As we approach year-end, we look at what lies ahead in the construction industry. The following are several trends the industry is discussing.
Virtual Design and Visualization, BIM
Technology is at the forefront of the industry, which is increasingly adopting everything from virtual design and visualization to building information modeling (BIM). Virtual design and visualization involve using virtual environments to engineer and visualize the construction of structures before they’re actually built in the physical world. These virtual environments can be accessed via desktop and mobile devices as well as augmented and virtual reality hardware.
BIM allows architects, engineers, or anyone else to generate a virtual model of a physical building or structure. It uses 3D models to represent a building or infrastructure’s physical and functional aspects, helping stakeholders visualize, coordinate, and manage a project more effectively.
Modular Construction and Prefabrication
Other trends include modular construction and prefabrication. Modular construction typically involves constructing at least 60-90% of a building or other structure before bringing it to the construction site. Modular construction is generally considered more eco-friendly because the controlled factory settings reduce material waste and repetitive processes improve energy efficiency. In addition, the transportation of smaller, modular components can lead to fewer emissions compared to the logistics of traditional construction.
Modular construction can be used in single-family homes, apartment buildings, dormitories, office buildings, hotels, retail spaces, clinics, temporary healthcare facilities, and classrooms at schools and universities.
Prefabrication, while technically part of modular construction, occurs when specific components of a structure are assembled or manufactured off-site. The prefabricated parts are then easily affixed to the building.
Sustainability and Green Building
The construction industry has been adopting more eco-friendly practices due to increased concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability. These practices involve the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy sources. Green building standards and certifications may become more commonplace by 2025 due to governmental regulations and customer demand.
Resilient Infrastructure
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, there is a greater emphasis on developing resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events, earthquakes, and other dangers. In 2025, we should see more investment in resilient design and construction practices to reduce risks and ensure the long-term profitability of infrastructure projects.
Smart Cities
Smart cities leverage technology, data analytics, and the internet of things (IoT) to enhance residents’ quality of life, improve the efficiency of city services, promote sustainability, and foster economic development. By integrating digital infrastructure and smart technology, smart cities aim to create more efficient systems for transportation, energy usage, waste management, communication, and governance.
Construction Management Software (CMS)
CMS helps construction companies manage and track their projects from start to finish with a digital platform that provides storage and access to data, blueprints, and documents all in one place. According to market.us, by 2025, 60% of construction firms will be using cloud-based software for managing their projects.