New research paradigms in the built environment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review aspects of innovation, research and development paradigms and paradigmatic changes which have occurred in construction over recent years. Design/methodology/approach – The approach combines reviewing literature and some theory within the context of the author's experiences as a participant in the construction industry and associated research and education. Findings – The paper concludes that much has been recycled, often under amended titles. There is notable scope and advisability in paradigm shifts from reductionist/determinist approaches to stochastic approaches which accommodate complexities of interdependencies plus moves from “hard” positivism to “softer” constructivist perspectives. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited in validity and reliability due to the methods employed. However, the conclusion does stress the essential of researchers being aware of and articulating the limitations of their work; the need for sound theoretical foundations is stressed in regard to both topics and methods. Practical implications – Proper examinations of research, including ontologies, epistemologies, validities and reliabilities, as well as the topics under investigation, promotes good research and its application and avoids recycling of “popular” topics in periodically amended guises. Originality/value – The paper expresses the author's original views, developed over a quite extensive and varied career; however, it expresses views held fairly widely but seldom expressed beyond “closed doors”.