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
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.