Scenario development: a methodology for aligning contemporary practices with the potential futures of UK construction

Visualising and preparing for the future is a central activity for firms, other institutions, governments and individuals, and future studies has become a significant area of interest and study. The methodological approach developed for a large project – ‘Sustained competitiveness in UK construction’ or ‘the Big Ideas’ for short – investigating the possible implications of different potential futures for the construction sector is outlined, and several key methodological principles discussed. These include a commitment to producing a diverse range of possible future scenarios, and maintaining a strong connection between these potential futures and the contemporary practices and abilities of construction firms and practitioners. An example scenario is presented and discussed, and the development of the approach on the project considered.