How has Technology Transformed the Construction Industry?
Article exploring how technological innovation has
enabled the construction industry to evolve into the forward thinking, thought
leading sector it is today.
From
the Ashes
It was only a few short years ago that the
construction industry was a complete mess. Almost every business in the sector
was still reliant on archaic practices and techniques, and this attitude was
costing it dearly.
The few businesses that quickly understood the problems faced by the industry were able to adapt and capitalise on the new opportunities that were presented to them. For others, it took a little longer, although in the majority of cases they were able to act before it was too late and their businesses came crashing down around them.
During the past decade, there have been huge strides taken throughout the construction industry in order to almost reinvent itself, leave the past behind and target a bright, brave, and lucrative future.
One of the key components of this evolution from dark past to bright future has been technology, which has been used in many ways in order to drive the changes that were unquestionably needed.
We looked at the areas across which technology has had the biggest influence.
The few businesses that quickly understood the problems faced by the industry were able to adapt and capitalise on the new opportunities that were presented to them. For others, it took a little longer, although in the majority of cases they were able to act before it was too late and their businesses came crashing down around them.
During the past decade, there have been huge strides taken throughout the construction industry in order to almost reinvent itself, leave the past behind and target a bright, brave, and lucrative future.
One of the key components of this evolution from dark past to bright future has been technology, which has been used in many ways in order to drive the changes that were unquestionably needed.
We looked at the areas across which technology has had the biggest influence.
Design
Although it could be argued that a design is a
design however it is produced, there is no question that modern design software
and technology allows for much more accurate and thoughtful designs. These can
then also be used to ensure that a building is as energy efficient as possible.
For example, many modern architects and designers now work to a specification
that says a building needs to save a said amount on energy. The direction a
building is facing, the number of windows in the building, and even the angle
of the roof can all be crucial in making a building as environmentally friendly
as possible.
Construction Materials
All of the design tools in the world are
great, yet without green materials to build with, they would merely be paying
lip service to the environment. There has been massive development in recent
years with regards to the materials used for construction, from ETFE, texlon,
and other membrane structures to relatively simple fabrics and tensiles. All
have their redeeming qualities both in terms of the environment and cost, and
are much more technologically advanced than traditional materials such as brick
and glass.
Putting it Together
Construction
equipment is the final piece of the jigsaw. Even cranes and other things widely
seen on building sites have been given a touch of technology to bring them into
the modern era. Buildings are now being constructed quicker and more
environmentally friendly than ever before thanks to the advancements made in
construction equipment.
The construction industry is the perfect example of how leaving the past behind and embracing technology can open up exciting new possibilities.
The construction industry is the perfect example of how leaving the past behind and embracing technology can open up exciting new possibilities.
