The Future is Connected Construction
Stephen Taylor, managing director of KPS UAE, discusses how connected construction will enable the interiors sector to unlock new value.
Construction is one of the world’s largest industries and major construction projects are some of the clearest signs of rapid progress, as the Middle East evolves into a primarily knowledge-based regional economy. However, large construction projects are notoriously difficult to manage anywhere in the world. They must bring together and coordinate supply chains, contractors, suppliers, equipment, and labour, all within predetermined budgets and timelines. Managing this process manually is practically impossible, but the adoption rate of digital tools in the construction sector lies far behind almost every other modern industry. Because many companies in our sector are still attempting to manage complex workflows by hand, customers are frequently frustrated by completion delays and budget overruns.
The inefficiencies created by these manual operations also slash through margins on fixed-price construction contracts and leave companies of every size struggling to survive. Even when construction companies do start to use technology, it’s often just a suite of unconnected systems that are not talking to each other. These silos require multiple entries of the same data, and the lack of connection prevents the data from creating a bigger picture. Construction is like a team sport, and you are only truly successful if all the stakeholders are working together as one. Today, connected construction technology is transforming interior design and construction companies like KPS. After many years spent discussing and planning these technology changes, we are finally deploying them. At KPS, we believe that these changes will make everyone, and everything, work smarter. This kind of open communication between technology, to make sure that the whole project team has the right information at the right time, invariably leads to better project outcomes. Let’s look at some of these exciting changes in more detail and what these technologies can do to help link assets, people, processes, and project sites.
Building Information Modelling
The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software improves collaboration because each specialist area can add their inputs to the same 3D digital model, instead of the information being broken out onto multiple versions of a paper drawing. This way, the model evolves immediately as people contribute; a change made once is a change made everywhere. Everyone is looking at the same single source of truth at the same time, whether they are onsite at one of our interior construction projects, in our Dubai HQ, or in one of our client’s offices in London or Frankfurt. Combined with regular 3D scans of the project site, it allows our clients to follow every detail of their project remotely without ever visiting the worksite, even from overseas. BIM also helps with problem-solving in the design and planning stages of a project, by automating clash detection and providing a more complete picture of the project. In the UK, BIM is already mandatory for government construction projects, and it is fast becoming so for large-scale projects in other markets including the UAE, Hong Kong, France, South Korea, Germany, and Italy.
Data collection apps
The increased portability of tablets and smartphones allow for easier communication and the ability to work from anywhere. Data collection apps are helping to gather faster, more accurate and higher-quality data from our project sites, to create significant time savings and reduced data entry errors. Data collection workflows can be automated, so the submission of one form triggers another form to be sent, and so on until a task is completed with all the necessary approvals.
Virtual reality and wearables
Virtual reality technology can be integrated with BIM to help better understand complex projects. You can create a workspace design with BIM and then can use VR to walk around it. This can give our clients an even more realistic idea of what the project will look like once completed and helps to avoid changes and delays further down the line.
3D printing
In the near future, 3D printing has the potential to change much of our material sourcing. Prefabricated materials Stephen Taylor is the managing director of KPS in the UAE, a technology-led and design-focussed interior contractor with over 500 staff and a presence in nine countries across the Middle East and Europe. for a project can be printed and then transported to the job site, ready for use immediately. This can allow us to remove unnecessary steps and get the materials faster. With everyone on a project aligned and using the same set of information and communicating seamlessly, it becomes easier to minimise changes, address risks, and improve time and cost issues. These changes will affect more than just our day-to-day operations; they will shift the entire approach to creating and managing construction projects in many ways that are still hard to predict.
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Nakheel’s new Murooj Al Furjan community begins construction, with a completion date of 2024
Dubai-based master developer Nakheel has awarded a contract for infrastructure work and the construction of 620 homes at Murooj Al Furjan, its sell-out, gated community at its Al Furjan master development.
Nakheel has appointed Dubai-based Al Shafar General Contracting to deliver the villas and townhouses and associated infrastructure work at the new community, with completion due in 2024.
Launched in May 2021, the Murooj Al Furjan community is close to Al Furjan’s retail Pavilion, community club and Dubai Metro station. The homes are set among extensive green spaces, scenic walkways and a wealth of amenities including swimming pools, jogging tracks, sports courts and shaded play areas.
Spanning 560 hectares and currently home to nearly 30,000 people, Al Furjan is one of Nakheel’s biggest and most popular mixed-use developments.
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The FITOUT successfully completes interior construction of 432 luxury apartments at the Palm Tower Hotel & Residences
The FITOUT announces the successful completion and delivery of interior fit-out services for the Palm Tower Hotel and Residences. The design and construction of the interior of 432 rooms were completed by the fit-out service provider.
The FITOUT’s opulent and innovative designs will feature the kitchen, vanity units, wardrobe, fridge, and other storage spaces of the 109,808 sq. m luxury building. As part of building the interior, The FITOUT offered state of the art fit-out solutions for fully furnished studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that offer an astounding view of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeriah, and Dubai skyline.
Sherif Nagy, general manager, The FITOUT said: “The interior of Palm Tower Hotel & Residences that follows the highest standards in the industry resonates with the quality of our work, and we were meticulous in following their requirements. As an organisation, we implement our projects in line with globally recognised benchmarks to ensure superior experience for our clients and their customers, especially in the hospitality sector. The successful delivery of this project is an illustration of our commitment to provide high-end, bespoke joinery and fit-out works in the UAE.”
He added: “By being the interior solutions provider for Palm Tower Hotel & Residences, we have also become part of their initiative to deliver a memorable and positive experience to their guests and residents.”
Furthermore, The FITOUT has also delivered top-quality bespoke joinery for the mega- project that aims to enhance the experience and convenience of residents and visitors in Palm Tower Hotel and Residences by offering premium interiors and top-class facilities.
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Deadline extended for the KSA Innovation in Construction and Logistics Awards 2021
Nominations are open for the KSA Innovation in Construction and Logistics Awards 2021. The event is set to take place on December 15th in Riyadh.
The KSA Innovation in Construction & Logistics Awards 2021 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction and logistics professionals. The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of.
The awards presentation will happen at a gala dinner in a five-star venue – a celebration which has proven to be a great social occasion and essential networking opportunity. Winners will receive a commemorative trophy, plus extensive print and online coverage of their success in Construction Business News ME & Logistics News ME. Nominate yourselves now, to stand a chance to win at the much-awaited construction and logistics industry awards event of 2021.
To nominate and to find out how you can be a partner and sponsor for the awards visit: https://www.cbnme.com/construction-innovation-awards-ksa-2021/
Here are the categories for the awards:
Construction/Design Categories
Company Awards
Contractor of the Year
This award category recognises the outstanding contractor firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the contractor that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.
Entries for the Contractor of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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MEP Contractor of the Year
This award category recognises the outstanding MEP contractor firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the MEP contractor that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.
Entries for the MEP Contractor of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Consultant of the Year
This award category recognises the outstanding consultancy firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the Consultant of the Year that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region. All types of construction consultancy companies (quantity surveyors, cost consultants, engineering consultants, project management consultants, etc) are qualified to nominate.
Entries for the Consultant of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Facilities Management Company of the Year
The award for overall FM Company of the Year will go to the company that can demonstrate how it has had the greatest impact on the FM-related business. The winning company is well-respected, with a solid reputation among customers and the industry. Its all-round performance in the FM industry over the past year, as exhibited by in its ongoing involvement in flagship contracts and/or projects, will have built on a track record characterized by service excellence, delivery, and innovation.
Entries for the FM Company of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Real Estate Developer of the Year
This award category recognises the outstanding Real Estate Developer firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the Real Estate Developer that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.
Entries for the Real Estate Developer of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Technology & Innovation in Facilities Management
Entries for the Technology & Innovation in FM should show case how their technology has benefited their clients in a effective way in no more than 500 words.
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Architecture Firm of the Year
This award category recognises the outstanding architectural firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. Judges will be looking a firm, which delivers high quality projects in the MENA region. Judges will be looking for the firm’s greatest achievements, projects, and financial summary of the relevant period.
Entries for the Architectural firm of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Fit-Out Company of the Year
The award is for the outstanding fit-out firm of the year who has delivered some amazing projects in the past 12 month till September 2021. The limelight would be on firm’s completed projects, financial summary, nature of clients, and other accomplishments.
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description about the firm and its achievements.
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HSE Initiative of the Year
Contenders for the Health and Safety (HSE) Initiative of the Year award will need to provide details of an initiative successfully executed in the GCC in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The category is open to all companies operating within the construction sector in the region. Special merit will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate the initiative has had a wider impact on the industry.
Entries for the HSE Initiative of the Year award should support their nominations in no more than 500 words
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Best Workplace of the Year
The award is presented to the construction/architectural/design firm that takes on a people-centric approach and demonstrates strong commitment towards employee empowerment and enrichment. Companies must try in terms of improving employee’s job satisfaction, employee recognition and retention, fair communication, and promote work-life balance.
Entries for the Best Workplace of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.
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Interior Design Firm of The Year
The award is for an outstanding design firm of the year whose projects standout with Inspiring and creative ideas. Judges will be looking for a firm, which has shown excellence in design and delivered excellent projects on time.
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description about the firm and its progress.
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Property Management Company of the Year
The award for Property Management Company of the Year will go to a PM firm or asset management firm that’s making rapid strides either through its own Facilities Management division, or via its outsourced FM operator.
Entrants for the Property Management Company of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.
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Software Solutions Company of the Year
This award goes to the company that provides the best software solutions in the construction and facilities management industry.
Entries for the Software Solutions Company of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words.
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Supplier of the Year
The award for Supplier of the Year will go to the organization who can demonstrate their most efficient and productive impact to their suppliers and innovators.
Entries of the Supplier of the Year should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.
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Project Awards
Best Futuristic Project
This category is dedicated to any type of building and development that is already in the design/architectural phase with a start date already in place and gives an insight into what the future may hold through distinct architectural/construction, use of advanced technology, and environmental qualities.
*Kindly, note that in the submission document, companies must indicate when the construction intends to start (date, year).
Entries for the Best Futuristic category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words.
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Commercial Project of the Year
This award is for the outstanding commercial/public sector project, which includes museums, government buildings, cinemas, airports, offices, and galleries in the Middle East.
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the commercial project and standout features of the development.
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Hospitality Project of the Year (Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants)
The award will go to the outstanding hospitality project—restaurant, bar, or hotel in the Middle East.
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the innovative project supporting the ideas of the same.
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Mixed-Used Development Project of the Year
This category awards the best overall project with multiple and combined functions, including (but not limited to) commercial, residential, co-working, institutional, health and wellness, cultural, hospitality, sports and recreation, transportation and more, and are physically and functionally integrated.
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the innovative project supporting the ideas of the same.
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Residential Project of the Year
This award is for the outstanding residential project in the Middle East
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the residential project and its features.
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Innovative Project of the Year
The Best Innovative Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology. We are looking for an project that has developed and applied the most innovative approach to overcoming one or more construction challenges. Winners may have developed a demonstrably new and different technique or process or may have harnessed emerging or existing technologies to create new or improved products, tools or services leading to better built outcomes.
Entries for the Innovative Project of the Year should support their nominations in no more than 500 words
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Energy Project of the Year
This award is for the outstanding Energy Project (Solar, Renewable, Oil & Gas) in the Middle East.
Entries for the Energy Project of the Year should support their nominations in a total of no more than 500 words
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Master Plan Project of the Year
This award is given to any completed master plan project dedicated to the long-term connections between buildings, infrastructure, social and economic conditions, environments, and future development.
Entries for the Master Plan Project of the Year award should support their nominations in no more than 500 words
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SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The Sustainable Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success
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MODULAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the modular project and standout features of the development.
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Individual Award
CEO of the Year
The award for CEO of the Year will go to the executive who can demonstrate delivering outstanding results at his or her organisation during the previous 12 months. The category is open to CEOs and other senior executives working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period.
Entrants for the CEO of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Engineer of the Year
The award for Engineer of the Year will go to the engineer who can demonstrate the greatest impact on his or her organisation and projects during the previous 12 months. The category is open to any engineer working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period.
Entrants for the Engineer of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.
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Logistics
Cargo Operator of the Year
This award recognises the air cargo operators going out of their way to deliver outstanding services to their customers.
Entries for the Cargo Operator of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Ground Handling Company of the Year
This award is open to any business entity involved in the provision of ground handling services in the Middle East. We will be looking for an organisation that is deemed significant in terms of providing exemplary support to the aviation sector.
Each company must submit evidence for the size and nature of the organisation. The company must have a track record of innovation and they must demonstrate the degree of innovation and their commercial potential.
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Freight-Forwarding Company of the Year
his award is for companies displaying excellence in freight forwarding, in terms of service and efficiency in ocean, road or rail freight.
Entries for the Freight Forwarding Company of the Year should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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E-Commerce Company of the Year
This award recognises the air freight operators going out of their way to deliver outstanding services to their customers.
Entries for the E-Commerce Company of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Most Innovative Technology for Logistics
Technology has played a pivotal role in transforming the logistics landscape, and tech companies constantly strive to offer the next ‘big thing’ to increase productivity in the supply chain. The Most Innovative Technology for Logistics award recognises such companies and their unique product offerings for the market, in fields such as warehouse, express delivery, supply chain management, and more.
Entries for the Most Innovative Technology for Logistics category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Express Logistics Provider of the Year
This award category recognises the most efficient and respected Express Logistics Provider in the region. We will be looking at a consistent track record and strong client portfolio. Incorporation of recent trends such as e-commerce logistics, last mile delivery, and inclusion of technology will all be taken into consideration.
Entries for the Express Logistics Provider of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year
The Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year seeks to award a distinguished facility that meets several criteria on the list of what makes a warehouse ideal
Entries for the Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Digital Solutions Provider
The award will recognise a digital service provider in the logistics industry. Digital freight providers use automation to connect shippers and carriers to minimise human intervention and error while streamlining freight procurement.
Entries for the Digital Solutions Provider category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words
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Integrated Logistics Service Company of the Year
Handling a variety of cargoes associated with capital projects, large and small, including bulk, break bulk, containerized, and special cargoes. Logistics companies that deliver professional people and certified equipment to make the transfers between ships, barges, marshalling areas, warehouses, and ground transportation while minimizing the risk of lost and damaged freight, as well as loss of production time.
This award aims to recognise such integrated logistics company, who provide services that not only imbibe technology, but also set the path for others to follow.
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Cold Chain Service Provider of the Year
This award recognises companies that provide optimal temperature-controlled services, while balancing energy consumption, costs and efficiency.
Entries for the Cold Chain Service Provider category should support their nomination by providing the following information in no more than 500 words
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Automotive Logistics Company of the Year
Seamless logistics is required to get everything from pre-assembled components down to the last screw to the right place at the right time. As automotive specialist, companies offer solutions for complex logistics requirements for in-bound production material and the distribution of spare parts.
This award aims to recognise such automotive logistics company, who provide services that not only imbibe technology, but also set the path for others to follow.
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CEO of the Year
The award CEO of the Year will go to the senior executive of a leading logistics company who can demonstrate the greatest impact on his/ her logistics-related business in the last 12 months.
Entries for the CEO of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.
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ISG appoints Stephen Martin as construction director
ISG announced the appointment of Stephen Martin as construction director for the UAE. Martin, an ISG veteran with a decade of experience with the global construction group, returns to the UAE, where he worked from 2013 to 2020, before joining ISG’s business in Scotland, as operations director for the previous 18 months.
In this role, Martin will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of several mission-critical projects that ISG is currently appointed on, as well as supporting the delivery of the company’s growth strategy.
Steve Ramsden, managing director, Southeast Asia & Middle East, ISG said: ‘Stephen brings 30 years of diverse construction experience, including 10 with ISG and and an in-depth understanding of the UAE market. His clear vision, leadership and reputation for diligent delivery are huge assets to the team. We are delighted to have him re-join us, as we set out to create outstanding environments and contribute to shaping unique experiences, in Dubai and the UAE this year and beyond.’
Martin commented: ‘We have a brilliant team in the UAE; many of whom have been with the business for a long time. I am delighted to be back at such an exciting stage of growth for ISG in the region. I look forward to contributing to the successful handover of several statement projects with our clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.”
Throughout 2020, ISG delivered several high-profile projects across corporate, education and technology sectors including Nomura Bank, University of Wollongong Dubai, Natixis Bank and Roxy Cinemas, and several fit-out packages at ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai.
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Dar Al Arkan introduces first 3D Construction Printing Technology in the region
Dar Al Arkan has marked a regional first with the introduction of the first 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology that will accelerate the speed of construction while enhancing safety and reducing wastage and errors.
Launched in collaboration with the Construction of Buildings on Demand (COBOD), Dar Al Arkan is leading the transition of the industry toward advanced and sustainable building practices, and complementing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to support economic diversification and digitisation.
Unlike traditional home-building methods, 3DCP cuts the construction time by more than half, is more flexible and requires less manpower since it takes only three workers to build one house. This, in turn, also contributes to decreased Lost Time Injury, creating a safer workplace. Additionally, less concrete is needed to complete a building making the technology more sustainable and a viable solution for a low-carbon construction industry of the future. For consumers, the combination of these advantages ensures lower costs and more affordability compared to traditional construction.
As 3DCP increases the accuracy of construction, there will be less repairs and rework too, helping save long-term costs and adding to the value of the property. The technology is also very important in insulation and reduces the cost of electricity bills. A combination of reduced waste of construction materials, less need for repair or rework and low on-site LTI incidents will enable highly cost-efficient project management than traditional construction.
The first 3D construction printed house will be ready by Q4 2021, and will be located in the Shams Ar Riyadh project.
Ziad El Chaar, Vice Chairman, Dar Al Arkan Properties, said: “Our goal is to develop the Kingdom’s real estate sector by integrating the latest trends and technologies, drawn from global best practices to enhance our industry locally and deliver on the objectives of Vision 2030 at many levels. The introduction of 3D construction printing will revolutionise our approach to construction and enable us to focus on greater flexibility of design, strengthen productivity and achieve higher cost efficiency. This will raise the industry standards, achieve excellence and position the Kingdom as a leader in this sector, while making us highly competitive in 3DCP technology.”
Capable of printing three-story large scale residential units, 3DCP is based on the Gantry System, which consists of an agile large scale frame structure that supports the printhead, along an X/Y axis. The printhead can move in various directions to lay a special strong and sustainable concrete formula in a specific pattern based on a predetermined digital design of a home or a building directly on site.
of different sizes, further making it extremely effective and efficient building method for the construction sector.
The technology will revolutionise how customers buy their homes in the near future given that very soon they will be able to select from various digital building designs and simply authorise the printing of their home with a click of a button.
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Construction of the French Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo is completed
BESIX Group has completed the construction and delivered the French Pavilion for the Dubai World Expo.
The delivery of the Pavilion was made official by Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State and Director General of the Dubai 2020 World Expo, Franck Riester, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, and Erik Linquier, Commissioner General for France at the Dubai World Expo and President of Cofrex.
Designed by the architectural firms Atelier Perez Prado and Celnikier & Grabli Architects and the design office OTE Ingénierie on the specific theme of “Lumière, Lumières” (“Light, Lights”), the French Pavilion reflects the commitment of the French Republic to be an actor of change for an ambitious ecological transition.
The French Pavilion is an example of respect for the principles of bioclimatic architecture.
This is reflected, for example, in the choice of materials and a circular approach, considerably limiting the building’s carbon footprint. One of the particularities of the Pavilion is its ability to be dismantled and reused.
The building will also be almost self-sufficient in energy during the six months of the World Expo, combining low energy equipment with renewable energy, produced by the 2,500 m² of solar tiles integrated into its façade.
For the construction of the building, BESIX France, as leader of the consortium for the design and execution, was able to count on the services of Six Construct, BESIX Group’s Middle East subsidiary. The complementarity of the teams in Paris and Dubai was a key factor in the success of the project.
Rik Vandenberghe, CEO of BESIX Group : “BESIX is extremely proud to have contributed to the construction of the French Pavilion, a stunning building, both architecturally and environmentally. It will be a major landmark at the Dubai World Expo. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the stakeholders for their confidence, and in particular to the French Republic. The philosophy of the French Pavilion reflects a deep conviction of BESIX: if the construction sector is today a major cause of our collective carbon footprint, it also lies at the heart of the solution. This is why we have been developing cutting-edge expertise in circularity and the energy performance of buildings and infrastructures for several years. The French Pavilion itself carries these messages in a remarkable way”.
In addition to its eco-building qualities, the French Pavilion features various technical feats, including a spectacular 1,800 m² interior façade. Its panoramic terrace also offers a unique view of the Expo site.
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The France Pavilion construction is completed
Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State and Managing Director for the Dubai World Expo, Franck Riester, French Minister for Foreign trade and Economic attractiveness, were welcomed by Erik Linquier, Commissioner General for France at Expo 2020 Dubai and Chairman of Cofrex, to officialise the France Pavilion completion.
The France Pavilion’s groundbreaking was in May 2019, in presence of Elisabeth Borne, former Minister of Transports. Despite the sanitary crisis and the Dubai World Expo’s one-year postponement, the France Pavilion completion is an accomplishment, more than five months before the Word Expo opens its doors on October 1, 2021. The architects’ offices of the France Pavilion, Jean-Luc Perez and Bernard Mauplot (Atelier du Prado Architectes) and Jacob Celnikier and Pascal Grabli (Celnikier & Grabli Architectes) were in Dubai to observe their initial plans take shape on this April 8.
For this special occasion, were also gathered Amélia Lakrafi, Member of Parliament (French National Assembly) and President of the France-Emirates friendship group at the French National Assembly, Xavier Chatel, French Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Raja Rabia, French Consul General in Dubai. Besides them, our Ambassador sponsors ENGIE and Orange, and Premium sponsors Accor, CNES, EDF, Lacoste and Renault were here to witness the France Pavilion completion, that will welcome their innovations to the million visitors during the six months Expo.
To symbolise the France Pavilion’s completion, the last tree garden – an acacia arabica – was planted on the France Pavilion’s promenade. This esplanade promenade was designed as a flânerie and relaxation space for visitors, adorned with endemic trees.
On April 26, 2021, the France Pavilion will unveil its visitors’ journey and more particularly the permanent and temporary exhibitions to be discovered by the visitors on October 1, 2021.
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Autodesk’s Naji Atallah outlines the key construction trends to look out for in 2021
Photo: Naji Atallah, Head of AEC and Manufacturing at Autodesk
The need for businesses and organisations to be resilient and adaptable was made crystal clear during 2020. As the pandemic progressed it became obvious that industries and sectors that were able to adjust the way they worked and operated would overcome the challenges created by the impact of Covid-19.
In the short to medium term what that meant for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry last year was to conquer the immediate issues raised by the pandemic. Despite progress made with vaccinations in the UAE and around the world challenges remain, however. As such 2021 will see greater implementation of digitisation in business operations across the sector.
- Better design through data
2020 witnessed a rapid increase in digitization and that is set to continue this year. We are more rooted in the digital world than ever before. What’s making the digital transformation possible is better use of data. As the built environment captures more and more data, the design and build process will become increasingly outcomes focused. The Common Data Environment (or CDE) – with cloud data storage and document management – will extend from the project to the asset to support the movement of data through the full project lifecycle to include owners. The CDE is squarely in the middle of the design process empowering innovators to work with one single source of truth.
- Cloud cooperation to grow
Successful construction projects are made possible through a team effort. For deadlines to be met and projects to be completed on schedule teams must work closely together. Design and construction firms will continue the remote collaboration practices they adopted last year. In 2021, they will continue to push projects to the cloud at an accelerated rate, in pursuit of an end-to-end digital workflow. The last 12 months have allowed teams and companies to become accustomed to this method of working with many of the initial teething problems now ironed out. As businesses become increasingly comfortable in this way of working, they will become even more efficient and productive.
- An industrialized approach to construction
This approach means more than just using manufacturing techniques in construction, it’s about the convergence of industries, process, workflows and functional data within design, construction, manufacturing, and operation. The majority of contractors will adopt industrial construction techniques such as design for manufacture and assembly. In 2021 this will become an even more important element of the industry’s resilience as contractors realize that prefab construction dramatically accelerates project timelines.
- Automation will become integral to the industry
As the AEC industry is increasingly challenged to find the fittest solution in the shortest time, automation will become an integral part of the industry’s toolkit. The AEC industry now wants to get things done, faster. To have the ability to take the big, tedious design tasks and finish them in the time it takes to make a fresh pot of coffee.
This is where automation will play a central role. It will mean the focus can be on the design tasks that inspired someone to become a designer in the first place by enabling technology to automate the tedious tasks that can potentially limit the designer. Computational and generative design techniques and collaborative robotics will speed up the digital design and physical manufacturing processes. Embracing automation will get the industry a step closer to making their data work for them.
The future is digital for the AEC industry and it is already on the path toward that goal. Companies can no longer ignore this approach and must place adoption of such technologies as a high priority or risk being left behind. As 2020 showed, businesses in the construction sector must be agile and resilient to survive and the trends highlighted here will enable the AEC industry to do just that.
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