The digital future of construction: NBS Live gets ready to debate the issues

Press Release
30 October 2014

A stellar line up from both within and outside the construction sector will gather at NBS Live on 4 November to share their thoughts on the future of the industry. The conference, entitled 'Digital Thinking, Smart Building' will consider how technological change is impacting the world in which design and building operates.

Tristram Carfrae, Deputy Chairman of global consultants Arup will deliver the morning keynote address, using a recent review undertaken by the firm to show the changes the building industry should expect to see over the coming decade. Drawing on example case studies from a wide variety of sectors including education, transport, chemicals and toys, he will outline how a new type of workforce, changing technologies and urbanisation and connectivity will fundamentally alter the context within which construction professionals work and how they need to adapt.

The afternoon keynote will be given by Patrik Schumacher, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects who will speak about architecture in the digital world and his belief in parametricism as the natural heir to modernism.

The morning and afternoon sessions which follow each keynote speech will be divided into four sessions tackling Design, BIM, Sustainability and Business and Practice.

The Design stream will consider smart cities and the role technology and data have to play in shaping how cities are planned and perform, bringing together speakers from IBM, Siemens, Accenture and Cisco CREATE alongside representatives from Derwent London and Westfield, the public sector, academics and designers.

Other streams will look forward to Level 3 BIM, debate the role of smart buildings in meeting sustainability targets and think about how technology is changing the way in which consultants and their supply chains operate. Tips on pitching will be given by a panel in including Tim Goodall from Argent and Innovate UK's Simon Hart will wrap up the day and provide delegates with an overview of what can be expected from key government digital initiatives – including the urban living agenda – in the next few years.

NBS Live 'Digital Thinking, Smart Building' is being held on Tuesday 4 November from 8am to 8pm at the Business Design Centre, London N1. A drinks reception will follow the conference.

To view the full programme or to make a booking please visit the website: [Web page no longer active]