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.