The inability to tow a building across the oceans has saved the building industry from competition for 200 years. However, technology will soon change that. Will this new paradigm create a better, more export focussed local industry, or will we increasingly import our building needs?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a better way to build. Through a merger of technologies, clients can fly through their virtual building, examine the space being designed for them and change it to suit their needs – down to the last detail. Their contractors can build virtually first, determining the quickest way to go about it. They can then order subcomponents built elsewhere with millimetre accuracy, reducing fabrication on site saving time and mistakes. Owners of the building can better manage their asset down to the last light fitting. Maintenance is entirely programmed, warranty information, details of source of supply and expected life all known. These assets last longer because they are better managed.
BIM is not the end of the road. It is part of a technological evolution that will inevitably change the industry. Clients get buildings that cost less and last longer.
Some governments, notably the UK and Singapore are mandating its use in their own projects. They wish to capture the productivity gain and get a better bang for their buck by insisting that this technology is used for community benefit. They know they can build more or better buildings for the same money.
Not all governments see the opportunity – Australia being one of them, despite being the largest client in the land.
At present, this is an opportunity wasted, with the public footing the bill. Worse, left without coordination, more and more components of our building requirements will come from overseas, destroying Australian jobs in the process.
Governments, state and federal can usefully play a role as clients, embracing new technology and helping to lead the private sector through its purchasing dictates. We have everything to gain and the risk of losing what we have now.
Technology is not the threat. The risk is not capitalising on the opportunity. With the building boom happening in Asia, why aren’t we utilising our industry know-how and expertise by exporting high quality building subcomponents?