Abstract/Summary

Construction as an industry is often characterised as conservative and slow to change yet there have been many fundamental changes in the way that structures are designed and built. The advent of digital technologies such as computer-based design and documentation and the emergence of building simulation or modelling have had huge impacts on the processes of building procurement. In other areas, however, traditional methods of construction such as bricklaying have changed little. While it is difficult to predict exactly what construction industries will look like in 20, 50 or 100 years’ time there is little doubt that there will be great change in the years ahead. This chapter provides insights into a variety of aspects of the changing nature of construction and its supporting industries including the rise of international contractors, particularly from China, the growth in digital technologies and the influence of disruptors who influence so many aspects of life including the way that businesses operate. In the author’s view change is now faster moving than ever before and disruption is a fact of life. The new world is about flexibility, integration, adaptation, modernisation, resilience, localisation, governance, transparency, and conformance to new standards and all of those factors will affect the working of the global construction sector.