Coordination in the construction industry
Coordination (or co-ordination) refers to the process of organising people, systems, activities and so on so that they work together. Coordination is generally considered to improve efficiency and effectiveness, whilst fragmentation can cause inefficiencies and even clashes.
Coordination is a particular issue in the construction industry, where teams of people may come together to work on a complex design and construction involving many interrelated elements, and when the project is finished, they may disperse and might not work together again. Ensuring that this team works effectively together requires careful coordination, integration and collaboration – not something that the industry is always successful at achieving.
For more information see: Fragmentation
In the construction industry, co-ordination often refers to design coordination, that is, the integration of designs prepared by different members of the project team to create a single, unified set of information that can be constructed without clashes between components. Effective design coordination can help to reduce costs, delays and disruption that can be caused by problems on site and the need for remedial or abortive works and redesign.
For more information see: Design coordination.
Coordination in the construction industry may also refer to:
- BIM model coordination.
- Spatial coordination.
- Supply chain coordination.
- Coordination of documentation or policies.
- Coordination of construction activities.
- Coordination between bodies, such as government departments.
- Collaborative practices between project team members.
- Integration of systems, such as transport systems.
NB Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, defines co-ordinate as: ‘Ensuring that information flows successfully between organizational links and assembling diverse outputs.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.