Welcome to BIM Today March 2021, in which our expert contributors examine latest issues, innovations and challenges in the world of BIM, AI and digital construction
Our cover story looks at the official launch of the Smart Construction Network, which brings together academics and leading R&D centres to share knowledge, innovative ideas and best practice in order to support the adoption of smart construction across the industry.
We also hear from Dr Tanya Filer of StateUp on the StateUp 21 report on govtech start-ups and why the built environment and infrastructure sector is “one to watch” in 2021.
What will the construction industry look like post-pandemic – and what role will digital have to play? That is one of the questions that will be examined at the Chartered Institute of Building‘s Adapt & Thrive conference, which takes place on 24 March. CIOB chief executive Caroline Gumble previews what’s in store.
Elsewhere, we look at the launch of the UK BIM Alliance’s State of the Nation survey, which aims to measure the understanding and adoption of BIM across the built environment.
There’s much more besides, from the work being done to take drone inspections to the next level in order to “supercharge” construction and the legal implications of increasing UAV use to Mark Enzer on smart cities, Trudy Sully of the Construction Innovation Hub on a platform-based future and BIM Academy’s Peter Barker on how digital tools can help save the planet.
Here’s a selection of articles from this edition:
The newly launched Smart Construction Network brings together academia and leading R&D centres to support the modernisation of the industry. Ian Heptonstall, director of the Supply Chain School, sets out the journey ahead.
In early 2020, Women in BIM (WIB) launched its mentor scheme. One year on, we talk with BIMentor lead Katya Veleva on the success of the scheme, lessons learned and what comes next in this programme she designed for personal and professional development of WIB members.
In a conservative industry like the built environment, it may be difficult for new technologies, skills and knowledge to penetrate. But the tide is beginning to change. Dr Tanya Filer and Samuel Harrison discuss the StateUp 21 report, which profiles some of the most promising up-and-coming tech start-ups that are working with public sector organisations to modernise the built environment industry.
The Chartered Institute of Building has been exploring the role of construction in the post-pandemic world. The CIOB’s CEO, Caroline Gumble, discusses the Adapt & Thrive event, being held on 24 March, to examine how the industry might change and adapt to new ways of working.
The UK BIM Alliance’s yearly State of the Nation survey aims to measure the understanding and adoption of information management using BIM across the UK’s built environment.
Taking drones beyond visual line of sight will supercharge construction quality, productivity and efficiency, says John McKenna, CEO of sees.ai
What will our future cities look like and what issues do we need to consider now? Navpreet Atwal, partner at law firm Bootle Hadfield, looks at the legal implications of the increasing use of unmanned aircraft systems.
As we reappraise how we use our buildings, a combination of traditional and smart building technologies will play a critical role in safeguarding people’s health and improving business sustainability, says George Adams, director of energy and engineering at SPIE UK.
BIM Academy managing director Peter Barker looks at how digital can contribute to a net-zero built environment, identifying several initiatives which could help build a more sustainable future.
Bluesky International is taking to the air with laser scanning to create the first-ever 3D map of Northern Ireland’s coastline.
