Crossing disciplinary boundaries in building integrated design using collective objects

Abstract

Integrated design in construction is considered as the best approach to solve problems related to the linear and fragmented design process such as poor quality and solutions that are sub-optimal. The main challenge, however, is to break fragmented mindsets and knowledge boundaries around which professional practices are built. Professionals perform poorly in an interdisciplinary setting. Each discipline is using its own tools and related technical language and is reluctant to give away their specialized knowledge. Another problem is the resistance of design professionals to involve client and future users into the design process. Therefore, these teams are often dysfunctional and ineffective. One approach proposed in activity theory is to introduce new collective objects to the team, forcing them to rethink the way they work in a new context. This research is using a constructive research approach to explore the impact of new Building Information Model (BIM) collective tools as boundary objects to facilitate boundary crossing across disciplines. The expected contribution is to provide new practice knowledge for integrating design practices in construction using BIM as collective tools. © Common Ground, Daniel Forgues, and Françios Chiocchio, All Rights Reserved.