Digital Communication of Knowledge for Academic Design-Build Initiatives

Abstract

Academic Design-Build Studios engage in diverse projects throughout the world. They are often highly complex and involve numerous stakeholders of different disciplines and cultures. They therefore rely on effective communication between all parties throughout all phases of the project cycle. Digital technology offered by the worldwide web allows new means of communication and for immense amounts of information to be presented and shared. The research consortium European Design-Build Knowledge Network (EDBKN), consisting of a team of academic Design-Build practitioners, is currently developing a web-based platform designbuildXchange (dbXchange.eu) to support Design-Build stakeholders worldwide. A low-threshold, high-tech platform has been created, providing a "toolbox" for supporting projects throughout the project's life. Tools are offered for project presentation, networking, academic research, as well as dialogue and knowledge exchange between all stakeholders. This "knowledge exchange platform" allows projects to support each other by uploading information on research, design, construction details, funding, legal issues, costings, the realities of construction and much more. It will thus become a valuable source of information for all stakeholders throughout the world