Construction knowledge
Knowledge is the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
The knowledge pyramid suggests a hierarchy, with data (discrete facts) at the bottom, information structured data) above that, knowledge (structured information) next, and wisdom (applied knowledge) at the top. For more information see: Knowledge pyramid.
Knowledge can be explicit (codified and recorded) or tacit (personal and obtained through experience).
Knowledge is vital to the construction industry, defining what is required, setting standards and explaining what is possible. It includes legislation, regulations, policy, best practice, research, innovations, news and so on. For more information see: Types of construction knowledge.
However, unlike data and information, which tend to be project based and so have clear authorship, ownership, responsibility and control, knowledge tends to be industry-wide and intra project, with no overall controlling mind. It is fragmented, inconsistent, sometimes contradictory, and often hidden behind pay walls or membership sign ups, or held on private intranets. The Construction Knowledge Task Group is working to improve the standardisation of, and access to knowledge by practitioners.
Articles on Designing Buildings Wiki about construction knowledge include:
- Construction knowledge comes out of the dark ages. Press release 27 August 2020.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction Knowledge Survey results.
- Construction knowledge task group.
- Data.
- Document control.
- Fit for purpose - Big data reveals the construction knowledge gap.
- How to apply the Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge to web pages.
- Information.
- Knowledge management.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge.
- Types of construction knowledge.
Featured articles and news
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.