Platforms - A Novel Paradigm of Construction Collaboration

Abstract

Business and innovation models based on an idea of a digital platform have revolutionized information technology use in many consumer areas where uptake of IT would have otherwise been slow. Slow is also the uptake of information technology in construction. The hypothesis of this paper is that the delivery mechanism for technology has not been the most suitable one and that this can be improved upon – using the digital platforms. Term platform has been used before. In this paper we define the concept of a digital construction platform. We then analyse their potential in construction processes, focusing on construction design. The paper contributes to the understanding of an emerging new paradigm for the delivery, marketing, and innovation in digital technology in construction. Follow up work will examine the platforms from the structure-function-behaviour perspective and present their architectural foundations.