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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.