Living, uninterrupted: the positive potential of low impact construction

Abstract

There is a certain level of chaos and disruption associated with the construction process. When construction becomes associated with infill urban development, it has additional negative realities as it impacts the ability of those living and working around the construction site to live a normal life, often for a significant length of time. How can the choices we make in terms of structural systems and construction methods serve to lessen that impact? This paper focuses on aspects of the construction process that pertain to choices in structural systems (mass timber, steel and reinforced/precast concrete) to create a practical (qualitative) guide towards lessening their social and environmental impact in an urban setting. Lessening the impact of construction also feeds naturally into existing objectives in sustainable design assessment tools which look for waste reduction, minimization of light pollution and the containment of processes on site.