These digital tools vastly increase both the speed with which designers progress from data to the digital model and the number of options and permutations that can be considered when it comes to reconciling specific requirements and performance criteria.
This type of optimisation will happen simultaneously and in conjunction with the same process being applied to the supporting infrastructure; road, rail, hyperloops, power and water, and other transport and utilities..Platform Design for better individual assets.
We sometimes hear people express concern that Modern Methods of Construction will be the death of good design.On the contrary, we believe construction Platforms and DfMA will deliver better, more holistically designed, individual assets.Not cookie-cutter buildings.
A key aspect of a Platforms approach to design is the notion that we standardise at component level, but allow complete freedom at asset level.A standardised kit of parts, coupled with the use of machines to eliminate repetitive tasks, will give architects and designers more time to spend exploring outcomes and adding value.
This will, in turn, allow them to create refined, client-specific designs which are every bit as aesthetically pleasing and unique as buildings designed by traditional methods.
We also believe there will be a shift in where we think creativity is best placed within the architectural process.The Construction Innovation Hub has a year left, during which time it will need to create impact and get the necessary information to prove value.
However, realistically, it’s going to take a decade or more to really embed these approaches, and for parallel developments to share data and information that really demonstrates value.This will in turn enable clients to make better choices and achieve better delivery of buildings.. Progressing the future of construction.
The progress we’ve seen in just the last five years has been significant, and it’s important to acknowledge that we’ve come a long way in a short period of time because we’ve been able to capitalise on the experience of others.The journey began with the original work with the MOJ, but carried on through to the Autumn Statement, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority beginning to talk about Platforms, and the creation of the Construction Innovation Hub itself.. It’s useful to reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of the significant policy changes and the fact that government departments, who have long been delivering massive infrastructure projects in diverse ways, are now starting to realise the benefits of alignment, harmonisation and rationalisation.