News I published 24 September 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Future Developments in Construction Still Far Away
Even though the construction industry is undergoing significant change, the path towards embracing cutting-edge tech remains slow. What, then, dominates the conversation? How long can we afford to prioritize traditional methods over the potential of emerging technologies (A.I, blockchain, robotics, IoT…)? And how soon can we expect to see widespread integration in construction projects?
All this – and more – we covered in Q2 2024 European Architectural Barometer Report, taking a close look into solutions that will greatly impact the industry. Published in August, the report features insights across 8 European countries, outlining the upcoming focus of architects.
Sustainability First, Innovation Later
The construction industry is, we well know, notoriously traditional and slow to adapt. When asked about what’s driving the industry, architects think about brassbound trends: it’s all about sustainability (22%), resource-efficient materials (20%) and off-site construction (14%), with innovative technology having yet to gain traction. A.I. was, for instance, ranked 6th in terms of anticipated trends, with only a shy 11% mentioning it spontaneously. While our stats show 6-7 spiking trends that will shape a decade of construction, it’s important to note that many architects – some 70% of them when prompted – also mention other factors than the ones included in the overview.
Advanced Technologies Taking A Backseat
Despite the buzz surrounding A.I, drone tech, nanotech, augmented reality, robotization, blockchain, 3D-prints… architects are keeping them on the sidelines. On a wider scale, most are overwhelmingly ignored, with only IoT ranking 6th in ongoing projects (with 29% of all European architects mentioning that this is already strongly or very strongly considered in their projects). The trends preceding it are stricter regulations (61%), green buildings (55%) and off-site construction (37%). Adoption rates for the rest – say, blockchain, robotization and nanotech – seem far down the line, with over 50% of architects claiming, when prompted directly, not to consider them at all.
Timeline for Integration
As far as how long will take, the expectancy is late. The majority of architects don’t really see advanced technologies implemented in the near future. Generally speaking, we do see certain elements either happening or happening in the next three years: drones, IoT, A.R. and A.I. But they are vastly overshadowed by green buildings (57%), off-site construction (54%) and lower on-site garbage production (46%). For comparison, blockchain, robotization and nanotech span 10% – 14%, meaning more advanced trends will come up in the next ten years.
Conclusion
The European Architectural Barometer underscores that sustainability continues to lead the conversation and more disruptive technologies – though highly anticipated – still have a long road ahead before becoming commonplace in the construction industry.
Read more
24 September 2024 I Jeroen de Gruijl
Blockchain, AI, AR and IoT – Architects’ Outlook
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