Welcome to the June 2024 edition of BIM Today. This issue explores how artificial intelligence is already starting to reshape the built environment and what the future will hold, from design and build to innovation, sustainability and jobs
Roderick Bates of 3D visualisation specialist Chaos explores the adoption of, and attitudes to, artificial intelligence in architecture, while Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez of Northumbria University discusses a joint research project with Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd University, which is looking to leverage AI to quantify construction waste and cut the amount sent to landfill.
Anthony Watson, pre-construction manager at O’Brien Contractors, argues that AI will revolutionise the construction industry, but it will empower, rather than overpower, those working in the sector.
Meanwhile, Marc Nezet of Nemetschek Group discusses the creation of its AI Innovation Hub. Led by former Google executives Charles Sheridan and Julian Geiger, the Hub aims to ensure AI is a force for good through the development of ethical, trustworthy and human-centric services.
Elsewhere, Sam Norledge of the newly formed Digital Buildings Council looks at the crucial role of BIM-IoT integration in driving ESG and ROI, we preview the Digital Construction Week 2024 speaker programme and Thomas Guillot of the Global Cement & Concrete Association reports on the annual gathering of the Innovandi Global Cement & Concrete Research Network in Lausanne, Switzerland.
We also look at the University of Liverpool’s use of a digital twin to decarbonise its campus, the role of technology in bridging the construction skills gap and the National Retrofit Hub’s guide to Digital Building Logbooks.
Here’s a selection of articles:
1. The state of AI in architecture
Roderick Bates of 3D visualisation specialist Chaos explores the findings of new global research exploring the adoption of, and attitudes to, artificial intelligence in architecture.
2. AI quantification of construction waste for a value-added circular economy
Over 50% of landfills worldwide are filled with construction waste. An international project, led by Northumbria University in partnership with King Fahd University, is looking to leverage AI to quantify construction waste onsite and provide additional value to circular economy frameworks to reduce the amount going to landfills.
3. AI in construction: Agents, co-pilots and team members
With AI developing at a rapid rate, it promises to bring dramatic changes to the construction industry. James Bowles, founder of Freeform 4D, outlines some of what to expect and how best to prepare for the future.
4. The use of AI in construction will empower, not overpower
The use of AI in construction is set to revolutionise the industry, but it won’t be taking over your job, says Anthony Watson, pre-construction manager at O’Brien Contractors.
5. United in the delivery of responsible AI
AI is kicking up a storm. Marc Nezet, chief strategy officer & chief division officer of the Operate & Manage Division, Nemetschek Group, explains why the group’s introduction of an AI Innovation Hub will restore calm to the AEC/O sector.
6. The power of BIM-IoT integration to drive ESG and demonstrate true ROI
With the concept of “smart” becoming deeply ingrained in our daily lives, the AEC sector is embracing the trend of smart buildings. Sam Norledge of the newly formed Digital Buildings Council explores the vital role of BIM-IoT integration in the delivery of digital buildings and its alignment with operational practices in this new era.
7. A look inside the Digital Construction Week 2024 speaker programme
Digital Construction Week 2024 – the UK’s leading event for innovation and technology in the built environment – has announced its programme for the upcoming show at ExCeL London on 5-6 June.
8. Cement and concrete: The importance of innovation in achieving net zero
Innovation in technology, AI, materials and manufacturing processes will be essential to the transition of the cement and concrete industry towards a net zero future, writes GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot.
9. Using a performance digital twin to decarbonise our centres of science and innovation
Britain’s universities are renowned for their research – but many of the buildings where academics work are inefficient and not fit for the future. A partnership between the University of Liverpool and global climate tech company IES has employed a performance digital twin to create a smarter campus.
10. How Digital Building Logbooks can boost retrofit and sustainability
The National Retrofit Hub has recently published its guide to Digital Building Logbooks, which use real-time data and personalised insights to support nationwide retrofit and inclusive sustainability.
