Understanding complexity in the AEC industry

Complexity is not new to the AEC industry. It dates back well beyond the invention of construction management as an independent field within the building disciplines. Yet the introduction of construction management added a new magnitude to the understanding about, and handling of complexity. This however started with a positivistic reductionist approach which was understood as a scientific method and only defendable academic approach to portray complexity. A simple classification of complexity based on the project size or simply dividing it into 'organisational' and 'technological' may have been deemed sufficient as of in 1980s or 1990s. On the other hand introduction of new construction technologies, new building materials, new structural optimisation tools and techniques have introduced new factors into the building process throughout its lifecycle. All those added by more demanding clients' briefs, more complicated and ambitious design intents, ever-tightening legislations and building regulations, and growing awareness about how the buildings behave beyond their physical boundaries and outside their traditionally understood lifespan have introduced new layers to complexity in the AEC industry. Although still valid in some respects and to some extents, our traditional view of construction complexity is not considered 'inclusive' anymore; nor is it ample enough to address the ever-growing 'complexity of complexity'. This paper takes a cross-sectional approach to present a qualitative comparative analysis. It maps out complexity, its definitions and implications and the impact it has upon the construction process. The aim of this review paper is to provide a ground upon which more in-depth systematic research into understanding, management and handling of complexity can be based, thereby suggesting a 're-reading of the concept of complexity' to be able to more informingly feed it back into construction process in the AEC industry.