Configurable Environments: A Vision for Future Project Information Technologies

Abstract

Configurable environments are presented as a specific vision for information technologies to support design and construction professionals. Configurable environments combine data integration capabilities with visualization and analysis tools in a format customized to the needs of specific users and projects. A key component of the approach is the deployment of formal user models to direct configuration of generalized tools and distributed data. This chapter details the need for and technical aspects of the configurable environments approach in the context of an illustrative case study of construction space management. Issues with current practice and implications for future practice are discussed in the context of project professionals’ information processing and evaluative capabilities and needs. Also discussed is the relationship of the configurable environments approach to current technologies and to broader visions for information technology development in design and construction.