Construction trends that are winning 2018

Construction trends that are winning 2018

Architects, manufacturers, builders and construction professionals always want to keep up with the latest construction industry trends so that they can stay ahead of the competition. In this blog, we take a look at six of the most prominent trends taking the lead this year.

Virtual & Augmented reality
These visual technologies continue to gain greater traction within the construction industry and are fast becoming some of the most valuable tools for project teams and end users alike. Virtual Reality – or VR – creates an immersive environment in a headset or cardboard viewer, or even an enveloping 360 pop-up tent or room – enabling contractors, designers and end users to step into their buildings before they’re even built. Everything is now connected online, and projects have been digitalized in such a way that paper is almost no longer needed.

3D Printing
The use of 3D printing technology to produce physical objects has advanced significantly in construction of late – at all levels of scale. Using 3D printing in construction undoubtedly has many benefits over traditional methods, like lower costs and waste, increased durability of built buildings, and faster construction of buildings. With 3D printing it can also be easier to design more complex shapes than with traditional manufacturing methods. This affords architects greater freedom in design – something that is always on trend, year on year.

Internet of Things (IoT)
Simply put, the Internet of Things (or IoT) encompasses everything connected to the internet. It’s a network of physical devices that are embedded with sensors and network connectivity to allow those objects to connect and exchange data. Many companies are implementing IOT technology into their workflows, as it has a number of benefits. If you can connect any machine to the web, workers will be able to give it instructions remotely. For example, in construction, IoT can be used in remote operation and monitoring, supply replenishment, construction tool tracking and in equipment servicing and repair.

Advanced materials
The world of construction materials is advancing at an incredible rate as new technologies enter the construction sector, enabling further research and development. You only have to look at innovations like Self-healing concrete, Kinetic paving, 4D-printed structures and smog-eating buildings. All these sounded like they were something out of Star Trek a few years back and they’re now becoming staples of the construction industry.

Drones
In the last few years, the use of aerial drones has become more commonplace in the construction industry, and many companies are finding that drones can play a vital role in their work. Drones can access remote locations, are equipped with cameras, can collect data, complete safety inspections, capture project progress and so much more. Surveyors use them to create 3d mapping or images that later can be used to depict an area.

Green Construction
Technology is continuously improving and setting new standards, including higher environmental sustainability. Green building is no longer considered optional or a passing fad, but the future of construction. Forward-thinking designers and architects are leading the race introducing bold new solutions. Consequently, companies have to keep up the pace if they want to stay competitive. The continued success of modular construction, prefabricated processes and the rise of passivhouse are clear signs that this “trend” is here to stay.

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