As a collaborative industry, technology has been used for many years to manage the building process from design through to building completion and then on into maintenance and building management, with all trades and activities included in the software management systems.

Technologies, such as Drones allow building inspection and insight from new angles and perspectives once complete.  AR and VR provide existing and new perspectives on a building or landscaping whilst still at the design stage. Laser scanning increases the accuracy of surveying, construction and installation.

On large scale, expensive projects, VR and BIM provide a reality check for everybody from investors, developers, architects, engineers, builders and trades.

Robots and automation are increasingly being used in new “green field” projects and developments and 3d printing has been used to create a house and building components from concrete, stone waste, wood or resin.

However, most countries have a huge stock of existing traditional brick, stone, concrete and wood homes and buildings, where the main requirement is for maintenance and renovation using traditional trade skills, as well as new complementary ICT skills in home solar, energy and water, entertainment and security systems.

COVID 19

The coronavirus impact on construction has been mixed, with many construction workers still able to work.

But negative impacts are arising as building activity slows and new residential projects dry up. Architects have reported widespread cancellation of projects, as homeowners and developers worry about job security and cash flow.

Second wave outbreaks of COVID are also contributing to labour shortages and disruption to supply of materials cause by quarantine and travel restrictions.

Uncertainty is unlikely to diminish until a vaccine is widely available.