Models, mock-ups and materials: artefacts of collaboration in the planning of large-scale construction projects

This paper explores the dynamic nature of collaborations in construction projects by analysing the artefacts built environment professionals develop, use and transform over the project course. The authors introduce the concept of ‘artefacts of collaboration’ that systematizes different artefacts types, to provide insights into how collaborations emerge and unfold across distinct disciplines and different project stages. Empirically, the concept is derived from 35 in-depth interviews with professionals involved in four large-scale construction projects. Theoretically, the concept is based on a pluralistic approach combining productively the concepts of boundary and epistemic objects to address better the specificities of collaborations in construction projects. More specifically, the concept of artefacts of collaboration allows exploring how collaborations transform across the ‘design-construction’ divide that largely defines the interactions and relationships between built environment professionals. Hereby, through the analysis of artefacts of collaboration the paper reveals different modes of collaboration and how the roles and responsibilities of project partners change through these modes of collaboration.