The First International Congress on Construction History took place in Madrid, Spain in 2003. Since then, ICCHs have taken place every three years: in Cambridge, England (2006), in Cottbus, Germany (2009), and in Paris, France (2012). The 5th International Congress on Construction History will be the first ICCH held outside of Europe, and is hosted in Chicago, Illinois by the Construction History Society of America.
Each ICCH explores the planning, design and construction of the built environment from the earliest times to the present on all seven continents. Presentations are of an equally wide variety from the history of buildings, structures, infrastructure and their components, to how these objects were built, by whom and with what tools and equipment. A strong sub-theme deals with the conservation of building materials and the preservation of the built environment.
In excess of 200 peer-reviewed papers will be delivered over four days, interspersed with tours, site visits, and films. Plenty of time will be available for networking with colleagues, old and new. Delegates will also have ample time to explore the rich engineering, architectural, artistic and cultural offerings of the City of Chicago.