Digital technology
|
In very broad terms, 'digital' refers to signals or data that are expressed by the digits 0 and 1.
Digital technology refers to the systems, hardware and processes that use digital data or signals to achieve a particular set of user-defined results. It pervades most walks of modern life and is the basis for telecommunications, computer systems, navigation and photography, but also manufacturing and finance, to name but a few.
In construction, digital technology has caused a cultural shift and comprises the set of tools that use and manipulate digital data to help improve, deliver and operate the built environment. These tools include:
- Use of drones to facilitate site surveys and other robotic systems.
- Communications such as email and remote meetings (eg Zoom).
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
- Software such as computer aided design, computer aided manufacture, geographical information systems, digital twins and building information modelling.
- Internet of things.
- Cloud-based computing.
- Virtual reality, augmented reality and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Digital procurement and digital contracts.
- Building management systems and Computer aided facilities management CAFM.
- Smart buildings.
- Computer aided manufacturing, computer numerical control and 3D printing.
Digital technology has brought about improved collaboration within the building team, and between it and other stakeholders. It has also resulted in new materials and processes, greater innovation and buildings that would have been either very difficult or impossible to design and construct before the advent of the digital revolution. Digital technology is not only achieving better results at every level, but is also helping to make construction safer, more collaborative and more efficient.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A vision for digital highways.
- BIM.
- BIM articles.
- Centre for Digital Built Britain.
- Construction Accelerator.
- Digital Built Britain v BIM.
- Digital Construction Week 2021.
- Digital information.
- Digital infrastructure.
- Digitisation.
- How to make the digital revolution a success.
- Immersive Hybrid Reality IHR.
- Internet of things.
- Internet of things in commercial buildings.
- Interview with Su Butcher, Director, Just Practising Limited.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart contracts.
- Smart technology.
- UK BIM Alliance and CIOB join forces.
- UK digital strategy.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.