In conversation

What challenges are currently shaping the planning, design and construction industry?
One of the major challenges facing the industry is to reduce the negative impact of construction on the environment, considering the structure’s entire lifecycle. This requires the use of sustainable processes and environmentally friendly building materials while saving energy and resources. The efficiency of construction processes, and productivity, must also be increased. Far too often, construction projects are characterised by delays and cost overruns. However, the application of innovative technologies and optimised planning, design and construction processes can improve efficiencies, enabling projects to be completed in a more predictable manner. The aforementioned challenges are exacerbated by the shortage of skilled labour. The demand for qualified workers in the planning, design and construction industry is high, but the supply is limited. Therefore, it is very important to attract and retain talented and well-educated employees in order to enable project demands to be consistently met.

How can the industry meet these challenges?
A strong focus on digitalisation is essential, but this necessitates a change of thinking in the industry. The coronavirus pandemic demonstrated how a crisis can provide the impetus for new ways of doing things and new perspectives, and for moving digitalisation forward. As with any change, it is crucial to bring the involved people along. Reservations and concerns must be taken seriously for the changes to be accepted and implemented. This requires open and transparent communication. Staff should be equipped with the knowledge and competence needed to support the change. At the same time, the expectations and capabilities of the younger generation must be integrated into the company’s everyday work so that fresh perspectives and innovations can be brought in. In this way, the challenges presented by the changes in the construction sector can be met successfully, facilitating sustainable and futureproof development.

"It is up to us to identify opportunities and to make planning, design and construction processes more sustainable and more efficient!"

How can digitalisation contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and processes?
The combination of digitalisation and sustainability presents particular opportunities for improvement. The use of digital technologies enables, for example, energy consumption and material selection to already be considered during the design phase, supporting the efficient use of resources. Simulations enable different scenarios to be evaluated and new materials to be tested, thus supporting decision-making that increases eco-efficiency. Automated processes can help to conserve resources while reducing waste and emissions. They simplify the identification and documentation of materials and components, which can be very helpful, for example, when these are removed from existing structures and may be used for further projects. Large amounts of data are processed quickly and efficiently. Digitalisation and sustainability complement each other and offer many opportunities to conserve resources in the construction and operation of structures, thus making a positive contribution to the environment and to society.

What does that mean for the role of the General Planner, for example?
As General Planners, we have to take a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a project. This means that we integrate the concept of “circular construction”, and a view of a structure’s entire lifecycle, into the planning and design right from the start. We must develop a comprehensive approach to managing the interactions between the various trades and specialisations, and take into account new methods for assessing and integrating sustainability considerations in the planning and design processes. It is up to us to identify opportunities and to make planning, design and construction processes more sustainable and more efficient. By using digitalisation as a tool we can make a significant contribution to moving the industry forward. And that is what we will do.