Broad range of topics will be breached during the congress. For the first time, general open sessions as well as special thematic sessions will be organized. The open sessions will cover a wide variety of typical topics related to all aspects of Construction History. The 12 thematic sessions were selected after a call for sessions: they highlight the latest themes, approaches and directions in construction history research, and foster transnational and interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion on burning issues.The congress focusses on the history of building construction and although the cross-over with other disciplines is strongly stimulated the congress will not take papers which focus solely on the history of technology, architectural history, architectural theory and conservation and repair. Open Sessions In the open sessions, the following topics can be treated:

The discipline of Construction History (e.g. Methodology; Teaching; Historiography; Relation to other disciplines; Sources on construction history)

  • Building actors (e.g. Contractors; Architects and engineers; Trade unions and guilds; Institutions and organisations)
  • Building materials: their history, production and use (e.g. Timber; Earth, brick and tiles; Iron and steel; Binders and concrete; Plaster and mortar; Glass and glazing; Composite materials)
  • The process of building (e.g. From design to building; The organization of the construction yard; Prefabrication and industrialization; Construction tools and equipment; Craftsmanship and workshops)
  • Building services and techniques (e.g. Lighting; Heating; Ventilation; Health and Comfort)
  • Structural theory and analysis (e.g. Stereotomy; Modelling and simulation; Structural theory and structural forms; Applied sciences; Relation between theory and practice)
  • Socio-cultural aspects (e.g. Economics of construction; Law and juridical aspects; Politics and policies)
  • Knowledge transfer (e.g. Rules and standards; Building regulations; Training and education; Technical literature and drawings; Innovations, experiments and events)

The papers can cover any time period (from ancient times to the 20th century), have any geographical scope (local to intercontinental) and discuss any type of buildings and structures (e.g. Vaults; Shells; Spatial structures; Trusses; Bridges; Industrial buildings; Residential buildings; Public buildings; Religious buildings; Stadiums and pavilions; Military construction; Infrastructure and public works). Thematic sessionsIn parallel with the open sessions, thematic sessions will be organized. These themes have been suggested by the session chairs, who share the scientific responsibility of these sessions with the Scientific Committee.