The American National Institute of Building Sciences and the American Institute of Architects have recently launched a free built environment research website.

The Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK) is ‘an interactive portal offering online access to peer-reviewed research projects and case studies in all facets of building, from pre-design, design, and construction through occupancy and reuse.’

The ambitious project is in its early stages but if successful it could provide a valuable resource for the construction industry which struggles at times to transfer research findings into practice.

Hopefully UK Government plans to make all publicly funded research open source by 2014 will stimulate similar initiatives in the UK (see Guardian article here). The EU plans to do similar by 2016.

As with any other industry, construction needs to adapt and evolve. What better way to stimulate our industry than by giving it open access to the latest research findings? Our institutions and societies should seize the opportunity, pooling resources to create and maintain a dedicated built environment research portal similar to BRIK.

To access the BRIK website click here.