Understanding qualitative drivers in distance collaboration for architectural services

Enhanced global connectivity, networks’ capacity to carry data, and increases in transmission speed already affect the way architectural practices work. With computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment now used by the overwhelming majority of architectural offices globally, electronic transfer of drawings is on the rise, followed by opportunities to benefit from the economic advantage of digital technologies by setting up remote links. Researchers in areas such as the media, software engineering, accounting, and light manufacturing have examined the industrial, cultural and regional development underpinnings of such phenomena. By contrast, very few analyses exist in architecture that link technological opportunities to social transformations, and technical skills to market development. Our research responds to this challenge by investigating qualitative differences in the performance of distant actors, and aims to determine whether these differences can be related to environmental characteristics.