Nick Sterling, Head of Construction at Callaghan Innovation, argues that, by harnessing disruptive new technologies, our construction industry could be transformed.
Using new technologies isn’t limited to company size – both large and small companies can take advantage of the many innovative technologies now available to improve performance.
Robots that look like something out of Dr Who are just one of many new technologies being developed for the construction industry. While the potential on offer is enormous, it is not just a matter of plug in and switch on.
In this first of a two-part series, the question is will robotic dogs and databots revolutionise our construction sector? Massey University is finding out.
Construction sectors globally are being told that they must adopt modern methods and technologies to survive and thrive. This is a direction Aotearoa New Zealand’s own industry is heading in – adopting global best practice and developing our own innovative solutions.
Streamlined access to new product and material innovations would help to improve quality in the New Zealand building sector. A Levy-funded research project looked at how to achieve this in the face of hurdles such as limited access to development funding and uncertainty among building consent authorities (BCAs) about the compliance of new products.
What is a system and how can the concepts of systems thinking and system transformation help Aotearoa New Zealand’s building and construction industry? BRANZ has been looking at how system thinking could benefit the construction sector.
While writing this column in early December with the holiday season yet to begin and this issue of Build not released until early February, BRANZ CEO Claire Falck says her hope is that all our readers enjoyed a refreshing and relaxing break after what was a very challenging 2023 for many.
BRANZ Chair Nigel Smith is more convinced than ever of the benefits of collaboration and systems thinking when it comes to transforming building performance.
BRANZ CEO Claire Falck says it’s clear the industry would like BRANZ to take a stand on impactful issues such as housing affordability, based on our independent scientific expertise, so that’s what we are doing.
David Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Registered Master Builders, says that resilience is what will get the building industry through the challenge it faces dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
As more people from the digital native generations reach employment age and gain influence, the building and construction industry may be in for a technological reality check.
In July, the government signalled its intention to make remote building inspections the default approach to help streamline and reduce the cost of building a house. Artisan, BRANZ’s free remote inspection and quality assurance app, is on the job.
With its relentless deadlines, material shortages and critical labour issues, the crucial importance of resilience for the construction industry has become acutely apparent. A global authority on resilience and author of the TED talk The Three Secrets of Resilient People tells Build how to deal with the stresses the industry imposes.
The construction sector suffers devastatingly high suicide rates among its workers. MATES in Construction supports their wellbeing by encouraging conversations about mental health and by emphasising the value of companionship and understanding.
What happens to communities that are impacted by serious floods? Researchers looked at the Henderson Valley community to see how it coped and found it resilient and well prepared for future floods but unsure of some of its responsibilities and in need of better communication with the local council.
As the covid-19 pandemic fades into the background, mental health challenges such as employee burnout are left in its wake. By addressing these challenges now, organisations will have the added benefit of building resilience of both employees and businesses against future disruptions.
While this issue of Build is focused on resilience in the built environment, it got her thinking about the role resilience plays in our lives as human beings and the similarities between the two, says BRANZ Acting CEO Claire Falck.
