Preface Construction has turned into an ever more complex At major structural engineering projects, project mesh of relationships between increasingly accelerating participants from the most different areas of interests processes, decisions and actions. At the same time, and knowledge gather in one place: Architects, project however, there is a development toward sustainable managers and specialized planners, representatives design that leads to buildings providing the best possible of the client, of the relevant authorities and also from connection of functionality and architecture, energy the building and construction industry. Communication ef? ciency and healthy construction materials that can dif? culties cannot be ruled out in such a heteroge- be recycled while at the same time also achieving the ous circle. It is, hence, one of ? rst aims of this book, best possible economical bene? ts. to outline both the participants and the process of structural engineering projects – for planning and con- Following its modest beginnings, the Drees & Sommer struction – by using striking examples to describe them corporation has grown in this area and for over 35 years clearly. Furthermore, the essential management tasks now has been signi? cantly contributing to the develop- and possible management variants are explained. ment of modern project management while always putting an emphasis on innovation when it came to With this book, I would like to thank all employees management method.