Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

Written By: Márton Kiss, Vice President, Product Success, Graphisoft

Today, the once-solid blueprints of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) have morphed into fluid sketches, adapting to the evolving customer needs and technological advancements. As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.

Here, we will delve into the vibrant palette of trends and key areas that may help navigate this transformative path in the AEC industry.

Bridging the Digitalisation Gap

Despite being slow to embrace digital transformation, the AEC sector has shown promising signs in recent years, with technology adoption and awareness of its benefits steadily rising. However, a noticeable gap emerges when transitioning from the design to the construction phase. While current tools enable detailed digital models, the actualisation often relies heavily on on-site workers, creating a disconnect in the integrated workflow.

Bridging this gap and driving the push towards greater digitisation and automation requires a two-pronged approach—first, fostering a demand for digital design practices, and second, reducing legal and regulatory barriers that impede the implementations. Additionally, a global trend towards collaborative building lifecycles is gaining momentum. As the integration across the building lifecycle strengthens, so does the impetus for comprehensive digitalisation, highlighting the critical role of quality design in this process.

Unlocking the Potential of BIM

While Asia Pacific trails developed nations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption, progress is evident. Governments like Malaysia, aiming for 80% adoption by 2025, are actively driving its implementation due to proven productivity and competitive advantages. However, BIM’s true potential lies beyond mere data and 3D models.

It is about integrated design, where architects, engineers, builders, owners, and technology providers collaborate within a single model, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional handoffs and discrepancies. This “single source of truth” fosters early alignment of building systems and informed decision-making across disciplines.

At Graphisoft, we champion OPEN BIM, a future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Recent developments, like seamless structural engineering integration and cloud collaboration, reflect our commitment to this collaborative future.

BIM will continue to see greater interoperability and capabilities. However, the key to maximizing what it can offer eventually lies in fostering a culture of openness and information sharing.

Driving the Shift Towards Sustainable Design

The green buildings market is expected to cross USD $1.948 billion by the end of 2036, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for 32%. Sustainability pressures are pushing the industry towards innovative materials and energy-efficient design. Net-zero buildings will remain a focus, achieving energy savings through renewables, smart design, and storage. Building performance and management will also be key, tying into the digitalisation trend for optimal efficiency.

“As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.”

Cost-effectiveness, however remains crucial. While adopting these practices might seem daunting, firms can start small. Explore concepts, experiment with materials, and utilise BIM as a bridge between elements. Integrating building systems, structures, and architecture early on makes informed decisions about materials, shapes, and even programs possible. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this shift requires a closer alignment between design decisions and long-term outcomes, driven by the overarching goals of sustainability and efficiency.

Making the Most of Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) goes beyond automation. It is becoming the industry’s secret weapon, empowering professionals across the project lifecycle. From design optimisation with photorealistic visualisation to predictive analysis and BIM integration, AI transforms how we overcome challenges and make informed decisions.

The future is not just about scratching the surface with AI. We see a convergence of technologies, where Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) enhances collaborative BIM workflows, and digital twins evolve beyond virtual models, becoming real-time data oracles. This will redefine our standards for efficiency, accuracy and profitability, allowing designers to focus on their true value – creativity. Graphisoft remains at the forefront of this revolution, investing in emerging technologies that assist and empower, not replace.

Emphasis on Continuous Learning

The future sprints, not strolls. Therefore, upskilling is an essential ticket to the ride. But it is not a solo journey. Organisations must be bold co-pilots, investing in the latest tools, processes, and training. Fear of the unknown is natural, but the changing roles of AEC professionals are inevitable. Technology like AI excels in crunching data and optimising processes but still lacks the human touch that breathes life into novel designs.

That is the true power of real architects—crafting beauty that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful. Technology is the hammer, but people are the architects of change. Those who embrace continuous learning will be the ones shaping the future of AEC, brick by innovative brick, pixel by inspiring pixel.

The future of the built environment demands active participation. Architects, engineers and contractors must embrace digital tools and progress alongside advancements. BIM will be their blueprint, green principles their guiding star, and emerging technologies their canvas extension. The opportunity to create great architectures is boundless when we successfully integrate people, workflows and real-time information.

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