News I published 24 September 2024 I Jeroen de Gruijl
Blockchain, AI, AR and IoT – Architects’ Outlook
The latest trends in Europe highlight a growing importance of emerging technologies in the construction industry. As the sector evolves and these technologies mature, what do the architects have to say on their benefits, applications and long-term potential?
This question is at the heart of our Q2 2024 European Architectural Barometer Report. By speaking with architects across 8 countries, we looked at how blockchain, AI, augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being used today—and what their adoption means for the future of construction. With their insights, we aim to get a clearer picture of where the industry is headed.
Current State
The construction industry is, as we’ve established before, firmly sticking to its roots. While there’s a lot of talk about new technologies, architects are clearly still focusing on the road already tread: building things that are sustainable (22%), using conscious materials (20%) and doing as much work as possible off-site (14%). Innovations like AI, drones or nanotechnology aren’t getting that much attention or application. Some are using IoT (13%) and even A.R. (6%), but future prospects – especially for advanced setups – are looking much slower.
The Benefits of Emerging Tech
It seems architects have some pros when thinking about what AI, blockchain, AR and IoT bring to construction projects – key benefits include improved access to project documents (23%), increased efficiency in design and production (16%) and enhanced project planning and budgeting (15%). However, many remain uncertain about the full impact, with 26% spontaneously expressing they “don’t know” how this tech can contribute, meaning the verdict isn’t a unanimous one, and various advancements are taken into account.
Application
Even though spontaneous application doesn’t show consensus, when prompted directly on specific examples of AI, blockchain, augmented reality or Internet of Things, regularities appear.
Notably, architects find AR particularly useful for showcasing building designs to clients and investors, with 44% finding it very applicable or applicable, and 32% stating that augmented solutions in tandem with BIM are very applicable or applicable. Blockchain is considered useful for managing project documents and preventing duplication, while AI algorithms are relied on for calculating sustainability data. This means architects see the potential of these technologies for practical applications, but are careful with adoption rates.
Read more
24 September 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Future Developments in Construction Still Far Away
31 July 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
How is the smart and connected products market evolving in Europe?
18 July 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Willingness to invest of European consumers in sustainability improvements of their houses lower in 2024 than in 2023
02 July 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
BIM adoption among European HVAC installers remains low
Fresh Insights Await
Our latest reports
Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our latest reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.
Construction
Home Improvement
Installation
Special reports
Construction
Prefab H1 2024
2024 63 pages
Discover the adoption rate and benefits of prefabrication technology among European contractors in H1 2024. Understand the driving forces behind prefab usage and its impact on project efficiency and cost-saving.
6,300 Euro
Construction
Future of construction Q2 2024
2024 82 pages
Explore the evolving future in construction sector among European architects in Q2 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
1,850 Euro
Construction
Trends in material usage Q1 2024
2024 102 pages
Explore the evolving trends in material usage among European architects in Q1 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
1,850 Euro
Construction
Media orientation H2 2021
2024 161 pages
Explore the media engagement patterns of contractors to optimize your marketing strategies. Dive into a pool of insights that unveils how contractors interact with different media channels.
6,300 Euro
Construction
European Green Deal Q4 2021
2024 88 pages
Explore the impact and reception of the European Green Deal among architects. Understand how the initiative is influencing architectural practices and sustainability measures.
1,850 Euro
Construction
BIM Q4 2023
2024 246 pages
Key insights regarding the BIM usage and behaviour of European architects, and our latest future building volumes prognoses
1,850 Euro
Home Improvement
Purchase channels Q2 2024
2024 90 pages
The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 81 pages
Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021
2024 113 pages
This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY or DIFM Q4 2023
2024 70
Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2023. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Branding Q3 2023
2023 93 pages
This report offers an extensive overview of the home improvement industry, with a focus on branding and the most popular brands within different categories. Within this report, you will gain insights into how customers perceive home improvement brands and what motivates them to buy certain products.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Purchase channels Q2 2023
2023 114 pages
The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.
3,150 Euros
Installation
Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024
2024 120 pages
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Smart and connected products Q2 2024
2024 129
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among HVAC installers, plumbers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,150 Euro
Installation
BIM Q1 2024
2024 84 pages
The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on BIM adaptation in the industry.
2,650 Euro
Installation
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 99 pages
The European Electrical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the sustainable solutions in the installation industry. This report specifically focuses on sustainability aspects in the industry.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Challenges toward sustainable future Q4 2021
2024 111 pages
2,650 Euro
Installation
Purchase channels Q4 2021
2024 106 pages
Delve into the training needs within the electrical installation sector. Understand the areas requiring skill development to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
3,150 Euro
Special reports
European Sustainability Report 2024
2024 51 pages
This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.
3,950 Euro