Beyond the Blueprint: Harnessing ‘Elephant Paths’ for Revolutionary Constructability and Design

Beyond the Blueprint: Harnessing ‘Elephant Paths’ for Revolutionary Constructability and Design

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In the realm of construction management and civil engineering, the concept of the “elephant path” serves as a metaphor for the often-overlooked principle of designing with human nature and natural processes in mind. Originating from a Dutch term, it highlights how individuals naturally seek the most direct route between two points. This concept extends beyond pedestrian pathways. It permeates various aspects of design and construction, particularly in the areas of stormwater management and site layout. The concept of the “elephant…

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Operational Readiness: The Keystone of Successful Construction Projects

Operational Readiness: The Keystone of Successful Construction Projects

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Why Operational Readiness is More Than Just a Buzzword in Construction Management Imagine a newly constructed building, sleek and impressive. Now, imagine it failing to function as intended on day one. This scenario is what operational readiness in construction management aims to prevent. It’s the unsung hero of the construction world, ensuring that a building isn’t just built, but is ready to fulfill its purpose seamlessly. What Does Operational Readiness Entail? Operational readiness isn’t just a checklist. It’s a holistic…

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How to Use Feedback Loops to Manage Construction Chaos

How to Use Feedback Loops to Manage Construction Chaos

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The term “construction chaos” is often used to describe a situation in which a construction project becomes disorganized, unpredictable, and difficult to manage. Construction chaos can arise from a variety of factors. Including poor planning, inadequate communication, unexpected changes in project scope or timeline, and unforeseen events such as weather delays or material shortages. Construction managers can control chaos by utilizing feedback loops in managing construction projects. They establish a continuous feedback loop connecting project performance and planning. This includes…

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Intro: How to Control Chaos in Construction Projects

Intro: How to Control Chaos in Construction Projects

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There is Chaos in Construction. No way around it. So our purpose as construction managers is to control that inevitable chaos and minimize the impacts. Let’s Start with a Brief History of Chaos The ancient Greeks saw Chaos as the infinite void that preceded the creation of the universe. It was the empty, shapeless abyss where formless materials traveled around aimlessly without purpose or order. Similarly, the Romans saw Chaos as “uniformly waste. An undeveloped mass of confused elements in…

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The hands of construction workers
Don’t Just Tell Me How to Coordinate Construction, Show Me!

Don’t Just Tell Me How to Coordinate Construction, Show Me!

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Construction coordination is a complex and dynamic process that involves multiple stakeholders and teams working together to deliver a successful project. With so many moving parts, it can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is progressing as planned. One way to achieve this is through effective communication, but as the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” In other words, don’t just tell me what you’re going to do; show…

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Construction Managers are Forged by Chaos!

Construction Managers are Forged by Chaos!

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The old African Proverb says “Calm Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors”. Well I say “Smooth Projects Don’t Make Good Construction Managers”… Just like a stormy sea can take the lives of sailors, a chaotic construction site can equally take lives of construction workers. If surviving the storm makes experienced sailors, then surviving the Chaos makes good Construction Managers. “Calm Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors” Don’t agree? Go ask the passengers of the RMS Titanic how they feel about their sailors……

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overhead shot of a table hockey
From Ice to Management. It’s all Chaos!

From Ice to Management. It’s all Chaos!

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You can learn a lot from team sports, especially if you are pursuing a career in management. And Hockey is one of the closest to Construction Management I can think of. It’s non-stop, fast paced, and above all – chaotic! Or so it seems… But don’t worry. As I discussed in the previous blog post “Introduction to chaos“, you can control chaos with the right game plan. But How Do These Different Teams Relate? While there are certainly obvious differences…

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An Introduction to Construction Chaos

An Introduction to Construction Chaos

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What do you see when you imagine a construction site? A chaotic mess? Let me tell you from experience, they certainly can feel like one. I still remember one of my first site visits to a commercial project. There was demolished building in the corner, a giant pit in the middle, and these huge tank like tractors, pulling long trailers that would scrape up dirt as they passed. Workers seemed to move around independently at random, but still with common…

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