Extract

Since the 1960s, the relationship between design, manufac-turing and construction has been identified as a key factor for the de-livery of buildings and for the facilitation of technological innovation. It is often argued that innovation in architecture contributes to im-prove the built environment, socially, technologically, economically and even aesthetically. The significance of innovation in construction has often been established along these lines. Knowledge on the pro-cesses of implementation of innovation and of the subsequent dynam-ics of interactions in the industry is instead limited and more demand-ing to investigate and to unravel. This paper aims to contribute to the reduction of this gap by questioning the ability and the effectiveness of architectural design decisions to trigger changes in the construction industry. By comparison and by contrast, the impact of the implemen-tation of envelope detailing on the delivery of three multi-layered iconic facades recently completed in Australia has been investigated. Architectural design can serve as a stimulus for change in manufactur-ing, production and in the construction process. However this stimulus depends on the level of engagement of the designers with the detailed outcome of their projects. The procurement method and the ad-hoc contractual dynamics established in the project team and with other subcontractors are also paramount.

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