Welcome to the May edition of Planning, BIM & Construction Today
In this issue, Mark Farmer, author of Modernise or Die, examines the significance of Goldman Sachs’ £75m investment in modular construction platform Top Hat and whether the wider sector is ready for take-off.
Elsewhere, we hear from PBC Today’s new Editorial Board about the key challenges and opportunities for the UK construction industry, look at the emerging digital twin concept in harnessing data to improve the design, construction and operation of the built environment, and hear about the development of a legal guide to offsite construction.
There is also everything from reaction to the Spring Statement and planning for climate resilience to the future of construction training and the ongoing battle to raise awareness about asbestos management. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:
Mark Farmer, founding director of Cast Consultancy and author of the landmark Modernise or Die review, looks at the rise of modular construction and examines whether the sector is really ready for take-off.
At the first meeting of PBC Today’s new Editorial Board, digital editor Elisha Sketchley sat down with its members to delve into the issues and concerns facing the construction sector.
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s promise of £3bn to help housing associations borrow to build is welcome but, argues James Prestwich of the National Housing Federation, much more can and should be done to tackle the UK’s desperate need for social housing.
Architecture and construction expert Richard Saxon CBE explores the silos confining the construction industry and delves into the ‘digital twin’ concept.
If the construction industry wants to unlock its full potential through digital transformation, the next five years are essential, says Steve Radley, strategy and policy director of the Construction Industry Training Board.
Dr Daniel Slade on how the Royal Town Planning Institute is taking a new approach to its research on strategic planning for climate resilience.
It’s 20 years since asbestos was banned in Britain, yet companies are still putting workers at risk by failing to manage it, says Craig Foyle, immediate past president of the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health.
A new guide to the legal issues surrounding offsite manufacturing was recently launched Constructing Excellence South West to smooth contractual issues and help the sector realise its full potential. Alan Tate, partner at participating law firm Michelmores, discusses its development.
New fire protection regulations are now in force. Jon Pagan, director of fire safety engineering at FIA member company International Fire Consultants and chair of the FIA’s Fire Engineering Council looks at what they mean for the construction industry.
Over the past three years, Valerie Owen OBE has led the British Board of Agrément through some seismic events in the construction industry. As she nears the end of her tenure, she talks to PBC Today about Hackitt, Brexit, value engineering, the rise of Modern Methods of Construction and her own future in a new role.
