CONTENTS
Preface iv
Acknowledgements v
Abbreviations vi
List of Figures vii
List of Tables vii
Chapter 1 Introduction 'A World Class Builder in the Knowledge Age'
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Research questions and aims 4
1.3 Approach and methodology 5
Chapter 2 Architectural Knowledge and the Evolution of the Profession
2.1 Introduction 7
2.2 Brief survey of historical developments 7
2.2.1 Tracing the history of the 'Architect' 7
2.2.2 Changing scope of the role of 'Architect' 11
2.3 The place of architects in today's construction industry 15
2.3.1 The fragmented industry 15
2.3.2 Myopic specialization' or 'flexible specialization'? 17
2.3 Summary 20
Chapter 3 Information Technology use in Architecture and Building
3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 Background 22
3.2.1 History of computer use in architecture 22
3.2.2 Historical context of interactive graphics and Computer Aided Design (CAD) 25
3.3 CAD software usage patterns 27
3.4 Architectural practice and CAD technology: 30
Significant issues
3.4.1 Gulf between desires and reality 30
3.4.2 The difficulty of representation 32
3.4.3 The need for a more critical look into IT 33
use in building design firms
3.4.4 The effect that digital tools have on design thinking 34
3.4.5 Standardization and interchangeable formats 36
3.4.6 Knowledge and IT in the AEC industry 37
3.5 Firm types and CAD technology 38
3.6 Summary 40
Chapter 4 Case study of Singapore's Construction 21 Initiative and its Effects
4.1 Introduction 41
4.2 Brief history of architecture in Singapore 42
4.3 Singapore's economy 43
4.4 Information technology development in Singapore 46
4.5 Singapore's Architects 47
4.6 Background of the construction industry in Singapore 52
4.6.1 The makeup of the construction industry 52
4.6.2 The Housing Development Board and the
Construction Industry 53
4.6.3 Construction exports 57
4.6.4 Problems in the Singaporean construction industry 58
and its technological solution
4.7 Construction 21 (C21) and related issues affecting 59
the construction industry in Singapore
4.7.1 Computer use in the construction industry 64
- Survey by the BCA / Technowledge Asia in 2000
4.7.2 CORENET - Construction and Real Estate Network 72
4.7.3 Singapore national CAD standards CP83 77
4.7.4 SIACAD Pte. Ltd. 78
4.7.5 Government building projects 81
4.8 Case study one: Esplanade, Theatres by the Bay 81
4.9 Case study two: Three architectural practices 86
4.9.1 Firm A 86
4.9.2 Firm B 91
4.9.3 Firm C 95
4.9.4 Findings from the case studies of architectural practices 99
4.10 Summary 102
Chapter 5 Analysis and Conclusion 105
Bibliography 125
Appendix A List of interview questions for architectural practices 133