Usage of prefabricated elements in construction has grown significantly over the past decade or so. According to architects, who are excellent indicators of future developments due to their large and early role in the construction process, the usage of prefab...
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ArchitectEUROPEAN ARCHITECTS SEE A WIDE VARIETY OF ADVANTAGES OF PREFAB
Over the years, we have seen the use of prefabricated elements in construction projects of European architects grow steadily. As we discussed in a previous article, European architects expect that growth to continue in the coming years, albeit not everywhere at...
EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS EXPECT INCREASED PREFAB USAGE
Prefab is inherently linked to major trends in the construction industry. Prefabricated elements are used to answer the demand for faster and more efficient construction, and to combat labour shortages. It is also linked to BIM usage, which facilitates using more...
MARKET OVERVIEW OF BIM AND CAD SOFTWARE USAGE OF EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS
Digitalisation has majorly changed the construction sector. The impact of digitalisation is especially apparent in the way in which architects design and manage projects. On the one hand, digitalisation of the construction process and technical project management is shown by the growth of Building Information Modelling (BIM) usage among architects. On the other hand, the way they design has moved from paper to using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software over the past decades.
MAJOR SHIFT IN RANKING OF EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS’ BIM USAGE
In the previous article we saw that over the past two years, BIM usage among European architects has not grown as much as expected. Although many reasons for this can be theorised, a very apparent one is that starting with BIM is perceived to be quite an...
GROWTH IN ARCHITECTS’ BIM USAGE SLOWER THAN EXPECTED
Growth in architects’ BIM usage slower than expected In 2019, usage of Building Information Modelling was booming among European architects. Architects’ BIM usage had been growing faster in the 2017-2019 period than ever before. The same goes for the share of...
WILL THE EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC ON ARCHITECTS’ MEDIA ORIENTATION LAST?
Like many of us, architects are social creatures, and in their line of work, staying up to date with trends and developments is a professional must. In normal times, that means architects receive brand representatives and visit trade fairs relatively often, discussing said trends and developments over a coffee or whatever their preferred beverage may be. But then Corona hit.
THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IS STABILISING, BUT NOT EVERYWHERE AT THE SAME PACE
The first lockdown, the one announced in March 2020, had a major impact on the construction sector in many European countries. Projects were postponed and in many countries it took months until the situation stabilized. According to the results of the Q1 2021 report of the European Architectural Barometer, a continual research by USP Marketing Consultancy among architectural firms in eight European countries, most countries have only just returned to the level they were at before the lockdown. Aside from economic developments, this report provides insights in architects’ expectations of trends resulting from the corona pandemic.
ONLINE TRADE FAIRS NOT VERY POPULAR WITH EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS
The corona crisis has impacted society in many ways, but it also impacted the construction industry. In some countries the entire industry ground to a halt, building volumes took a big hit and the production was severely hampered by supply chain issues and lower productivity levels.
MAJOR DIFFERENCES PER COUNTRY IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Exactly a year ago lockdowns started to take shape in various European countries and started to affect the construction sector. The extent to which construction could continue differed vastly from country to country. In countries like the Netherlands and Germany, the situation remained stable. Other countries, like the U.K. and Southern European countries like Spain and Italy, were hit a lot harder. Recovery seems to have started, but major differences in the extent to which that recovery continues in 2021 can be seen between countries. This formed one of the main questions answered in the European Architectural Barometer Q4 report, of which the theme section focuses on sustainability and circularity. The research was conducted by USP Marketing Consultancy among architectural firms in 8 European countries.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS ARE A TOPIC IN MANY PROJECTS, BUT THE ACCOMPANYING CERTIFICATION IS NOT KNOWN WELL
Sustainability has been high on the agenda of many companies in the construction sector for many years now. Construction is one of the sectors that substantially contribute to both pollution and depletion of resources. All the more reason for players in the field of construction to find ways to reduce this. Throughout the years, the topic of sustainability has gained importance and is now reckoned with when deciding on materials to be used for instance. One way of increasing the sustainability of construction projects is to use sustainability certificates, but to what extent are architects familiar with these certificates? That is one of the questions answered in the European Architectural Barometer report, of which the theme topic is sustainability and circularity. This report is based on USP Marketing Consultancy’s research among architectural companies in 8 European countries.
SUSTAINABILITY REMAINS A TOPICAL THEME, BUT WILLINGNESS TO INVEST REMAINS LOW
For years, sustainability has been high on the agenda of many companies in the construction sector. And that makes sense, as construction is one of the industries that contribute large shares of waste and depletion of natural resources. All the more reason for stakeholders in construction to find ways to reduce these shares. Over the years, sustainability has gained importance and has become more intertwined with for instance the decision-making process for materials to be used. Despite the rising demand for sustainable solutions, the willingness to invest in these remains low. That is one of the findings of the European Architectural Barometer Q4 report, which is focused on sustainability and circularity in construction. This research was conducted by USP Marketing Consultancy among architectural companies in 8 European countries.
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