Identifying Uncertainty in Interpreting Building Regulations through Conservative, Pragmatic, and Romantic Perspectives

This article examines the critical issue of uncertainty in the construction industry, particularly in the realm of automated building code compliance. The study explores Fallman’s framework on how different design perspectives, Conservative, Pragmatic, and Romantic, impact the perception and management of uncertainty within building projects. A theoretical framework based on Fallman's design accounts was employed to guide semi-structured interviews with industry professionals, uncovering how uncertainty influences design and regulatory processes, particularly in the context of building permits. Findings demonstrate that each design perspective offers unique strengths and limitations in handling uncertainty: Conservative approaches favour strict rule adherence, Pragmatic strategies emphasize flexibility and contextual adaptation, and Romantic approaches highlight creative problem-solving and intuition. The study underscores the need to integrate these diverse perspectives to enhance the effectiveness of automated rule-checking systems in construction. By acknowledging and balancing these perspectives, the research offers valuable insights for both construction professionals and policymakers, aiming to improve project outcomes, streamline regulatory compliance, and support the integration of uncertainty into digital tools. This nuanced understanding of uncertainty presents opportunities for more adaptive and efficient construction practices.