UK construction is often accused of being slow to adopt new technology and I often say that’s absolute nonsense.
Perhaps people assume that construction is low-tech because the most visible manifestations of the process seem – to the casual observer – to involve wallowing on a muddy site while yellow machines belch diesel fumes into the atmosphere.
Of course, not all construction processes require the application of the latest virtual reality or multidimensional BIM application. Any self-respecting brick-layer or plasterer would balk at the suggestion – and quite rightly.
But as you’ll see in this issue, UK construction is receptive to new technologies.
At Salford University a new £16m test facility is analysing a vast array of systems in a bid to develop new homes that are genuinely zero carbon in operation.
And in the social housing sector, the SHED framework is allowing housing associations and local authorities access some brilliant ideas from cutting-edge tech startups.
But if you still doubt that UK construction is making good enough use of the latest technologies, here are a few more articles you might like to read:
“Construction: an industry ripe for tech disruption”; “Technology is changing construction – don’t get left behind” and “Nine future construction technologies you cannot ignore”.
I didn’t write any of it – just Googled it on my phone. Who says we can’t use technology?