Data Organisation in Construction – As an Aid to the User

Nils Lykke Sørensen, Peter Vogelius

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingArticle in proceedingResearchpeer-review

358 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The basic assumption in this paper is, that it will be possible to organise data in construction in a non-hierarchical way, following the lines of facet-based classification. This involves tagging data in a horizontal rather than a vertical order

We have experienced a long and intense discussion of how to organise data. At a glance the discussion can seem to be merely technical but indeed it involves a broader perspective regarding different understandings of how to perceive, present and organise knowledge. Actors (consultants – contractors) present solutions that are appropriate in relation to their own specific needs, but at the same time they can be difficult to use for other actors.

Empirical examples from the ongoing Danish debate will be included. A comprehensive and all-embracing system is promoted ("Digital Construction – a government initiative"). Theoretically the paper builds on "classical thinking" represented by the work of Linnés, and connects to contemporary theory on facet-based classification.

Facet-based classification has not affected the thinking in the construction industry. Presumably this is due both to the mental dominance of hierarchical thinking, and the (former) cost of powerful computer hardware. Today it seems obvious to take the facet-based approach into consideration, making it possible to specify ordering of data to the users' practice and frame of reference, rather than fixing the structure of data already when they are saved to the system.
KEYWORDS: Data organization, hierarchical classification, facet classification, user interface, Data filtering
Translated title of the contributionDigital organisering af data indenfor byggeriet - som en hjælp til brugeren
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 6th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation – Shaping the Construction/Society Nexus, : Volume 2: Transforming Practices
Number of pages14
Place of PublicationHørsholm
PublisherSBI forlag
Publication date16 Apr 2011
ISBN (Electronic)978-87-563-1517-3
Publication statusPublished - 16 Apr 2011
Event6th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation - København, Denmark
Duration: 13 Apr 201115 Apr 2011

Conference

Conference6th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityKøbenhavn
Period13/04/201115/04/2011

Cite this