edilícia

Edilícia is a term used in Portuguese-speaking contexts to refer to the field that deals with the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of buildings and related civil works. It encompasses the planning, design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of structures such as houses, offices, factories, and public facilities, as well as urban infrastructure and building services. The term is commonly used in contrast with architecture (the design and aesthetic aspects) and with civil engineering (the structural and systems aspects), though in practice edilícia integrates these disciplines to deliver functional built environments.

Etymology: from Latin aedilis (magistrate responsible for public buildings) and aedificium (building). The modern sense emerged to describe activities and industries centered on creating and sustaining the built environment.

Scope and practice: professionals from architecture, civil engineering, construction management, and related trades collaborate to translate project briefs into built reality. Activities include site analysis, programming, architectural and structural design, approval processes, procurement, construction management, quality control, safety, and facilities management. Materials technology, sustainability, energy efficiency, and digital tools such as BIM are increasingly central. The sector covers residential, commercial, industrial, and public works, as well as the refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

Education and regulation: careers in edilícia typically require formal training in architecture, civil engineering, or construction technology, with professional registration where applicable. The term remains a broad umbrella for the craft and science of building and maintaining the built environment.