Reconciling the Semiotics of Value in Construction as a New Axiological Foundation for Safe Project Management in the Post-Grenfell Era

The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a stark reminder of the consequences of a distorted understanding of value in the construction industry. While value engineering was falsely blamed, the root cause lay in a relentless culture of cost-cutting that compromised design integrity and ultimately led to the loss of 72 lives. In response, the UK government introduced new regulations aimed at ensuring accountability throughout the building process. However, deep-seated cultural and practical issues within the industry persist, raising concerns that another such disaster could occur.

The concept of value is often misunderstood and misused within the built environment, leading to conflicts and misalignments between various stakeholders. Urban planners, for example, may prioritize placemaking and community impact, while contractors focus on revenue generation. Value engineers, on the other hand, may emphasize functional performance, while value managers consider stakeholder perceptions. Procurers, meanwhile, often reduce value to a set of arbitrary performance metrics.

This study aims to develop a unifying framework for understanding and applying value in the construction industry. By examining the semiotic practices of different disciplines, the research will identify common ground and reconcile conflicting perspectives. The goal is to reorient the concept of value beyond mere cost reduction, emphasizing the importance of people, places, and profit. Through this research, we can work towards a future where buildings are designed and constructed with integrity, safety, and sustainability as core values.