Construction is often considered to require more "physical" skills than other industries, but the reality is that the industry is more diverse. Digital skills are essential for most construction projects, and the latest technologies are used to innovate and develop buildings and infrastructure.
We use some examples from abroad as a reference to see which digital skills can help you make a difference in your career in architecture. Of course, you can always learn about all types of building characters and find the one that suits you best.
What is Digital Construction/Construction?
Digital construction/construction refers to the use of technology and digital tools such as design, material collection, and project planning during the construction process. Any type of digital software or technology used as part of the construction process can be considered digital construction/construction.
A) What digital skills are impacting the construction industry?
The construction industry is changing, reflecting the more widespread use of digital technologies. The new skills have had an impact on all aspects of construction engineering.
Mobile technology
Mobile technology, including apps and instant messaging apps, has improved communication and time management on construction sites. This means that changes, accidents, design issues, any communication you can think of, can take place through mobile technology, keeping everyone up to date almost instantly.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to designing buildings and infrastructure with the help of interactive digital models, rather than traditional paper blueprints. This is an important development because it means closer collaboration between contractors and customers, as they can see the design and all the information related to it, as well as ask questions and suggest changes.
virtual reality
Often referred to as VR, developments in this field mean that the planning of architectural projects is more efficient, as designers and consumers are able to "see" the finished project before work begins. You can also present more complex ideas so that everyone is on the same understanding and can solve problems before any material or labor is wasted.
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence refers to the use of machines or software that can replicate human functions and process large amounts of data. In construction, this could be robots or machines taking on the manual aspects of a project to save time and money, or programs that take data and turn it into a 3D model of the project so that they can analyze things like safety and cost-effectiveness before physically constructing it.
3D printing technology
3D printing helps create complex or custom-designed structures that are scaled down, reducing material and labor costs and reducing waste. It may also allow construction to be completed in environments that are not suitable for people to work on, or used to reduce accidents.
B) What are the digital careers in the construction industry?
The reason why digital construction/construction is exciting is that it is just getting started. It is influencing changes across the industry and is having a positive impact, including an increase in eco-friendly materials and deeper planning for projects of all sizes.
So, if you want to work in digital construction/construction, what positions should you look for?
BIM technician
Building information modeling technicians will use computer software and technology to gather all the information about the project and keep it in one place. The model will come in multiple dimensions, in which everyone works, with all the important components.
BIM Manager
Building Information Modelling managers work with designers, clients and architects to ensure that all production materials and designs are created and managed throughout the project.
CAD technician
Computer-aided design (CAD) operators use computer software to produce 2D and 3D drawings for construction and manufacturing projects. As a CAD operator, you may be designing buildings, machinery, or components and need to obtain complex information and use it to produce technical architectural drawings for architects, engineers, and other construction workers.
Specialist in construction technology
Architectural technologists excel at using technology to showcase architectural designs. They provide technical guidance to clients and liaise with architectural design teams to create new structures. As a building technologist, you'll work with architects to help develop architectural models before construction begins.
Technical Coordinator
The Technical Coordinator deals with the technical aspects of the project. Depending on the construction/construction area they work in, they can handle consulting, help produce and interpret technical drawings, plans and paperwork, draft delivery schedules, and handle project management.
C) Stories of people engaged in digital construction
It's always helpful to see real people in these characters, so here are some of the stories of people working in digital construction. If needed, we can also further describe the work done by one of these people and how they got the job.
BIM Coordinator
Ryan Donoghue, BIM coordinator at Essex, who participated in a school's graduate program, completed the Civil Engineering HNC and is now using his time to develop a plan for BIM construction/construction.
Principal Digital Engineer
Kate Evans has worked as a student engineer on projects including Heathrow Terminal 5, the Channel Tunnel rail link and the Second Severn Crossing maintenance site. Kate is now the principal digital engineer at Laing O'Rourke.
Trainee CAD technician
Daniel Young used his work experience and academic research to obtain a qualification in the construction industry. He is currently a trainee CAD technician at Stepnell Ltd., responsible for the design, drawings and models of architecture and other projects.
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The twenty-fourth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar
2023.9.8
[Some pictures are from the Internet, invaded and deleted]