Mixed-use development projects are transforming urban landscapes worldwide, offering dynamic and sustainable solutions to the evolving needs of modern urbanism. In line with this trend, architecture studio Foster + Partners has revealed designs for a mixed-use development project in the Science and Technology Finance cluster in the Putuo District of Shanghai. The Changfeng mixed-use development project will be a part of the Shanghai 2035 Masterplan. It will offer affordable housing, retail, office spaces, and public facilities. All these components will be centered around a 54,0 ..read more

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is now a crucial part of AEC projects. For effective implementation, firms need to have a clear BIM execution plan (BEP), which is a comprehensive document that outlines the strategies, standards, and processes essential for successful project execution, in place. A BIM execution plan serves as a roadmap, guiding teams through project execution while ensuring adherence to standards and protocols. Creating an effective BIM execution plan requires careful consideration of project-specific requirements, goals, and stakeholders. Benefits of having a BI ..read more

Today the demand for transport, energy, and urban infrastructure has increased. Further, there’s the added pressure to make projects sustainable. Today we will highlight the efforts of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation (DOA) in integrating sustainability principles into the Taxiway J Rehabilitation project at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). They achieved the Envision Verified award for the project. It signifies the successful incorporation of sustainable practices throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operation. The Envision Framework The ..read more

Everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live with all the basics. Right now, about 1.1 billion people live in slums or slum-like conditions. There’s an urgent need to act and improve living conditions for millions worldwide. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the 11th, talks about creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. SDG 11 aims to achieve targets like ensuring access to good housing, promoting sustainable urbanization, and reducing cities’ negative environmental impact. But reaching these goals needs action from governments, communitie ..read more

Earth Day – an opportunity to pause and reflect on the built environment’s influence in shaping our surroundings. From towering skyscrapers to humble homes, every structure leaves its mark on the environment. Today, we will take a closer look at the relationship between Earth Day and the built environment – Impact, challenges, and innovations driving positive change. Impact of Built Environment The built environment is evolving, with BIM and streamlined processes but, it still has a profound impact on our planet. From construction materials to energy consumption, the construction and operation ..read more

Despite its benefits, many firms still haven’t adopted the transformative technologies that could revolutionize their operations for the better. There are several obstacles – shortage of skilled labor, cost of implementing these technologies, and hesitation of changing traditional practices, which hinder their progress towards digital adoption. Engineering and construction are two massive sectors in the world, and today, if an E&C firm wants to stay ahead of their competitors while demonstrating environmental stewardship and optimizing operations, they must adopt modern technologies. How d ..read more

Project success hinges not only on bricks and mortar but also on effective communication, seamless collaboration, and transparent project management. In AEC, BIM has pulled down geographical and informational barriers, allowing stakeholders to overcome limitations and work together. When these barriers are dismantled, firms can make informed decisions that align with client requirements, allowing them to deliver the best outcomes, ultimately leading to enhanced client satisfaction. Understanding BIM Building Information Modeling (BIM) operates across various levels, each contributing to a more ..read more

Infrastructure development is a key pillar to the economic growth of a country. Today, with diminishing boundaries and a growing need for connectivity, there’s a greater demand for strong infrastructure. Furthermore, to achieve net zero targets’ businesses must ensure that infrastructure projects are both efficient and environmentally friendly. Today, we will talk about sustainable infrastructure. Our current infrastructure – energy, transport, building, and water – collectively contributes to more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If we are to meet the targets set by the Unite ..read more

As global temperatures continue to climb, so does the demand for cooling solutions. With rising heatwaves and extreme weather events becoming more common, the need for efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems is more pressing than ever. However, traditional HVAC systems significantly contribute to global electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, worsening the climate crisis.  According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP), over 1 billion people face high heat risks due to inadequate cooling access, and these figures will soar with rising tempera ..read more

The AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sectors’ rapid digitization has called for workforce upskilling. Professionals now need to grasp BIM, automation, and more to efficiently drive project outcomes. But one skill shines above all, especially in design and manufacturing: the ability to work with Artificial Intelligence (AI). As stated in Autodesk’s 2024 State of Design & Make report, industry leaders think the ability to work with or implement AI is the most crucial design and manufacturing skill for the future. From streamlining operations through generative design to opti ..read more