The new face of construction
Construction is evolving at a rapid pace. Like many other industries worldwide, the construction sector has entered a new era characterised by automation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, data and analytics. While the change had already begun before the outbreak of Covid-19, the pandemic catapulted this trend into the future. The question is: how should the construction industry respond?
A new world needs new buildings
As we move into the future, it is essential to develop buildings that use new technologies and meet new operating capabilities. New technologies are being adopted by users and the industry, and operating procedures and working arrangements have changed significantly. Buildings must adapt to these changes, or risk becoming cumbersome and obsolete.
Construction challenges persist
The necessity to adapt to future trends is accompanied by many other challenges, including construction waste, scheduling conflicts and the pressure to complete demanding projects on time and within budgets.
Projects run late…
The underlying problem with projects that finish late is that they become exponentially more expensive. A delayed project means that the client is not achieving their short-term objectives and will experience a loss of potential operating time and revenue. Frequently the scope of the project changes as time drags on, leading to additional costs. In fact, industry research conducted by McKinsey revealed that 98% of megaprojects suffer cost overruns of more than 30%.
Problems crop up along the way…
One of the main challenges posed by new property development is being able to anticipate and fix design and building flaws during the process of construction. If, for instance, the design plan miscalculated the size or location of vital elements, such as access points, wiring or piping, the cost to fix the problem midway through the construction process will be substantial. Alternatively, there will be a significant compromise in the finished building.
How do I avoid this happening on my project?
Many projects fail because developers rush in without proper consideration of what is required. Before planning even begins, it is vital to examine the purpose and ethos of the building in detail. Here’s what works:
Start with the future in mind…
At ISC, our starting point is to understand the current and future needs of the client and customer that the building should make provision for.
Some examples are:
- The property should allow the business to pursue their operations as efficiently as possible. All amenities should be easily accessible and available space used optimally.
- The property should meet the needs of the customers of the business. It should be a pleasant and convenient space to visit.
- The property should be flexible enough to respond to unexpected challenges. Covid-19 happened to hospitals. Similar crises can occur in all sectors. The building must be designed to ensure rapid adaptability and repurposing of space.
- The property should be eco-efficient. Buildings of the future must rely on natural light and cooling mechanisms, energy saving devices and smart use of water.
From expectation to reality…
If you want to turn your requirements and ideals into a concrete building, then it’s essential to follow these steps:
1. Gather all the relevant information
In our experience, planning is typically flawed because there was not sufficient information available from the outset. For this reason, we request all project documents from the client in advance. We then prepare a technical and commercial proposal for the client. Feedback is received from the client and the proposal is revised. An agreement is then signed
between ISC and the client. The objectives of the project are then broken down into specific deliverables and due dates are assigned.
2. Measure the performance
New technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), allow project managers to input all project information into a coordinated model that provides project simulations over six dimensions (3D plus time, cost and building specifications). The model is able to predict future clashes, disputes or delays and measure the expected performance of the project. In short, BIM turns information into insight.
3. Analyse the data
The work doesn’t end once the project is complete. Smart buildings allow building owners and managers to measure the performance, security, energy efficiency and user experience of the facilities on a real-time basis. This allows them to implement proactive measures to address problems before they cause real damage or loss.
KOV: a success story
An example of the successful execution of the steps outlined above is the construction of the KOV mall in New Cairo. Construction of the luxurious shopping mall commenced in 2022. Thanks to the use of advanced technology solutions and fully integrated digital project management, ISC is on track to deliver this $18 million project four months ahead of schedule and on budget.
What you can expect from ISC on YOUR next project
Here are a few of the tools and process we use:
- Pre-Contract Management
Streamlined design and contract management processes get projects off to a great start. We focus on all the finer details in design management, permission planning and contract management to ensure that we use the correct information for our project modelling. - Building Information Modelling (BIM)
The old saying goes “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” However, mere planning doesn’t safeguard you from future hindrances. What you need is a real-time modelling system that grows along with your project. At ISC we use 6D Building Information Modelling to track and predict challenges as your project progresses. This modelling allows us to identify challenges and mismatches in advance, and then plan around them. - Post-Contract Management
All the activities that feed into your project have potential challenges and consequences. ISC provides expert assistance with construction supervision, commercial management, claims and dispute management. - Project Management
The construction industry is fiercely competitive. The right project management approach and methodologies make all the difference when it comes to saving you time and money. To maintain a competitive edge over our competitors, we rely on the principles of Lean Construction Management. - Sustainability Services
A detailed sustainability vision that creates lasting value and builds public trust is essential for organisations today. ISC can help you map short- and long-term sustainability goals, integrate sustainability into your strategic agenda and develop a robust sustainability programme. - Smart Building Management
Technology is changing how facilities are managed, as connected buildings provide the
ability for remote monitoring and directional management. ISC can advise on the best technology choices for your facility assets and business structure. Our Building Automation System Commissioning and Re-Tuning services further ensure that the system’s
sequence of operations performs as intended.
Experience the ISC advantage
At ISC we consistently deliver projects on time, within budget, with minimal disputes and no clashes. If you are seriously committed to the success and timely completion of your project, then your only logical choice is Integrated Solutions Consultancy.
Book an obligation-free consultation with us today and find out what we can do for your project.
- We offer end-to-end digital project management modelling that includes all aspects of a project, resulting in a truly integrated solution.
- We provide advanced services, like Lean Construction and BIM, that none of our competitors offer.
- We have anticipated all feasible gaps in the lifecycle of a project and have engineered solutions for those gaps.
