Construction in Wales lags in innovation
DESPITE huge investments and advances in technology, the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) says the property sector and wider construction industry in Wales is still slow to uptake such innovations.
The RICS said technologies can be used to create taller buildings, wider bridges, better transport systems and smarter, more inhabitable cities.
Yet it says more property firms in Wales could be using the latest advances in technology – including 3D modelling and virtual reality – to better visualise, design and deliver a built project.
Julian Normansell, a spokesman for RICS on construction issues in Wales, said: “The diversity of professionals who contribute to a built project, including builders and masons, have been following the same methods with pretty much the same tools for generations, so many construction professionals are only interested in using building tools or materials to directly meet construction goals or reduce costs, rather than seek to apply technologies to improve the build process or enhance the creativity of a project.”
“However, if construction and real estate companies want to remain relevant and competitive, and deliver the homes and buildings we need, they must consider adapting their ways of working. For example, in countries where modern methods of construction are more common, they use new building technologies to build large parts of a property, including individual rooms, in a factory setting rather than on site. This helps to control costs better and is more efficient, as works are unaffected by the weather.”
In recognition of the importance that technology companies have on all property sectors, including the construction industry, RICS recently launched a Technology Affiliate Program (TAP) to raise awareness of tech firms who support the adoption of RICS standards and are helping to advance the property industry.
Dan Hughes, director of data products at RICS, said: “Despite digital technologies rapidly changing how we do things in the built environment and how professionals carry out their roles, many organisations remain at an early stage of experimentation.
“It is with this in mind that our Technology Affiliate Program aims to make industry professionals more aware of the latest technologies that will advance their capabilities and help them create less costly, more attractive and sustainable homes, buildings and transport systems much quicker.”