Using the physical properties of artefacts to manage through-life knowledge flows in the built environment: an initial exploration

The KIM Grand Challenge project attempted to develop an approach to through-life management of built facilities based on a dichotomous conception of knowledge, which proved to be deficient. Here, a tri-partite analysis is offered, suggesting that knowledge can be analysed as a flow, consisting of social practices, information and physical properties. Literature on physical properties from design studies, production management and ethnomethodology is briefly reviewed to demonstrate the information bearing functions of physical properties. Fieldwork conforming to the UA requirement was carried out in several settings. Safety barriers on construction sites were found to have informational properties beyond their function as a physical barrier. The quality of information delivered by wayfinding signs was found to depend upon the physical placement of the signs in relation to the surrounding environment and the physical layout of the sign itself. It was found that social practices are institutionalised to support knowledge flow when the signs fail. The flow of information necessary for the maintenance of an oxygen cylinder in a hospital was found to break down due to its failure to mesh with work practice. Rooke, Rooke, Koskela, Tzortzopoulos, Physical Properties 2010 1 Elements of knowledge management, ethnomethodology, production management and design studies might be integrated to form a hybrid discipline.