The latest advancements, techniques, and materials being used in commercial and industrial construction are, of course, informed by and parallel to more significant trends in technological advancement, so it should come as no surprise that the most exciting areas of change tend to fall under the broad categories of digitization, materials, and systems which support green building, and integration of technology in a variety of ways from the planning and building process itself to the integration of technology into the building at large (i.e., ‘smart buildings’). Let’s look at a few trends quietly revolutionizing how commercial and industrial spaces are constructed.
1. High-Performance Building Materials
The emergence of innovative building materials that offer improved performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness is changing design possibilities, contributing to more efficient builds and enhancing sustainability. For example, graphene, a one-atom-thick carbon layer, is gaining attention for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Graphene can significantly enhance its strength, durability, and conductivity when incorporated into construction materials. Adding graphene to concrete can make it more robust and crack-resistant, extending the structure’s lifespan. Graphene-enhanced materials are still in the early stages of adoption, but they hold great promise for the future of commercial construction.
2. Green Building and Sustainable Construction
The shift towards sustainable construction has spurred using bio-based and recycled materials in commercial building projects. Materials like bamboo, hempcrete, recycled steel, and even mycelium are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendliness and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, builders are increasingly incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources like solar panels, and sustainable materials with low carbon footprints. Green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), are becoming more sought after, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable building practices.
3. Digital Technologies and Building Information Modeling (BIM):
Digital technologies are revolutionizing how builds are created and managed, allowing for improved collaboration, project management, and documentation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is gaining widespread adoption, enabling 3D modeling, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making throughout project lifecycles. BIM helps optimize designs, improve coordination among different disciplines, and reduce clashes during construction, ultimately enhancing project efficiency and reducing costs.
4. Robotics and 3D Printing in Construction
Discussing construction trends would be woefully incomplete without mentioning 3D printing and robotics. In part, necessitated by worker shortages and partly driven by reducing waste, freedom of design, and various other benefits, we should expect to continue seeing more 3D printing in commercial and industrial construction. Along similar lines, robotics and automation are being increasingly deployed in construction for tasks like bricklaying, welding, and demolition. These technologies can speed up construction processes, improve precision, and enhance worker safety by handling hazardous or repetitive tasks.
As we continue to monitor commercial and industrial construction trends, it is encouraging to see that many of them seem motivated by improving sustainability, improving working conditions, and providing more environmentally conscious buildings for the future.
