33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) - Osaka and Kyoto, Japan - 2025

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0171

The Adaptive Interoperability Journey: Navigating Fragmentation in Digital AEC Projects

Marc Blancher1, Laura Florez-Perez2 & Danny Murguia3

1Independent Researcher and MSt Cambridge University, London, UK, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0002-6711-3782
2Associate Professor, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, UK, WC1E7HB, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-9286-6949
3Senior Research Associate, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-1009-4058

Abstract

The architecture, engineering, and construction sector’s digital transformation has been hindered by persistent interoperability challenges. These issues have undermined productivity despite the advent of advanced technologies such as building information modelling and computational design. This study investigates how design team managers in the United Kingdom address interoperability issues by focusing on both technical and organisational factors. Using a qualitative approach based on interviews, the research explores how managers experience these challenges in practice and how technical solutions and organisational strategies co-evolve. From this investigation, the adaptive interoperability journey (AIJ) model was developed to guide design teams in enhancing interoperability by implementing organisational learning through three phases: alignment, mastery-building, and regenerative innovation. The AIJ model offers strategic principles to assist organisations in effectively adapting to their specific circumstances and navigating digital transformation challenges. This work contributes to the lean construction literature by aligning theory with practice to improve collaboration and productivity in fragmented project environments.

Keywords

digital transformation, interoperability, BIM, ISO 19650, learning organisation.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Blancher, M., Florez-Perez, L. & Murguia, D.. (2025). The Adaptive Interoperability Journey: Navigating Fragmentation in Digital AEC Projects. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1428–1439). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0171

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Blancher, M., Florez-Perez, L. & Murguia, D.. (2025). The Adaptive Interoperability Journey: Navigating Fragmentation in Digital AEC Projects. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0171

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

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