gradnji

Gradnja, or construction, is the process of assembling infrastructure or buildings. It encompasses planning, design, procurement, and execution of projects that create built environments. In Slavic languages, gradnja is the noun for building activity, derived from the verb graditi to build. Construction applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and civil infrastructure projects and involves coordination of architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.

Key stages include site assessment and planning; design development and approvals; tendering and contracting; site preparation; foundation work; superstructure and enclosure; interior fit-out and mechanical-electrical systems; finishes; commissioning and handover.

Construction methods vary: traditional on-site construction, prefabrication, modular construction, and hybrid approaches; common materials include concrete, steel, timber, and masonry; connections rely on steel, anchors, fasteners, and adhesives.

Project delivery models include design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management at risk. Safety and regulation are integral, with work governed by building codes, zoning laws, environmental protections, and safety regulations; quality assurance and risk management are standard practices. Sustainability is increasingly central, emphasizing energy efficiency, low-emission materials, and resource conservation.

Historically, gradnja evolved from basic stone-and-mortar techniques to industrial-era steel and concrete, followed by contemporary methods such as modular construction and sustainable design. The field intersects engineering, architecture, procurement, and labor, and it underpins urban development, housing, and infrastructure, shaping economies and daily life.