Knowledge
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Very broadly, the term ‘knowledge’ refers to organised information, such as might be found in a report.
It is differentiated from data - which refers to discrete facts (numbers and characters that in themselves have no meaning) and information - which is data that has been structured so that it does have meaning (such as text or a table).
The application of knowledge is sometimes referred to as wisdom.
Knowledge can be explicit knowledge, which has been codified and recorded, or tacit knowledge, which is experiential and more difficult to formalise.
The construction industry is a knowledge-based industry, which depends on knowledge and high skill levels, and has an increasing need for ready access to knowledge. 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. As a result, tt is fragmented, inconsistent, sometimes contradictory, and often hidden behind pay walls and membership sign ups, or held on private intranets.
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The Construction Knowledge Task Group is working to improve the standardisation of, and access to knowledge by practitioners.
Articles about knowledge on Designing Buildings include:
- Concept-knowledge theory.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction knowledge survey.
- Construction knowledge.
- Data.
- Indigenous knowledge.
- Knowledge based economy.
- Knowledge classification.
- Knowledge gap.
- Knowledge Hubs.
- Knowledge management in construction.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- Knowledge standard.
- Knowledge task group.
- Local knowledge.
- Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge.
- Traditional knowledge.
- Types of construction knowledge.
Featured articles and news
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.