ABSTRACT

To date 4D CAD appears to be focused on integrating the technical design information respectively within the design and construction phases (e.g. Aalami &

Fischer, 1998). This has great potential to unlock the synergies between the knowledge and experience of the designers and that of the constructors. These islands of know-how are typically isolated by education, tradition, orientation, contracts and processes. The thrust of the work, however, seems to be limited to the technological issues, with a heavy emphasis on the construction phase. In short, 4D CAD work at present could be typified as “techno-construction-centric”. This paper endeavors to provide a wider construction management perspective that will open up high value alternative areas for consideration. In this way, it is hoped, the full benefits of the emerging technology can be developed. Unless otherwise stated a UK perspective is being taken.