director of the Ian L McHarg Center at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, describes the history and various approaches encompassed within this ubiquitous epithet and how designers can get involved.
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The green building certification system has long-lasting benefits by improving building efficiency and sustainability. The ultimate goal of such classification is to promote the preservation of the global environment as well as the occupants’ well-being and their health. In this paper, we present examples of buildings that have been designed and built in Poland and have been certified with BREEAM, LEED and WELL. Our study investigates human factors in certification systems and examines the WELL Building Standard as a supplement to other green systems, which will probably be the most popular in the future. The green building movement should prioritize pro-human factors and the associated environmental beliefs to improve indoor environment quality for users’ needs. We present this matter on the example of the Polish office space market, providing statistics and analyzing the architecture of six certified office buildings from Warsaw, Poznań and Wrocław. They are a representative sample of buildings designed following the certification regime. It was demonstrated how this aids in improving work comfort, enhances the program of office spaces and the organization of service spaces within buildings, which increases the rank of this architecture and positively affects the urban environment.
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Architects are currently facing the understanding of the transformation of the work practices of people, teams and organizations in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Europe is still in the gloom of this pandemic and it can be seen changes in the office-domestic workplaces. These places have been mutating during the last year, they have been transformed according the new requirements. Individuals have adapted their homes and companies are already thinking the office space according the new reality. This study aims to determine how the interior space could adapt in order to provide comfort and well-being in contemplation of the contemporary and near future situation. The principal objective of this project was to create a tiny piece of space which contributes to create our “existence maximum” in a small space. To test the hypotheses that with the creation of a piece of furniture it can help us in the transformation of the domestic and office interior space is the key to make sure that people feel safe and work comfortably. Contemporary source material was used to examine the evolution of the pandemic and how it affects the individuals’ psychological behavior during this time. The findings provide a solid evidence base for the future will be a hybrid reality, where knowledge employees will continuously be working from home most of the time. It is evidently clear from the findings that as modernist architecture could be understood as a consequence of the result of some diseases of that period. Nowadays, architects have the responsibility to think how the interior architecture could be improved in order to make the people feel safe, comfortable and well connected where individuals could learn to live together confronting of our own homes and our own workspaces. The result is the design of an ergonomic workstation which contemplates the users’ requirements for working, providing adaptation to different working positions, mobility within the space and transformation according to individual needs. In addition, it has been considered the sustainability of the materials and the easy assembly with the possibility of the addition of accessories.