Globalization of practice, particularly as it relates to changes in the labor pool, work, and practice, has the capability to significantly change the discipline. The outsourcing of design and drawing work overseas; the robotic producing of building elements and materials; and the use of complex 3-dimensional PC programs to design buildings raise issues and challenge current modes of project delivery.

Buildings are deceptively complicated. At the best they connect us with the past and represent the best inheritance for the future. They supply shelter, inspire productivity, embody our culture, and definitely play a vital part in life in the world. In reality the role of buildings is consistently changing.Buildings today are life supporting systems, communication and information terminals, centers of education, justice, and community, and so much more.