by Aia W. Ennis Parker (Author)
Design and Construction: An Introduction to the Industry offers a panoramic view of the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, providing readers with essential insights into how it operates and how project teams are organized to achieve successful construction outcomes. The book is tailored for newcomers to the AEC field, such as students, as well as those with project oversight responsibilities but minimal industry experience. It seeks to furnish readers with foundational comprehension through an explanation of the industry and its major players' functions at a broad level.
Covering fundamental aspects of design and construction, the text explores the distinct roles and characteristics of participants in the construction process, approaches to project delivery, team selection, cost and scheduling, and the strategic integration of technology and sustainability into projects. It discusses the significant shift towards collaborative project execution, with a focus on heightened collaboration among varied project participants as critical to outcome success. The influence of modern technology such as building information modeling, extended reality technologies, and sustainability initiatives remains a central theme throughout the narrative.
Ideally suited for undergraduate courses in building design, construction, and related disciplines, Design and Construction also serves as an introductory resource for graduate-level readers aspiring to engage with the AEC industry.