Building Transformations: A Conference Focused on Integration in Construction

Building Transformations recently hosted its innovative construction conference, titled The Future of Construction: Automation, Offsite & Field Technology II, held in Toronto on August 13 and 14. The event served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, designers, and technologists to explore the amalgamation of design, manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly processes within the construction sector.

Emphasizing Digital Transformation

One of the keynotes of the conference was delivered by Tom Aicklen, the vice-president of commercial advisory at Infrastructure Ontario (IO). He centered his session around the transformative power of digital twins, emphasizing IO’s substantial investment in this technology. Drawing lessons from the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) and the Geospatial Commission in the United Kingdom, Aicklen highlighted the significant strides that IO has taken toward digital transformation, demonstrating a clear commitment to embracing emerging technologies within infrastructure planning and management.

Challenges in Modern Construction Methods

Following Aicklen, Mark Farmer, founder and CEO of Cast Consultancy, provided a critical lens on the United Kingdom’s slow adoption of modern construction methodologies. Farmer pointed out pressing issues like off-site waste, economic instability of construction firms, and labor shortages as roadblocks. He urgently described the plight of modular companies in the U.K., many of which have faced bankruptcy due to insufficient government support and poor quality control, underscoring the necessity for rigorous inspections at both factory and on-site levels.

The Promise and Challenges of Modular Construction

Marty Corrado, director of industrialized construction at Boldt Construction Company, delved deeper into the realm of modular construction. While this method provides clients with enhanced certainty regarding costs and schedules—despite higher initial expenses—Corrado noted that the unique, non-repetitive nature of many projects can limit scalability. He cited the innovative prefabrication techniques established at Atlanta’s airport, where components were developed using on-site reality capture technology from Trimble, allowing for installation during limited nighttime construction windows.

Artificial Intelligence: A Game Changer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) also loomed large at the conference, significantly sparking conversation regarding its role in construction. Adam Wisniewski, co-founder and CTO at Ai Clearing, emphasized how almost all RFPs now include a stipulation for AI certification. The conference panel acknowledged the need for certified AI technologies to ensure safety and data accuracy in construction. Wisniewski noted that AI has the potential to be a workforce multiplier, enabling firms to maximize output with fewer resources. Such discussions reflected a shifting focus towards long-term digital data preservation, particularly as related to digital twin technologies.

Modular Construction in Canada: Opportunities and Challenges

During one of the panel discussions—including insights from August Nazareth, global director of built environment at BSI Americas—the challenges faced by modular construction in Canada were laid bare. The panel noted that this sector often relies on small, family-run businesses, resulting in inconsistencies and vulnerabilities during economic downturns. However, they remained optimistic about the potential for modular construction to indefinitely support sustainability and the circular economy.

Discussions highlighted the urgent need to align modular design principles with sustainable practices, including the production of reusable and recyclable components, thereby promoting long-term environmental benefits.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive View of the Construction Landscape

The Building Transformations conference offered a comprehensive examination into the myriad challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s construction sector. From the intricacies of prefabrication and modular construction to the transformative potential of digital technologies and sustainability, the discussions underscored a collective movement towards innovation.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights shared at this conference will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of how construction projects are conceptualized, executed, and managed. The exploration of these topics not only reveals the current state of the industry but also sets the stage for future advancements as stakeholders navigate the changing landscape of construction technology.

For more information and resources from the conference, visit Building Transformations.