Research and innovation in design and construction: Knowledge hub

Introduction

Research and innovation in the construction industry involve the development and application of new technologies, methods, and practices to improve how buildings and infrastructure are designed, built, and maintained. This includes advancements in digital construction, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), off-site manufacturing, robotics, the use of sustainable materials and so on. Research explores subjects such as; reducing environmental impact, improving safety, increasing productivity and efficiency, driving advances in performance and quality and so on.

Collaboration between universities, industry, and government plays a key role in pushing innovations forward, ensuring that the sector continues to modernise and remain globally competitive.

Why it matters

The importance of research and innovation lies in its ability to tackle some of the sector’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, skills shortages, rising costs, and increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. By adopting innovative approaches, the industry can deliver projects faster, more affordably, and with lower carbon emissions. Innovation also enhances productivity and creates new business opportunities, strengthening the economy while supporting growth. Ultimately, investing in research and innovation ensures that the construction industry can adapt to changing needs and remain resilient in the face of future challenges.

• Innovative practices and technologies can lead to more efficient construction processes, reducing time and costs associated with projects.
• Research into sustainable materials and methods contributes to environmentally friendly construction practices, aligning with global sustainability goals.
• Innovation helps tackle pressing issues such as labour shortages, safety concerns, and the need for affordable housing.
• By introducing new products and services, innovation can open up new markets and opportunities within the construction sector.
• Continuous research ensures that the industry keeps pace with technological developments, integrating beneficial innovations into construction practices.

However, despite its potential, research and innovation face several challenges, including limited funding, a fragmented industry, and slow uptake of new technologies. Many firms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, struggle to invest in research due to tight margins and short-term project pressures. In addition, cultural resistance to change and a lack of skills in digital and emerging technologies hold back adoption, meaning innovations often remain confined to pilot projects rather than becoming industry standards.

Key articles about research and innovation

Below is a list of the most important and widely read articles about research and innovation on Designing Buildings:

• 3D printing in construction. An introduction to additive manufacturing.
• Advanced construction technology. Provides an overview of modern techniques and practices that incorporate the latest developments in materials technology.
• Advanced manufacturing. A range of modern techniques and practices involving the latest developments in technology.
• Artificial intelligence and civil engineering. Explains how AI and big data are transforming civil-engineering workflows and roles.
• Artificial intelligence and surveying. Describes how AI, drones and IoT devices improve surveying accuracy and efficiency.
• Artificial intelligence in the construction industry. Overviews AI applications that boost productivity, safety and decision-making in construction.
• Augmented reality in construction. Describes AR technology, implementation challenges and construction use-cases for visualisation and safety.
• Barriers to Innovation and Construction 2025. Identifies obstacles hindering innovation in the construction industry and strategies to overcome them.
• Big Data Reveals the Construction Knowledge Gap. Discusses how big data analysis has uncovered gaps in construction knowledge frameworks and the implications.
• Blockchain technology in the construction industry. Covers blockchain’s potential to improve transparency, reduce waste and secure transactions.
• BRE Watford Innovation Park. Summarises BRE’s flagship innovation park for sustainable research and built-environment testing.
• Building information modelling. Defines BIM as the process for creating and managing digital information about built assets.
• Computational fluid dynamics in building design. Introduces CFD’s role in simulating airflow and thermal performance for sustainable design.
• Connected procurement. Explains integrating digital tools and data to make procurement more collaborative and efficient.
• Construction and Industry 4. Examines how Industry-4.0 technologies are reshaping construction processes and productivity.
• Construction Innovation Hub. Details the objectives and initiatives of the Construction Innovation Hub in driving transformation in building design and manufacturing.
• Construction innovation. Discusses radical innovations that open new markets and change industry dynamics, often rendering existing skills obsolete.
• ConTech. Defines ConTech as the intersection of construction and emerging digital technologies driving change.
• Digital twin. Defines digital twins as virtual replicas used for monitoring, simulation and optimisation of assets.
• Drones. Describes drones’ uses in surveying, inspections, progress monitoring and site safety.
• Fourth industrial revolution. Explains Industry-4.0’s convergence of digital and physical systems and its construction impacts.
• Innovation – the key to success. Emphasises how innovation translates ideas into valuable products or services, serving as a key differentiator in the market.
• Innovation in construction projects. Covers how new technologies and processes drive productivity and added value on projects.
• Internet of things. Defines IoT as connecting physical objects to networks for data exchange and automation in buildings.
• Is disruptive innovation possible in the construction industry? Explores the concept of disruptive innovation and its applicability within the construction sector.
• Modern methods of construction. Summarises MMC as off-site and industrialised approaches to improve efficiency and quality.
• Modular construction. Explains off-site manufactured modules that are assembled on site to speed delivery and control quality.
• Off-site manufacturing. Describes factory-based production of building components to increase standardisation and speed.
• Open data. Explores how open data can support analytics, transparency and innovation in the construction sector.
• Platform approach to construction. Explains platform strategies and standard interfaces to scale repeatable construction solutions.
• Qualitative research and the built environment. Introduces qualitative methods for studying user experience and social aspects of buildings.
• Research and development in the construction industry. Explores the scope of R&D activities aimed at creating innovative products and processes to enhance construction practices.
• Research and development. Outlines R&D activities that create and improve construction products, processes and technologies.
• Rethinking construction innovation and research. A Review of Government Policies and Practices.
• Smart buildings. Describes buildings using sensors, automation and analytics to optimise operations and occupant comfort.
• Smart cities. Explains the application of digital tech across urban systems to improve services, sustainability and governance.
• The future of the built environment in a revolutionary age. Reflects on how converging technologies will reshape cities, markets and building practice.
• Virtual reality. A brief history.
• What Is the future of the construction industry? Speculates on future trends and developments in the construction industry, emphasising the role of innovation.

All research and innovation articles

There are more than 1,800 research and innovation articles on Designing Buildings. A full index is available here.

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