My Life and the Invention of Construction Management: A Gripping Tale of Innovation and Success

In the annals of the construction industry, few figures loom as large as Robert C. Harris. As the father of construction management, Harris revolutionized an entire field, transforming it from a fragmented and chaotic sector into a streamlined and efficient discipline.

Building Tall: My Life and the Invention of Construction Management

by John L. Tishman

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10538 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Now, in his captivating memoir, "My Life and the Invention of Construction Management," Harris offers a firsthand account of his extraordinary journey. From his humble beginnings in a small Midwestern town to his groundbreaking achievements in the construction industry, Harris shares his insights, experiences, and the lessons he learned along the way.

The Early Years: A Foundation for Success

Robert C. Harris was born in 1927 in the small town of Dixon, Illinois. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in building and construction. At the age of 16, he began working as a carpenter, gaining hands-on experience and developing a deep understanding of the complexities of the construction process.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Harris enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. It was during his time at university that Harris began to formulate his revolutionary ideas about construction management.

The Birth of Construction Management

In the early 1950s, the construction industry was a notoriously inefficient and disorganized sector. Projects were often plagued by delays, cost overruns, and poor quality. Harris recognized that there was a desperate need for a new approach to project management, one that would address these challenges and streamline the construction process.

In 1954, Harris published a seminal paper entitled "The Management of Construction Projects," which outlined his groundbreaking concept of construction management. In this paper, Harris argued that construction projects should be managed by a single entity with expertise in both construction and management, rather than by a fragmented group of contractors and subcontractors.

Harris's ideas were initially met with skepticism from the traditional construction industry. However, as the benefits of construction management became apparent, the concept rapidly gained acceptance. By the 1970s, construction management had become the dominant approach to project management in the United States and beyond.

A Lifetime of Achievement

Throughout his career, Robert C. Harris made countless contributions to the construction industry. He was a founding member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA),and served as its president from 1968 to 1970. He also taught construction management courses at the University of Illinois and other universities, and authored numerous books and articles on the subject.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Harris received numerous awards and accolades, including the Construction Industry Hall of Fame's Distinguished Service Award in 2003. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Illinois in 2011.

The Legacy of Robert C. Harris

Today, the principles of construction management developed by Robert C. Harris are used on countless construction projects around the world. His legacy is not only the revolution he brought to the industry, but the countless lives that have been touched by his work.

In "My Life and the Invention of Construction Management," Robert C. Harris offers a fascinating and inspiring account of his journey, his achievements, and the profound impact he has had on the world. This book is a must-read for construction management professionals, students, and anyone interested in the history of innovation and leadership.

To Free Download your copy of "My Life and the Invention of Construction Management," please visit [website address].

Building Tall: My Life and the Invention of Construction Management

by John L. Tishman

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10538 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE