Describes how, with thorough planning, focus, teamwork, and discipline, school systems in Houston and San Diego have proven that they can manage massive and complicated construction programs without becoming mired in financial and bureaucratic difficulties. (EV)

Changing times place new demands on those involved in the implementation of construction projects. Within a relatively few years, the size and complexity of projects has grown substantially. Environmental and other public and social considerations are increasingly significant. With growing complexity, the requirements for effective project…

Describes an intelligent Web-based construction project management system called VHBuild.com which integrates project management, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence technologies. Highlights include an information flow model; time-cost optimization based on genetic algorithms; rule-based drawing interpretation; and a case-based…

Construction management accelerates school construction, increases quality and labor productivity, lowers costs, and offers developing nations an opportunity to improve their own management capabilities. (MLF)

This booklet was conceived and developed in response to the many questions asked of the AIA about architects and architecture by those contemplating a construction project. Questions answered concern reasons for retaining an architect, selection of an architect, methods of paying an architect, client responsibility, the building design process,…

In the design/build process, an owner asks an architect to team up with a builder to provide both design and construction services at a fixed price. Design/build procedures, used successfully in Jefferson County, Colorado, to provide facilities that satisfy school district needs in quality, cost, and fast delivery, are described. An editorial…

The decision to renovate or replace a school building is the starting point for a long and challenging journey with many phases: planning, development, and project delivery and construction. Each phase requires different levels of expertise, skills, and activities. The challenge of a rural facility project is to find leadership to provide guidance…

Presented is the final report of a project to acquire, renovate, and construct a building addition to house a sheltered workshop and provide instruction in basic life skills, social skills, simple production work skills, and life oriented academics for moderately retarded adults. Sections are provided on the following aspects of the project…

This article provides a detailed discussion of a team approach to building that involves a construction manager, an architect, and a contractor. Bidding methods are outlined; the major components in construction management -- value engineering and fast track scheduling -- and the use of performance specifications are discussed. The construction…

Construction management has been developed as an alternative to the traditional public building process and seeks to save an owner time and cost primarily through better activity coordination and project management. This report was developed to guide public agencies in their evaluation of construction management for their particular needs. It…

Despite the diversity of national circumstances, all countries have the common aim of providing the right kind of school buildings in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. The objective of the present study is to establish the best institutional means for achieving this aim and, insofar as there are common patterns between…

This study is focused on organizational and procedural aspects of the Construction Systems Program (CSP), a developmental/demonstration project. The report is derived principally from practical observations by 42 active participants (architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, owner's staff) in a four-school pilot program. Also…

The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) is one of the national laboratories of India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CBRI has applied the techniques of partial prefabrication to school building programs in Uttar Pradesh, the state having the largest population in India. The plan provides that the elements of a basic…

The Construction Systems Program (CSP) is the management process utilized in the construction of additions to four schools in the Detroit School District. The objectives of CSP were (1) to reduce the time required to plan and construct new buildings and additions, (2) to reduce the cost of new buildings and additions, and (3) to maintain or…

Construction Services is an innovative response to a chronic construction-remodeling problem at Northern Arizona State University. It is an in-house facilities maintenance department designed to address a variety of needs: prevention of construction or remodeling done by individual staff or faculty members without regard for applicable codes;…