GOALS AND PRIORITIES

Abstract

Housing was the only form of building studied in many countries, because of its social significance and the role played by the public authorities in housing construction. However, buildings have different characteristics according to the use for which they are intended and should be studied individually. Research programmes are tending to take into account the problem of buildings used for other human activities. Structures, such as roads and distribution networks of various kinds, and open air car parks that are not buildings, form the immediate environment of buildings, might be added to this list. A further area of research has developed in some countries. It concerns the areas outside buildings that form the amenities of public areas and whose importance in improving life and the urban environment have been somewhat disregarded in certain building operations. Research covers these items and has been concerned with the way in which they are produced, including the design and execution of buildings, following a process extending from the materials, through semi-finished products and building components, to the construction.