Collaborative building processes and technologies are gaining more attention from building owners, contractors and subcontractors. In May, global advisory firm KPMG released its “2015 Global Construction Survey,” which surveyed owners and decision-makers of large construction firms. 


One of the report’s most significant aspects involves relationships between contractors and construction owners. In the survey, only 31 percent of respondents reported having a high level of trust in their contractors, 60 percent said moderate, and 9 percent said low. In addition, 69 percent said poor contractor performance was the biggest reason for project underperformance. Brian Turmail, senior executive director of public affairs for the Associated General Contractors of America, acknowledged a significant problem in the planning process—a lack of collaboration.


As a way to improve collaboration and the positive outcomes that it brings, more firms are embracing and coupling the concepts of integrated project delivery (IPD), a comprehensive collaborative process, and building information modeling (BIM), a specific technology that can be used as part of IPD.


The Q2 2015 “FMI Nonresidential Construction Index Report,” released in May, stated that: “On the topic of construction delivery method trends, responses surrounding current and future trends for construction project delivery methods indicated a return to more collaborative methods. This indicates a shift toward alternative delivery methods and away from the more traditional approach of design/bid/build popular during the recession as a way to ensure the lowest initial price for projects.”


The report added, “The expected rate of change over the next three years suggests a slow transition from design/bid/build and CM at-risk to more design/build and the newer concept of integrated project delivery.”


The KPMG report notes a similar trend: “The use of building information modeling, or BIM, and advancements in other technologies have helped project relations, as they allow for real-time updates and communication for all parties involved.” It added, “With the new possibilities, all team members have more visibility and transparency of the project.” See “No More the Days of Yore” on page 32 for further information.