Digital and Intelligent Construction

This unit introduces novel and innovative advancements in architectural and construction practices that are challenging the traditional methods and discusses them from a quantity surveying perspective. Principles and concepts covered encompass lean construction, digital twinning, life cycle analysis, off-site manufacturing, design for manufacturing and assembly, blockchains and virtual and augmented realities. The unit focuses on the evolving role of a quantity surveying professional among other construction project participants in a digital era, prioritising environmental performances of construction projects. This subject also facilitates critical thinking on how emerging technologies can be meaningfully deployed in the construction industry to achieve cost and other project management targets.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Interpret the distinct types and classifications of information systems and fundamentals of data modelling management and information extraction supporting quantity surveying practices;
2. Assess the contemporary role of quantity surveying in the digital era of blockchains, digital twinning and virtual and augmented realities;
3. Critique the application of lean construction and offsite construction to achieve net zero emissions goals; and
4. Analyse life cycle cost and embodied energy of building projects to identify more environmentally responsive options.