As part of the Bechtel Family, Darren Bechtel has grown up in the world of construction and his father and grandfather have all seen tremendous change over the decades they have run one of the world’s largest construction companies. In this session, we hear the family story and what led Darren to go out on his own to start Brick & Mortar Ventures, the companies behind them and the portfolio companies they are developing that are changing the world of construction by improving efficiencies and enhancing sustainability for the industry.

New technologies are coming fast and furious to an industry that is in dire need of new methods and processes to heighten efficiencies and create resiliency and sustainability. Will these leading-edge technologies be the solution in a new era of innovation

This mini-presentation uncovers what’s likely to come next with technology and will be followed by a series of mini-tech pitches from International Start-ups.

Learn how Digital Twins leveraging multiple technologies such as AI and IoT can be used to continuously monitor, learn and gain insights regarding project viability, monitor projects in real time and significantly reduce project risk.

Construction is the second slowest industry to adopt technology, but that’s quickly changing. Learn how augmented reality and virtual reality are shaping the future of construction. From collaborating during the design process to training contractors on the job, augmented and virtual reality are proving to be vital tools for the future of construction. We will walk through three phases of a construction project—design, build, and sell phases—and showcase the innovative tools that are changing the way we work.

• Examining how technology like Augmented and Virtual Reality are impacting the construction industry
• Exploring how novel combinations of AI, AR and VR can deliver innovative construction solutions in the design, build and sale of a build

Over the last 25 years, Mark Pivac has been developing the technology to design and create a revolutionary robot that uses AI to assemble walls in modern construction. Fast Brick Robotics (FBR) was designed to save time, money and build in all weather conditions – some argue this is the future of construction. In the session we examine:

• How did the technology develop and what was the end goal?
• Developing a deeper understanding of leading-edge robotic solutions available for construction today
• Evaluating the extent to which robots as construction tools are maximising performance on jobsites and support field teams in real-time

In this session, we examine how blockchain can enhance the supply chain and ensure the right materials are in the right place at the right time. We look at how the technology works and can be applied to enable efficient procurement within the construction industry.

• Examining how blockchain can address the following areas of procurement in construction:
  • Authentication
  • Certification
  • Warranty
  • Responsibility of work done
  • Delay in payments
  • Payment certification

Over the past five-to-ten years, digital technologies have fundamentally altered the way the construction industry operates. As much as these changes have impacted architects, engineers, and builders, they are yet to have a major impact on the operating model of most owner/operators. With the right setup, there is enormous potential for increasing efficiencies and changing the way information gets managed within this group of stakeholders.

As one of Australia’s foremost experts on digital design and operation, A/Prof Dominik Holzer will run a half-day workshop to explain how clients can maximise the potential of Big Data, BIM, and Digital engineering across their portfolio. He will address their impact on project procurement, as well as their impact on life-cycle Facility and Asset Management, thereby drawing on several years of experience in consulting large asset owners, both public and private.

And industry in flux – albeit gradual: The workshop will start with an open discussion around the state of the industry and the context in which we are working. This will be a deeper exploration of topics raised in Ken’s presentation.

The Basics: We will take a pulse check on the attendees to determine if we need to cover off on the fundamentals of DfMA including: Common terms, Jargon & Definitions, Objectives, Principles, Procurement, and Risks.

Contractual issues: In a genuine DfMA environment we find ourselves in different relationships, particularly with suppliers. We will compare experiences and share lessons learnt.

Client expectations: We will explore the challenges of client expectations in the context of DfMA projects. There are different timeframes including different approval regimes. Our clients need to be coached towards these for successful delivery.

BIM sharing issues: The technology available is facilitating a beam is facilitating a deer from a environment this is exciting for architects as it puts us back at the top of the triangle. It also opens a complex can of worms for which we need to be prepared.

Professional fee structures: In DfMA project more detailed work is done earlier. This changes the way we manage our fees and our clients expectations.

Necessary skills within the team: Will discuss the typical team in a commercial office and explore how this differs from an ideal architectural team for a DfMA project.

Case Studies – The schools, the Shed & the Safe House: Projects will be used to illustrate & explore specifics of these topics raised above & share lessons learnt.

So what’s next: How do we prepare young architects and engineers for the future of construction?

Who should come?
This practical hands-on workshop will have a multi-disciplinary focus. It will benefit anyone who believes collaboration is the most successful way to deliver innovative, cost-effective architecture in the modern construction industry.

Why should you attend?
To gain valuable insights from Ken’s international experience and case studies. Knowledge gained can be immediately applicable to your current challenges. This will be an opportunity for us all to openly share and explore solutions to challenges, and limitations facing the industry. Sharing our knowledge among those interested in advancing modern methods of construction improves efficiency in our industry and benefits us all. New cross-disciplinary relationships with like-minded talent will be a beneficial by-product of attending this workshop.

About your facilitator
In advisory roles for government agencies & top tier Design & Construction companies, Ken has developed world-class initiatives and “thought leadership” in Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA). He and his specialist team’s contributions are based on collective & very extensive international experience in advanced methods of construction.

In parallel with professional practice, Ken McBryde is involved in ongoing applied research into DfMA, is Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and Conjoint Professor of Practice of Architecture at The University of Newcastle.

Led by:
Prof. Ken McBryde, Founder, Architectural Physics
Adjunct Professor of Architecture, The University of Sydney
Conjoint Professor of Practice of Architecture, The University of Newcastle
Master of Architecture by Research UofQ, ACA RAIA