Moving the Building Process Into the 21st Century

In a speech before an international conference on the use of computer graphics in the building process, GAO noted that a number of studies have been done over the last few years showing that a large percentage of construction design firms in the United States and Europe have yet to use the computer for technical purposes. All of the studies show a trend toward greater computer use. However, design firms use stand-alone computer applications which still do not realize the full potential of computers that is possible through integrated computer-aided design systems. GAO has identified the following factors which hinder the use of computer-aided methods: the lack of strong construction-oriented focal points in the United States; inadequate communications and professional interactions; the uncontrolled proliferation of computer programs; the lack of agreement among researchers and system developers on the requirements for computer-aided design systems; inadequately defined designer needs; lack of appropriate standards; software problems which limit technology transfer; and deficiencies in the education process. Most of these factors can be grouped into the two broad categories of communications and education. However, construction industry watchers are predicting a monumental computer-driven revolution within the industry to improve productivity. They believe that this revolution will change the traditional division of labor among architects, engineers, and construction contractors. The lack of adequate education and training is also a significant factor inhibiting the use and further development of computer-aided methods, because the available software and hardware used for architectural and engineering applications are often badly out of date. GAO believes that the costs of obtaining up-to-date computer equipment and faculty, will require private sector support. It is going to take the concentrated efforts of all aspects of the building industry to solve these problems so that the full potential of the computer can be realized in industry.