INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES & DESIGN
Pallavi Matkari, Chief Design & Sustainability Officer, Runwal Group began the conversation saying for her innovation means modifying the ways of doing something to achieve better results. “Now, innovation and technology are coming together for the construction processes to become more efficient. The construction industry has abundant potential, and new construction techniques can help escalate productivity.” Himanshu Agrawal, President, Tiki Tar Danosa India Pvt. Ltd agreed, “In every aspect of construction, new systems and materials are available, like self-sealing concrete high performance construction chemicals and other things. Also, shortage of labour is one of the big driver of adoption of technology at all levels for faster construction.” Prashant Deshmukh, Founder & Principal Architect, Prashant Deshmukh & Associates added, “We are now moving away from concrete to steel structures with dry walls in the interiors and pre cast buildings. But, the technology comes with the rider of either saving cost or time. Having said that, as digitization is rapidly paving ways in the construction industry, we will need newer skill sets.” Varshit Maheshwari, Senior Product Expert, CONSTRA by HUVIAiR shared, “Going beyond brick and mortar, software have changed the way construction projects are managed. Drones with cameras are being used for remote construction monitoring and slag management. The RoI of technology is based on the material, time and labour saving during the lifecycle of the project.” J P. Shroff, Chairman Managing Director, Shroff Group stated that the real estate is now becoming a corporate sector with more compliances and accountability. “This calls for technology and innovation in the way we design, construct and run our organizations. With growing demand for superior quality and faster construction, there will be increased use of technology in construction and construction management.” THE NEXT STEPS One of the most critical challenges in the construction process is the lack of standardization. The use of technology solutions in construction can address long-standing problems of the sector from low productivity, labour & material costs to time management and sustainability quotient. As per Pallavi Matkari, technology is not new to the construction sector but its adoption is slow. “To thrive in current times, especially post Covid, the construction industry must implement new technologies, respond to local demands and learn global best practices.” Himanshu Agrawal expressed that skill set development of construction workers, designers and planners have also to be upgraded. “The need of the hour is the training institutes for the construction industry in all regions of the country with standardized courses.” JP Shroff added that construction workers need to be constantly trained in use of new materials and systems. "Kushal is a partnership project between CREDAI-Pune Metro and Government of India’s National Skill Development Corporation to upgrade skills of construction workers. We need more such programs across the country." Prashant Deshmukh said, "Artificial intelligence is the next step. We are already behind in adopting technology in construction. It should have happened yesterday so we are running out of time and its better we pull of our socks." Varshit Maheshwari was of the view that the industry should give more emphasis on implementing digital change, innovative technologies, and new construction techniques to stay afloat in the competitive market. To streamline construction processes, we need a single repository of technology, techniques and people, for easy exchange of knowledge so that everyone can make use of them as per the requirement. Pallavi Matkari One of the biggest issue in real estate sector is availability of skilled workforce, supervisors and construction equipment operators. Skill development is the need of the hour in the construction sector. JP Shroff The construction industry experts from India have global opportunities open to them. Already Indian technology firms are competing with the best in the world and are making their presence felt. Prashant Deshmukh Willingness to use technology is definitely there. What is needed is for engineers, architects, owners and construction workers, all to be on the same page to execute the whole process seamlessly. Varshit Maheshwari We need building codes that are in sync with new methods of construction, advanced materials and technologies and workers that can work with these new materials. Himanshu Agrawal
Tags : innovation construction technology process design Indian industry