Making Sense of Construction Improvement

Making Sense of Construction Improvement provides a critical evaluation of the construction improvement debate from the end of the Second World War through to the modern era, including coverage of key trends from 2010-2023. It argues that the Grenfell Disaster was a disaster entirely foretold and that a systemic failure involving the construction sector, regulation, and compliance is the emerging consensus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Making Sense of Construction Improvement provides a comprehensive evaluation of the construction improvement debate, spanning from the aftermath of the Second World War to the contemporary era. This second edition, revised and updated to include key trends from 2010 to 2023, delves into the dynamic nature of the UK construction sector, continuously adapting to changes in the prevailing political economy.

The book explores the interplay between political economy, sustainability agenda, and the emergence of "zero carbon" as significant drivers of industry transformation. It critically examines the ongoing skills crisis and the overhyped advocacy of modern methods of construction (MMC) as the latest solution to industry improvement. Coverage includes important reports such as Farmer (2016)'s Modernise or Die and the Construction Playbook (HM Government, 2020).

However, the most significant addition to this edition is a focused examination of the Grenfell Disaster (2017) and the subsequent revelations from the public enquiry. This tragedy highlights the systemic failures within the construction sector and the broader regulatory and compliance system. Stuart Green's analysis traces the roots of these failings back in time, scrutinizing the roles played by previous policymakers. He ultimately concludes that Grenfell was a disaster entirely foretold, emphasizing the need for transformative change to address the industry's challenges.

The insightful and critical analysis of the industry presented within these pages offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars alike. It sheds light on the complex dynamics shaping the construction sector and highlights the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure safer and more sustainable built environments.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032301334