Lucinda Barrett

Research as a kaleidoscope on practice

Insufficient attention is paid to the relationship between research and practice in construction. Those in industry want straightforward guidance, but inhabit a complex socially constructed world. As a result, they are often disappointed with the contribution of research, either because it is too theoretical or because the simple solutions suggested do not work. However, researchers have a valuable contribution to make owing to their opportunity for reflection, and it is proposed that this can be viewed in three different ways: as ‘microscopes’, ‘telescopes’ or ‘periscopes’ on practice. Each of these views involves different epistemologies and methodologies, but combining the three approaches in a Kaleidoscopic Research Model will allow differences to thrive and synergies to be sought. Only then will an effective dialogue develop where research impacts solidly and continuously on the improvement of practice, while at the same time practice constantly challenges and refreshes research.

The Holistic Impact of Classroom Spaces on Learning in Specific Subjects

The Holistic Evidence and Design (HEAD) study of U.K. primary schools sought to isolate the impact of the physical design of classrooms on the learning progress of pupils aged from 5 to 11 years (U.S. kindergarten to fifth grade). One hundred fifty-three classrooms were assessed and links made to the learning of the 3,766 pupils in them. Through multilevel modeling, the role of physical design was isolated from the influences of the pupils’ characteristics. This article presents analyses for the three main subjects assessed, namely, reading, writing, and math. Variations in the importance of the physical design parameters are revealed for the learning of each subject. In addition to some common factors, such as lighting, a heavy salience for Individualization in relation to math becomes apparent and the importance emerges of Connection for reading and of Links to Nature for writing. Possible explanations are suggested. These results provide a stimulus for additional finesse in practice and for further investigation by researchers.

The 4Cs model of exemplary construction projects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key characteristics of the highest‐performing construction projects, so that future procurement, briefing, design and construction management processes can be improved in the light of these experiences.Design/methodology/approach – Workshops were carried out in Australia, Singapore and the USA involving 40 senior participants, representing a good cross‐section of the stakeholder interests around construction. These individuals were each asked to identify the best construction project with which they had been involved at any point in their careers and to identify the major reasons for its success.Findings – A synthesis is provided of the characteristics that characterise the exemplary projects cited by the workshop participants. These are typified by the “4Cs”, namely constraints driving collaboration and creativity, ideally leading to community benefits. The 17 exemplars provided by the participants show project teams facing demands that act to break...