ABSTRACT
Widespread change is occurring in the fields of architecture and engineering. New cultural, technological and social paradigms have emerged, generating new programs and building types, not to mention increased expectations of the experiences and contributions of the built environment. Consequently, the work, and work life, of architects and engineers is becoming increasingly more complex. Any number of complex forms and material assemblies that would have been too computationally expensive is now within the realm of possibility. However, given the complexity resulting from an aggregation of these systems, navigating this array requires synthesis of multiple specialties and sensibilities. Recognizing the importance and complexity of interdisciplinary collaboration, this chapter addresses the challenges and rewards of cross-disciplinary partnerships and provides real-world case studies to illustrate multiple types of collaborative working methods. The most significant outcomes of the technological shift are a growth in importance of both specialization and collaboration.
