Masterbuilder as a Team Interdisciplinary Project Team. An Attempt at Analysis

It's a striking fact that in a world of highly specialized professions (stimulated by the development of science and technology) as well as precise legal regulations defining rules of standalone practice in building industry, we've lost a single person capable of providing full knowledge necessary for completing building venture, as it was common 100 years ago. It's not a good time for a master builder, we know from middle ages. Every planning venture, whether its purpose is to create a chair or a city, requires appropriate preparations. What distinguishes these two extreme examples, in particular, is the scope of knowledge necessary for their execution. While a chair is a relatively simple task to complete, it can be planned and executed by a single person, a contemporary building or a city requires the cooperation of various specialists. Interdisciplinary cooperation, although sometimes perceived as a problem and an unpleasant necessity, can be an opportunity for a unique work outcome. The article is an attempt of analysis of this complex problem, which by reviewing selected reference material - including both scientific studies and testimonials of outstanding practitioners - introduces its concise characteristics, problems, and advantages, but, most importantly, tries to define the conditions required for successful collaboration.