Towards Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions: Pinpointed Challenges of Process Change

This article focuses on the implementation of integrated design methods in construction projects and, in particular, the change that the integration development calls for in the construction process. By a qualitative case study of a Finnish project using the latest technology, we analysed the current building process and pointed out problems and benefits in respect of the application of new technologies. Identified issues were pinpointed as to their context within the process, and classified into the following categories: technology, process and people. Analysis revealed new challenges related to project management and coordination caused by the introduction of building information model (BIM)-based design, analysis, cost estimation and fabrication into the existing process. A study method was used that helps to create a shared understanding of the process and its development issues within participants of the research: researchers as well as interviewees. The aim of the research was to learn from the experiences of early application of integrated design and delivery solutions and to identify process changes needed for the successful and effective implementation of BIM. The results of the research encouraged a shift from mainly technological development to a systemic development of the construction process.