Productivity, buildability and constructability: Is work study the missing link?

Improving productivity, increasing output for the same inputs, has been a longstanding concern of the UK Construction Industry. The different approaches to improving productivity will be briefly reviewed as will the decline in awareness of classical work study and use by construction firms. Definitions of "buildability" and "constructability" will be considered and reports seeking to improve buildability reviewed. The key results of several questionnaire surveys will be presented and contractual relationships are identified both as a major deterrent to improved buildability and as the means by which buildability problems are being overcome. Suggestions are made for an expansion of the role of the Architectural Technologist.