Plastic pipes or steel girders; the humble brick or prefabrication – which one has brought about the greatest advance in construction?
The Architect's Journal and sister titles NCE and Construction News in association with Corus Advance, is producing a compilation of innovative developments that have driven the industry forward. But what single item or concept has revolutionised the way we design and build most effectively?
Here a variety of industry personalities discuss their nominations; more will be rolled out between now and New Year. In the meantime, scrutinise the nominations and fill in the gaps with your own suggestions and we'll create a shortlist. From this, a public vote with help decide the construction industry's greatest advance.
Send us your nomination with a brief explanation to advance@emap.com or Corus Greatest Advance, New Civil Engineer, 1st Floor, Greater London House Hampstead Road, London, NW1 7EJ
Reinforced concrete by architect Isi Metzstein
Reinforced concrete is incredibly versatile and can be used in exactly the same way, all over the world, in any culture.
More
Computer Aided Design by architect Ken Shuttleworth
It has to be CAD. It has revolutionised the way we work and the shapes we can use to build.
MoreDigitial surveying by editor Nick Edwards
The point where CAD drawings can accurately be translated to actual lines on a dusty concrete basement slab is where construction's greatest achievement lies.
MorePlastic pipes by architect Robert Adam
UPVC plumbing has been one of the most significant construction advances in the last 20 years.
MoreThe brick by editor Kieran Long
The brick, first used around 9,000 years ago, is the most versatile and functional invention in the history of construction.
More
Health and safety by BAA capital projects director Andrew Wolstenholme
Have you ever moved a colleague's glass away from the edge of the table? If you find yourself doing this all the time, you are probably a parent who has spent years trying to prevent 'accidents waiting to happen' in your own home.
More
Steel girders by designer Wayne Hemmingway
Steel has been the greatest advance in construction because of the spans it can reach.
MoreThe mobile telescopic crane by chief executive Colin Wood
In dark and distant days, mobile cranes all used lattice boom sections.
MoreGeothermal piling by foundation specialist Roger Bullivant
I nominate my design for geothermal foundations.
MorePrefabrication and off-site construction by NCE editor Antony Oliver
With the adoption of prefabrication and off-site construction we are now seeing new levels of quality and consistency in finished products and with it, huge gains in efficiency, cost and client satisfaction. It's a step towards, "getting it right first time, every time".
MoreEnvironmental awareness by structural engineer Stephen Morley
Environmental awareness is growing.
MoreStructural analysis software by structural engineer Hanif Kara
Structural analysis software is the most significant construction advance in the last 10 years.
More
