“Forced Labor in Construction Supply Chains: How Architects and Builders Can Fight Back” — what this page in the network covers. Architectural Digest Oct 12, 2026 • 4:58 PM 1 views Forced labor and modern slavery are hidden in the global supply chains that feed the construction industry, from quarried stone to steel and timber. A growing body of evidence shows that building materials imported from high-risk regions often involve coercive practices, debt bondage, or child labor.
This isn't just a problem for distant factories—it's embedded in the very materials specified by architects, engineers, and contractors on projects around the world. The issue affects everyone in the profession, whether they realize it or not. Key organizations like the International Labour Organization estimate that 27.6 million people are in forced labor globally, with a significant share in construction-related sectors. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.