The pace of technological development continues to astound even the most ardent innovation champions. The BD+C editorial team is on a mission to track and evaluate the latest tech tools and trends that show promise for widespread AEC adoption. Here are three compelling developments that we will be watching closely in 2019:
1. The rise (finally!) of 5G. Years of hype and buzz around the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications has led to more apathy than enthusiasm over 5G networks. But 2019 promises to be the year in which 5G finally gets off the ground. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all working on 2019-20 launches for 5G network offerings in parts or all of the U.S. It promises new levels of connectivity and unprecedented speeds. (Latency—the time delay required for information to travel across a network—is expected to drop from 100 milliseconds with today’s 4G networks, to just one millisecond with 5G.) This will lead to breakthrough wireless applications that rely on “real-time” communication of data. Think IoT, edge computing, smart buildings, and wearable tech applications.
2. Cheaper, smarter, multifunctional sensors. Wireless sensor technologies like MEMS ultrasonic sensors—combined with more sophisticated analytics platforms—show promise for widespread adoption of smart building operations and advanced project team operations and collaboration. Next-gen sensor technologies can collect multiple pieces of data (CO2, light, temperature, etc.) while supporting a critical role in a building’s operations (e.g., occupancy sensor). They are cheaper, longer lasting, more accurate, more robust, and faster than the previous generations of sensors.
3. “Anything as a service.” We’ve all heard of “software as a service.” But did you know there are firms that offer “analytics as a service,” “artificial intelligence as a service,” “cybersecurity as a service”? These companies are part of the cloud computing boom, and they are disrupting traditional business models by providing digital tools, services, and expertise on a subscription basis. These platforms allow AEC firms to “tinker” with advanced tools and methods—and also consult with some of the industry’s brightest minds—while minimizing risk and resources.
CALLING ALL ‘AEC INNOVATORS’!
BD+C is launching a recognition program, AEC Innovators, to honor the industry’s brightest minds and most accomplished innovators and disruptors. We’re looking for individuals who 1.) have developed something tangible, something groundbreaking—design idea, app, business tool, construction method, breakthrough material, business approach, real estate model—for their firm or client, and 2.) can talk about ROI/results and provide real-world examples of its application. The 2019 AEC Innovators will be featured in the August 2019 issue of BD+C.
Related Stories
Libraries | Jun 21, 2022
Kingston, Ontario, library branch renovation cuts energy use to 55% of benchmark
A recent renovation of the Kingston (Ontario) Frontenac Public Library Central Branch greatly boosted energy and water efficiency while making the facility healthier and safer.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Building Team | Jun 20, 2022
Andres Caballero Appointed President of Uponor North America
Uponor Corporation (Uponor) has named Andres Caballero president of its Building Solutions – North America division and a member of the Executive Committee at Uponor.
| Jun 20, 2022
An architectural view of school safety and security
With threats ranging from severe weather to active shooters, school leaders, designers, and security consultants face many challenges in creating safe environments that allow children to thrive.
School Construction | Jun 20, 2022
A charter high school breaks ground in L.A.’s Koreatown
A new charter school has broken ground in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
Building Team | Jun 17, 2022
Data analytics in design and construction: from confusion to clarity and the data-driven future
Data helps virtual design and construction (VDC) teams predict project risks and navigate change, which is especially vital in today’s fluctuating construction environment.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 17, 2022
U. of Georgia football facility expansion provides three floors for high-performance training
A major expansion of the University of Georgia’s football training facility has been completed.
Building Team | Jun 16, 2022
Hybrid work expected to reduce office demand by 9%
Businesses are slowly but consistently transitioning to a permanent hybrid work environment, according to a senior economist at Econometric Advisors.
Building Team | Jun 16, 2022
USGBC announces more than 23 million square feet of LEED certified net zero space
Today, the U.S. Green Building Council announced nearly 100 net zero certifications earned under the LEED Zero program, representing more than 23 million square feet of space.
AEC Business Innovation | Jun 15, 2022
Cognitive health takes center stage in the AEC industry
Two prominent architecture firms are looking to build on the industry’s knowledge base on design’s impact on building occupant health and performance with new research efforts.
