New ICT changes working routines in construction design projects

Paper in proceeding, 2013

In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry new ICT is currently implemented and used in a wide context. The new ICT, called Building Information Modeling (BIM) supports the whole life cycle of a building and is currently used in the design and production phase of construction. BIM provides a platform for sharing information and supporting communication between different actors in the AEC industry. Currently the major focus of the new ICT has been on technical aspects, but neglects the changes in the organizational context like routines, work culture and new types of roles. The objective of the study is to understand how new ICT influences the way of working in temporary project organizations. The study is based on a structuration perspective and focuses on changes in working routines and roles. A comparative case study is applied of three construction design projects (13 interviews and 36 hours observation). The data shows a change in individual (i.e. drawing routines) as well as group work (i.e., coordination, responsibility) routines. Furthermore, roles and power change with the use of new ICT in the design phase. The study contributes with empirical examples of the how new ICT changes routines and roles in temporary project organizations.