Simplifying the holistic approach: understanding construction from simple perspective

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend that made me think about the importance of a holistic approach in the construction industry. We were casually exchanging jokes, and at one point, my friend shared a joke about his other friend doing something silly. I didn't get it because I didn't know his friend, and our backgrounds were different. So, my friend tried to explain the joke, but it ended up being awkward. In that moment, it hit me: "Ah, this also happens in construction industries!"

When I worked as an architect, I often encountered disputes during the construction process because stakeholders came from different backgrounds. The architects couldn't always consider the structural aspects, and the structural engineers struggled to appreciate the aesthetics. It reminded me of what my professor used to say about integrating knowledge, and suddenly everything made more sense. Integrating knowledge in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries reduces communication costs and leads to a streamlined construction processes 

It's similar to painting. When you paint, you don't start by focusing on the tiny details. You need to grasp the bigger picture first, and then you can dig into the specifics. If you obsess over the small details right away, your overall composition might suffer. Once you finish the details, it's too late to make significant changes without starting over. This same principle applies to the construction industry. Architects need to plan the entire building, considering the envelope, construction process, cost, and much more. However, like painting, architects also need to see the bigger picture before diving into the finer details. They must understand the materials—how strong they are, their limitations, and more. By considering these factors, architects can design structures that exploit the material's advantages and reduce potential disputes. Only then can they focus on the intricate details.

Sometimes, we need to reflect on everyday life to understand complex concepts. Sometimes, all we need is to apply a simple example, just as I did when I spoke with my friend and discovered the importance of knowledge integration. We must understand that from a distance, we can eliminate unnecessary distractions, just as when we admire a landscape from afar. This way, we can appreciate the whole picture instead of fixating on a single part.