Abstract
M.Phil.
The building/construction industry is undeniably one of the largest; it however is also one of the
most inefficient. These inefficiencies span design, construction and the operational phases. The
depletion of natural resources and the need for sustainability has however created an urgent need
for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) consultants to address these issues and
develop life-cycle integration systems capable of eliminating or substantially reducing waste and
efficiently managing the complex process of building design, construction and building operations
management.
Such systems may be based on advanced production techniques developed in the aerospace
industries for the US military and subsequently adapted for use in the industrial manufacturing
industry.
This dissertation will attempt to explore the following:
1. Identification of current trends in the AEC industry including global warming and sustainable
development, to determine the impact on the Building Industry.
2. The relevance of life-cycle engineering and Lean Production philosophy for the AEC industry.
Of particular interest is how System life-cycle engineering will benefit the trend towards
'green' environmentally sustainable buildings.
3. Analysis of the AEC Design/Construction/Operation process (Project life-cycle), with the
intention of identifying major weaknesses and strengths.
4. Information systems (current and future) and how these are driving change in the industry.
Information systems as a backbone for the implementation of a proposed systems
framework.
The possible implications of life-cycle systems implementation for the architectural profession and
other AEC professions will result in new proposed structures, obstacles and opportunities.