Quantum
In its broadest sense, the word "quantum" refers to an amount or quantity of something.
In the construction industry, the term "quantum" may refer to the calculation or assessment of the amount or extent of something, typically related to costs, quantities of work, or damages. It is often used in the context of legal and contractual disputes, where parties may disagree on the amount of compensation or payment due for work completed, variations, delays, or damages.
Common contexts in which the the term "quantum" may be used include:
- The calculation of financial compensation owed due to breaches of contract, delays, or other issues that cause financial loss.
- "Quantum Meruit" - a legal principle meaning "as much as is deserved," used when there is no agreed contract price, and the payment is determined based on the value of the work completed.
- In disputes, quantum assessments are critical in determining the financial impact of issues like delays, variations, or incomplete work.
- A quantity surveyor, who specialises in the assessment and calculation of the quantum of work or damages.
It may also be used to refer to quantum technologies such as quantum computers, quantum encryption, quantum optics and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
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.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.