The construction industry's inherent inefficiencies have long been documented. Over the course of the last 60 years reviews from Simon, Emmerson, Banwell, Latham, Egan and Wolstenholme have all pinpointed a productivity problem with barriers to efficiency, innovation, growth and change and little in the way of a feedback loop.
In 2017 there's some evidence that things are starting to change. With BIM adoption on the rise digital construction and collaborative working are helping to break down silos and starting to reap rewards.
Enter the concept of Integrated Project Delivery, an emergent project delivery method that draws on each stakeholder's unique knowledge to address problems before they occur and aims to break down silos. The thinking being that bringing together the owners, architect, engineers, and contractors together early in the development stage any problems can be caught early and dealt with collaboratively. The result? Earlier, more informed decision making with the aim being to add value for the owner of the asset as built.
The benefits for construction are clear to see, making this an opportune moment to release a book-length discussion of the methodologyas it applies to construction and that's where Integrating Project Delivery comes in.
The authoring team boast a decade's experience at the front line and in research and offer up a primer aimed at architects, designers and students with a focus on what IPD looks like in practical detail in everyday operation with plenty of real-world case studies.
End-of-chapter questions help readers quickly review what they've learned, and the online forum allows readers to share their insights and ideas with others who either have or are in the process of implementing IPD themselves.
The last word
As stakeholders get to grips with what collaborative construction means for them, the time is definitely right to explore workflow and relationships.
This book succeeds in showing how an IPD approach can revolutionise team working to foster a collaborative atmosphere with a shared purpose to realise best value for the client and manages to balance the theory and application in perfect measure.
A timely tome then as the industry grapples with the practicalities of translating software and standards into practical workflows that work for the entire project team looking to reap the rewards of digital construction.
About the authors
Martin Fischer is professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University and serves as the director of the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE).
Howard Ashcraft is a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers and the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers (hon.), a member of the AIA California Council (hon.), and an adjunct professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University.
Dean Reed is an advocate, organiser and educator for Lean and Integrated Project Delivery at DPR Construction.
Atul Khanzode is director for Technology and Innovation at DPR Construction, where he assists project teams in implementing Lean Construction and (VDC) Virtual Design and Construction methods.
What to read next
Understanding BIM in a project management environment
What does a BIM workflow mean in terms of project management? How should teams come together to collaborate? How should information be managed and projects run? Our guide explores some of the key considerations including a look at some of the key elements of Integrated Project Delivery.
BIM for project managers
Key takeaways from a RICS insight paper looking at how project managers can spur the adoption of BIM and drive improvements across project teams.
