The role of objects in decision-making processes: The case of an energy renovation

Most studies on decision making in construction projects suggest theoretical models or conceptual methods for how decisions ought to be made or which concerns or issues to include, but the number of studies which examine 'actual' decision-making processes are relatively scarce. This study reports on field work done in an energy renovation of a social housing estate in Denmark. Based on interviews, observations, and a document study, a decision-making process is reconstructed in regards to the choice of either installing a centralised or decentralised mechanical ventilation system in the buildings. The study focus on how participants try to convince each other by mobilising different objects and therefore contributes to discussions on which role objects play in construction projects. Two types of objects were mobilised in the pursuit of convincing others, namely a note written by an engineer and two decentralised ventilation units presented by scientists from the Danish Technological Institute. The latter was presented as having most impact on the decision, which meant installing decentralised ventilation in the buildings.