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doi: 10.1080/01446199300000017pmid: N/A
Work in the area of knowledge concerning the improvement of the construction industries of developing countries is about a generation old. Some progress was made in its initial stages, and the prescriptions offered have been applied in several countries. However, achievements, in practice, have been disappointing. Some of the approaches used, inferences made and conclusions reached have been criticized. Moreover, whereas many current issues make the need to improve upon many aspects of the construction industries of the developing countries more pressing, interest in the field has waned. This paper considers the present state of affairs in ‘construction industry development’. It discusses the reasons for the lack of advancement in the field and proposes measures which can be taken to improve upon the situation. It is suggested that key changes in approach are necessary. Some topics for appropriate research are suggested. The formation of a global body dedicated to the promotion, coordination and dissemination of works in the area is proposed.
doi: 10.1080/01446199300000018pmid: N/A
This paper reviews literature about building maintenance in developing countries. A search of published sources revealed a disappointingly small and fragmented literature relating mostly to technical and managerial matters. These are presented in the paper under the headings: the effect of climate, design and materials choice, construction and maintenance personnel, managerial systems and financial systems. Few sources cover the economics of building maintenance and none discuss the important aspect of how building maintenance impacts on broader economic and development issues. The paper discusses building maintenance in the context of the six forms of capital usually encompassed in World Bank development projects (human, institutional, cultural, natural, physical, and financial) and as such contributes to the economic analysis of building maintenance. Several areas needing further research are noted.
doi: 10.1080/01446199300000019pmid: N/A
This paper analyses the development of the Brazilian building industry, and compares it to the situation of its counterparts throughout the developing world. It argues that the regime of accumulation prevailing in Brazil has played a major role in shaping the development of the building industry. The paper also points out that the recent trends detected in Brazil are bound to occur, to a greater or lesser extent, in other lesser developed countries. Finally, it argues that, although the Brazilian case could lead to the conclusion that the withdrawal of the state from the building scene is a necessary and positive step, this approach should not be used as a panacea.
doi: 10.1080/01446199300000020pmid: N/A
This paper reports the findings from three case studies of building projects where a conscious decision was taken to incorporate appropriate technologies into the structure of the buildings. The paper describes each project, documents any problems encountered in the implementation process, and assesses the success of the technologies in meeting client expectations in terms of time, cost and quality. The broader economic implications of the use of these technologies are also examined. The conclusion emerges that the benefits to the economy from the use of appropriate technologies may be greater than the benefits to individual clients.
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