The safety goals in the construction industry are very high, aiming for zero fatality and low major accidents. Important innovations in construction, like cell phones, were immediately adopted when they made the job faster and easier. However, the challenge arises when the value of technology isn't clear or when it's complicated and requires coordination among multiple team members. This is evident in the case of Building Information Modeling (BIM), where its value is not clear and adoption is hindered due to its complexity.
Most industries have become more productive over time. But not construction! We identify the causes — and possible solutions. (Can you say ... “prefab”?)
RESOURCES:
EXTRAS:
SOURCES:
- Vaughan Buckley, founder and C.E.O. of the Volumetric Building Companies.
- Carrie Sturts Dossick, professor of construction management at the University of Washington.
- Ed Glaeser, professor of economics and chair the economics department at Harvard University.
- Michael Hough, director of MJH Structural Engineers.
- Ivan Rupnik, professor of architecture at Northeastern University.
- Chad Syverson, professor of economics at the University of Chicago.