Project alliancing and information technology in building construction : the National Museum of Australia

The construction industry demands priority from all governments because it impacts economically and socially on all citizens. A number of recent studies have identified inefficiencies in the Australian construction industry by modelling the building process. A culture of reform supported by industry and government is now emerging in the industry – one in which alternate forms of project delivery are being trialed. The Australian Building and Construction Industry Action Agenda brought together industry and government to identify actions necessary to lift Australia’s innovative and knowledge creating capacity at the sector level. A central activity under this Action Agenda was dissemination of information relating to industry best practice initiatives in innovation, project delivery and the use of information technology. Government and industry identified project alliance contracting and more advanced information technology as means to increase efficiency in construction as part of a new innovative procurement environment.

Challenges in the construction of a lunar base

The construction of a Lunar Base is seen as achievable. The paper provides a useful summary of challenges facing pioneers of lunar base construction. It highlights important aspects of the location and use of the facility, the local environment, the human physiological adaptation process, and a principal concern for the construction industry—construction materials and methods required to erect the facility. Specific emphasis is placed on the latter two major issues. The authors believe that a lunar base will be built, operated and maintained by humans. It may be the next generation that carry out these dreams, but it is research of the type reported in this paper that will make these dreams a reality.