I recently had the opportunity to attend the Sydney Build 2024 conference, where industry leaders and experts shared their knowledge and experiences on the latest trends and developments in the construction sector. The talks I attended covered a wide range of topics, from digital engineering and technology adoption to the metaverse and suburban design innovation. Here are some of the key takeaways from the talks I attended.
Collaborative Digital Engineering
- The UK is ahead of Australia in using Power BI, a rare sight in the Australian construction industry.
- Power BI makes Master Information Delivery Plans (MIDP) more accessible for everyone.
- While there is no national mandate in Australia like in the UK, major projects and asset owners are pushing for the adoption of these practices.
- The UK is also leading in the adoption of ISO 19650, a standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Technology Adoption in International Construction
- Australia is well-positioned in the industry, but most companies keep their advancements secret due to intellectual property rights, resulting in only incremental innovative gains.
- The UK has a government drive that forces innovation among all sectors, and a similar cohesive industry approach is needed elsewhere.
- The construction industry lags behind others due to a lack of innovation and confrontational contracts.
- Developing end-to-end digital platforms is crucial, as the current landscape is filled with bespoke products that create digital silos of information.
- The industry is ripe for disruption, similar to how Uber transformed the taxi industry.
The New Frontier: Construction Opportunities in the Metaverse
- Examples of metaverse applications include the design and build of an e-game precinct in the Middle East and Ausgrid’s visualization of their entire energy network.
- The metaverse has always existed in some form but has now been commercialized.
- Key questions for construction companies include how the metaverse can be used and the associated upfront costs.
Reimagining Suburbs of NSW: Innovation at the Heart of Design
- Low-density development is an unsustainable aim, and increasing density along with a diversity of services and amenities is crucial.
- Projects should be created based on merit rather than strict zoning.
- Build-to-rent (BTR) developments often have more amenities than build-to-sell, and conversations around buying versus renting need to change.
- 75-year intergenerational loans and rent-to-buy schemes are gaining traction to improve affordability.
- Good development, when done well, can positively impact property values.
- Population density in favorite cities like Barcelona, Paris, and London is around 20-40,000 people per square km, while Sydney’s average is less than 500 per square km with a peak of 14,000.
- Australians have an obsession with buying property, which is different from other parts of the world, like Europe.
The Sydney Build 2024 conference provided a wealth of information and insights into the future of the construction industry. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, it is clear that embracing innovation, collaboration, and new technologies will be essential for success. Additionally, rethinking our approach to urban design and property ownership will be crucial in creating sustainable and livable cities for future generations.