The History of Construction

The history of construction is to be discussed here. Construction, also called building construction, the techniques and industry involved in the assembly and erection of structures, primarily those used to provide shelter.

Construction Definition

The world construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations, and comes from Latin constructio (from com- “together” and struere “to pile up”) and Old French construction. To construct is the verb: the act of building, and the noun is construction: how something is built, the nature of its structure.

Constructed Shelters

Construction is an ancient human activity. It began with the purely functional need for a controlled environment to moderate the effects of climate. Constructed shelters were one means by which human beings were able to adapt themselves to a wide variety of climates and become a global species.

Human shelters were at first very simple and perhaps lasted only a few days or months. Over time, however, even temporary structures evolved into such highly refined forms as the igloo.

More Durable Structures

Gradually more durable structures began to appear, particularly after the advent of agriculture, when people began to stay in one place for long periods. The first shelters were dwellings, but later other functions, such as food storage and ceremony, were housed in separate buildings. Some structures began to have symbolic as well as functional value, marking the beginning of the distinction between architecture and building.

 

The History of Building

The history of building is marked by a number of trends.

Increasing Durability of the Materials

One is the increasing durability of the materials used. Early building materials were perishable, such as leaves, branches, and animal hides. Later, more durable natural materials such as clay, stone, and timber and, finally, synthetic materials such as brick, concrete, metals, and plastics were used.

Quest for Buildings of Greater Height and Span

Another is a quest for buildings of ever greater height and span; this was made possible by the development of stronger materials and by knowledge of how materials behave and how to exploit them to greater advantage.

Interior Environment of Buildings

A third major trend involves the degree of control exercised over the interior environment of buildings: increasingly precise regulation of air temperature, light and sound levels, humidity, odors, air speed, and other factors that affect human comfort has been possible.

Change in Energy to the Construction Process

Yet another trend is the change in energy available to the construction process, starting with human muscle power and developing toward the powerful machinery used today.

Complex Present State of Construction

The present state of construction is complex. There is a wide range of building products and systems. They are aimed primarily at groups of building types or markets. The design process for buildings is highly organized and draws upon research establishments that study material properties and performance, code officials who adopt and enforce safety standards, and design professionals who determine user needs and design a building to meet those needs.

Construction Process is Highly Organized

The construction process is highly organized; it includes the manufacturers of building products and systems, the craftsmen who assemble them on the building site, the contractors who employ and coordinate the work of the craftsmen, and consultants who specialize in such aspects as construction management, quality control, and insurance.

Construction a Significant Part of Industrial Culture

Construction today is a significant part of industrial culture. It is a manifestation of its diversity and complexity. It is a measure of its mastery of natural forces, which can produce a widely varied built environment. Construction serves the diverse needs of society.

Construction History

The hunter-gatherers of the late Stone Age moved about a wide area in search of food. They built the earliest temporary shelters that appear in the archaeological record. Excavations at a number of sites in Europe dated to before 12,000 BCE show circular rings of stones. Those rings are believed to have formed part of such shelters. They may have braced crude huts made of wooden poles or have weighted down the walls of tents made of animal skins, presumably supported by central poles.

 

A Tent Illustrates the Elements of Environmental Control

A tent illustrates the basic elements of environmental control that are the concern of construction. The tent creates a membrane to shed rain and snow; cold water on the human skin absorbs body heat. The membrane reduces wind speed as well; air over the human skin also promotes heat loss. It controls heat transfer by keeping out the hot rays of the sun and confining heated air in cold weather. It also blocks out light and provides visual privacy.

A Structure is Necessary

The membrane must be supported against the forces of gravity and wind; a structure is necessary. Membranes of hides are strong in tension (stresses imposed by stretching forces), but poles must be added to take compression (stresses imposed by compacting forces). Indeed, much of the history of construction is the search for more sophisticated solutions to the same basic problems that the tent was set out to solve. The tent has continued in use to the present.

Final Statement

In its most widely used context, construction covers the processes involved in delivering buildings, infrastructure and industrial facilities, and associated activities through to the end of their life. It typically starts with planning, financing, and design, and continues until the asset is built and ready for use; construction also covers repairs and maintenance work, any works to expand, extend and improve the asset, and its eventual demolition, dismantling or decommissioning.

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Sources

www.britannica.com/technology/construction/Roman-achievements

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction