New perspective for construction

Construction is an age-old science which is evolving, but very slowly, certainly less because of its scientific nature than because of its very object, which is composite in nature. However, over the past decade, changes in the collective context have been bringing about quite profound inflexions. However, these have less to do with technology than with the methodology of what is referred to as project management.

Indeed, the concerns that are gaining in importance relate to what is commonly referred to as the environment: climate risks, energy savings, ecological transition. However, in the background, the urban question is emerging as a key issue, particularly since the outbreak of the pandemic. These issues provide a new perspective on the specific activity of sustaining our living environment.

To achieve this, we need to reflect on the conditions under which projects are developed. This concerns two major aspects.

It becomes necessary to consider each operation in the much broader context of its situation. This context cannot be limited to its object, but must be extended to include all the entities that have to do with it. This broadening of the scope of analysis means taking into account what is usually referred to as the object of spatial planning. This means that the urban dimension of construction needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, and this calls for a new approach.

As a result, this need must be reflected in the dynamics of each project. It's no longer a question of initiating a linear process that would be carried out in a routine fashion by the renewal of traditional solutions. Instead, each situation should be dealt with iteratively, so as to determine the best solutions for local conditions rather than simply complying with generic administrative standards. This new project practice must be part of a "circular" economy.

The aim of this booklet is to identify a body of principles that could help us respond to these two new requirements.

As far as the territorial dimension of construction is concerned, the idea is to find ways of articulating the immediate concerns of production tasks with the effects produced over a much longer period of time, which is that of its exploitation extended to all stakeholders. This perspective cannot be achieved without allowing for intermediate stages in the project's development, to ensure the consequences of successive choices. This enrichment must be achieved without adding to the difficulty of the professionals' day-to-day work.

Investing in the field of the circular economy is far more disruptive. Indeed, it cannot be reduced to spot checks, but requires a new logic in every decision,...