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
Building Team | May 3, 2016
Piazza in San Francisco will feature a 92-foot stainless steel statue
Made of 2,500 seamlessly-welded panels, Venus will be the centerpiece of a new public piazza containing other works of art.
Building Team | Apr 6, 2016
Evaluating the value proposition of project vendors
CBRE Healthcare's Daniel Waters has a few pointers for Request for Proposal (RFP) writers and Project Managers when it comes to handling project vendors, including clearly defining performance expectations.
Building Team | Feb 25, 2016
Long-time BD+C editor Gordon Wright, 1939-2016
Gordon Wright, whose career at BD+C spanned 32 years, passed away on February 15, at the age of 76.
Building Team | Feb 10, 2016
DBIA disputes study claiming design-build projects often delivered on time, over budget
Says study did not account for owner-initiated scope changes.
Building Team | Jan 7, 2016
4 reasons the C-suite should care about design-led construction
Lou Astorino shares four examples how a unified approach can directly help C-suite leaders achieve their organizational goals.
Sponsored | Building Team | Dec 16, 2015
How to fix 3 common mistakes AEC teams make in project interviews
In a LinkedIn post, Scott Johnson, business writing specialist at Johnson Training Group, highlights three common missteps that AEC firms make during project interviews. His insights are based on more than 90 interviews conducted with members of various selection panels.
Sponsored | Building Team | Dec 7, 2015
Why employee advocacy is key to social media success
Employee advocacy is key to boosting social media engagement, and employee advocacy is about more than just the promotion of a firm’s brand.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 30, 2015
5 ways to bring data into marketing and business development
Here are five ways to use data to enhance the client acquisition process
Cultural Facilities | Nov 23, 2015
BIG plans for Pittsburgh: Bjarke Ingels’ Lower Hill District master plan evokes hilly topography
Paths will be carved to create a dialogue between Pittsburgh’s urbanscape and its hilly surroundings.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 17, 2015
The benefits of selling your firm to employees
One business advisor recommends professional services businesses to develop a group of employees who are willing and able to buy the business
