From building prefab factories in the sky to incubating the next generation of AEC tech startups, our 2019 class of AEC Innovators demonstrates that the industry is poised for a shakeup. Meet BD+C’s 2019 AEC Innovators.
1. Jennifer Abuzeid, Senior Director–Global Design Strategies, Marriott International
Marriott International embraces modular construction: The hotel giant has more than 50 projects in the works that incorporate prefab guestrooms or bathrooms. READ STORY
2. BuroHappold’s Computational Collective
How engineering giant BuroHappold democratizes tech innovation: The firm's Computational Collective initiative presents employees with “a different way of thinking and working.” READ THE STORY
3. Bob Clark, Chairman and CEO, Clayco
Clayco seeks the cutting edge as a competitive advantage: Innovation has been in Clayco’s DNA since this general contractor was founded in 1984. READ STORY
4. Matt Gough, Director of Innovation and Work Winning, Mace Group
Mace Group built working factories on top of under-construction skyscrapers: The six-story factories eliminated the need for tower cranes, and increased productivity to the point where crews could complete 18 floors in 18 weeks. READ STORY
5. Dane Stokes, Design Technology Specialist, ZGF Architects
Improving architectural designs through iteration: Computational design lets ZGF Architects see patterns that renderings and even models can’t show. READ STORY
6. Ron Klemencic, PE, SE, Hon. AIA, Chairman and CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Structural engineer speeds skyscraper construction with novel building core design: With its Speed Core composite core wall system, Magnusson Klemencic Associates thinks it’s found a faster way to complete high-rise buildings. READ STORY
7. Burcin Kaplanoglu, PhD, Co-founder, Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab
Oracle’s replica of a construction jobsite creates an immersive environment for AEC professionals: The Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab allows visitors to walk through five different stages of construction work, to test new AEC technologies and training techniques. READ STORY
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Design Innovation Report | Apr 27, 2023
BD+C's 2023 Design Innovation Report
Building Design+Construction’s Design Innovation Report presents projects, spaces, and initiatives—and the AEC professionals behind them—that push the boundaries of building design. This year, we feature four novel projects and one building science innovation.
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Does your firm use ChatGPT?
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Reinforced concrete walls and fins stiffen and shade the National Bank of Kuwait skyscraper
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Architects from HDR worked pro bono with iKure, a technology-centric healthcare provider, to build a healthcare clinic in rural India.
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Meet The Hithe: A demountable building for transient startups
The Hithe, near London, is designed to be demountable and reusable. The 2,153-sf building provides 12 units of business incubator workspace for startups.
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University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall—a concrete wall that’s lightweight and freeform 3D printed
The University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory has unveiled a new product called Shell Wall—which the organization describes as the first lightweight, freeform 3D printed and structurally reinforced concrete wall. The innovative product leverages DART Laboratory’s research and development on the use of 3D-printing technology to build structures that require less concrete.
