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
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”