Emmerson Report
The Ministry of Works' 'Survey of Problems before the Construction Industries', commonly known as the Emmerson Report, was published in 1962.
It was one of several reports aimed at improving the way the industry was organised and the way construction work was procured. The report pointed to shortcomings and fragmentation in the industry and the professions - engineer, architect, builder, and so on.
The Emmerson Report criticised a lack of cohesion between the parties to a construction contract and proposed 'the possibility of adopting a common form of contract for both civil and building engineering work'. It also suggested the standardisation of subcontracts.
Many of the issues raised were developed further in the Banwell Report published in 1964.
However, Emmerson also said: "Because this study is intended to detect signs of ill-health it may give a false picture. I must, therefore, emphasize most strongly that in a more balanced survey I should wish to pay tribute to the remarkable recovery of the building materials industries and the construction industries from the war period when they were practically closed down; their flexibility in meeting new demands on their services in the past fifteen years; the introduction of new materials, increased mechanization and new techniques; the steady rise in output, and the avoidance of major industrial disputes."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.