The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in the design phase of building construction requires the work of several trades to locate equipment and route connecting elements for each system to avoid physical interferences, allow full system functionality, and comply with several types of criteria. The process involves sequentially overlaying and comparing drawings from multiple systems, during which representatives from each MEP trade work together to detect, and eliminate spatial and functional interferences between MEP systems. Coordination teams usually belong to different professions, ethnic groups, nationalities, and organizations, which often makes trust difficult. This research asks how the MEP coordination process can be improved using concepts of information evolution and sensitivity combined with trust theory. To explore this question a qualitative study of MEP practitioners was conducted based upon semi-structured interviews. The result of this research provides a foundation insight to improving the coordination process through information sharing and establishing trust.
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