School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/13907

AUT is home to a number of renowned research institutes in architecture and creative technologies. The School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao strong industry partnerships and the unique combination of architecture and creative technologies within one school stimulates interdisciplinary research beyond traditional boundaries.

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Towards Reciprocity: Mediating Human-Nature Relations Through HCI
(Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2025-11-28) Perera, Piumi; Cumbo, Bronwyn; Bidwell, Nicola J; Vella, Kellie; Webber, Sarah; Zhang, Huiwen; Wadley, Greg; Paay, Jeni; Morrison, Ann; Giraldo, Catalina; Cheng, Xin
As concerns of ecological degradation intensify, digital technologies are increasingly explored for their potential to inspire environmental concern and deepen human-nature relationships. In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), many nature-focused technologies still reflect deeply extractive anthropocentric views that separate humans from nature. However, there is now growing interest in designing from alternative orientations (e.g., more-than-human approaches and relational ontologies), to move towards more inclusive forms of nature interaction. This paper reports insights from an academic workshop involving HCI researchers and practitioners, who explored these tensions through design activities for diverse nature spaces. We identify key challenges and opportunities for HCI in supporting more meaningful engagements with nature, emphasizing under-explored application areas, and proposing future research directions. We argue that challenging existing temporal and methodological constraints embedded in HCI design processes is essential to fostering reciprocity, to create mutually responsive relationships where human and non-human needs, rhythms, and agencies are acknowledged and respected.
Exploring the Potential of Virtual Reality Technology to Improve Safety Practices in the Construction Sector Through Network, Loop, and Critical Path Analysis
(MDPI AG, 2025-11-18) Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Jessica, Pricillia; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali
The study explores how Virtual Reality (VR) can improve safety training in the construction industry by identifying key influencing factors and analysing their interactions to enhance safety outcomes. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, yielding 58 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. Thematic analysis was employed to determine and categorise key factors influencing VR training effectiveness. Using network analysis techniques, the study generated author–factor and interrelation matrices, a causal loop diagram, and loop and critical path analyses to determine feedback mechanisms and the most influential factor sequences. The study identified 33 key factors across behavioural, cognitive, technological, social, economic, and health and safety themes. Safety and hazard awareness, immersive experiences, realism, and worker behaviour were the most dominant. These factors were found to support better engagement, learning, and safety performance. On the other hand, financial constraints, low adoption rates, communication issues, and language barriers were identified as limiting factors that reduce the overall impact and integration of VR training in construction environments. This research presents an interrelation-based framework for analysing VR training effectiveness using thematic and network analysis.
A System Dynamics Framework for Whole Life Costing in Seismic and Climate-Sensitive Residential Construction in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2025-11-18) Samarasekara, Herath Mudiyanselage Samadhi Nayanathara; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali
Purpose This study develops a whole life costing (WLC) framework tailored to New Zealand's residential construction sector, addressing key region-specific challenges such as seismic risks, climate variability, and evolving regulatory conditions. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted alongside 22 semi-structured expert interviews to identify critical cost drivers influencing WLC in residential buildings. The study applies system dynamics (SD) methodology, using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and degree centrality analysis to model complex interdependencies and feedback loops among these cost drivers. Findings The study identifies 73 key cost drivers across technical, environmental, economic, regulatory and behavioural domains. These drivers are structured into a hierarchical framework that models their interactions across the acquisition, operational and end-of-life phases of residential buildings. The findings emphasise the importance of seismic resilience, energy efficiency, material durability and climate-related impacts in long-term cost planning for residential buildings in New Zealand. Research limitations/implications The framework is based on expert interviews and literature review, which may limit the scope of identified factors. The research is conceptual in nature, and empirical validation of the framework is needed to confirm its practical applicability across different residential projects. Future research could include testing the framework in real-world settings or extending it to other geographical contexts. Practical implications The proposed WLC framework provides policymakers, developers and architects with a structured tool for evaluating long-term costs and benefits of residential construction projects. It integrates local environmental, economic and regulatory factors, thus promoting sustainable design and more informed decision-making throughout the construction lifecycle. The framework can guide policy development, building regulations and sustainable construction practices in New Zealand and similar regions. Social implications The framework promotes long-term affordability, quality and resilience in residential buildings, supporting improved public health, energy equity and disaster preparedness, critical issues for vulnerable communities affected by housing and environmental instability. Originality/value This study presents the first context-specific WLC framework for New Zealand's residential construction sector. Unlike global models, it incorporates critical regional factors, such as seismic and climate risks, to offer a more comprehensive and practical tool for enhancing the economic sustainability of residential buildings. The framework's innovative use of system dynamics and causal loop modelling offers new insights into lifecycle cost estimation and long-term sustainability in construction.
Interactions of Key Factors Affecting the Implementation of Integrated Project Delivery in the Global Construction Industry: A Systematic Review
(Emerald, 2025-10-29) Bin Asad, Saad; Mahesh Babu, Purushothaman; Poshdar, Mani
Purpose Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively utilises the skills and opinions of all project participants to enhance sustainability through waste reduction. Though numerous articles on factors related to IPD are available, the interactions between factors associated with IPD are a research gap. This study addresses this research gap and aims to identify the interactions between key factors of IPD. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using three databases and key publishers – Scopus, Emerald and ScienceDirect. The SLR identified 222 factors related to IPD by studying 66 articles. The factors were uploaded to VOSViewer to identify the critical factors through repetition. Each of the 66 articles was examined to determine the interactions between factors through deductive reasoning. The interactions were visualised using VENSIM, and analysis methods such as nodes, degree of centrality and eigenvector centrality were used to identify the critical factors of IPD. Findings A total of 127 factors were identified, of which mutual respect and trust, resistance to change, challenging cultural paradigms, client/owner’s resistance to change, difficulties in achieving financial transparency, interoperability and cost estimation challenges were deemed critical factors of IPD. The implications of this research will aid researchers and industry practitioners in comprehensively understanding the interactions between key factors, thus preparing solutions to increase IPD implementation for sustainable construction in the global context. Originality/value This study is the first to analyse the interactions between IPD factors in the global construction industry based solely on an SLR. While several articles have been written on the factors of IPD implementation globally, the interactions have never been studied before.
Towards a Well-being-Oriented Framework for Urban Digital Twins
(Elsevier BV, 2025-10-22) Patel, Urva ; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali; Burgess, Andrew
Urban well-being is gaining prominence as a critical pillar of sustainable development practice and urban planning; however, digital twin technology continues to focus predominantly on physical infrastructure. This paper introduces an exploratory conceptual framework for incorporating urban well-being indicators into urban digital twin platforms, utilizing New Zealand's Living Standards Framework (LSF) and adopting a policy-oriented approach to selecting well-being indicators. Through consultation with experts and a literature review, we identified six policy-relevant proxies: carbon emissions, drinking water quality, road fatalities, crime rates, work commute times, and internet access, which reflect the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of well-being. Historical data from 2017 to 2023 was operationalised in a Python-based analytical dashboard, which generates descriptive statistics, benchmarks, correlations, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) forecasts. The study also assessed the technical feasibility of urban well-being indicators using publicly available open-source digital twin platforms such as Eclipse Ditto and FIWARE. The results indicate that integration is technically feasible; however, they are constrained by schema incompatibilities, limited native analytics capabilities, and questions of scalability regarding how proxies relate to urban well-being. As a proof-of-concept study, it explored how digital twin technology could be reshaped to support holistic, citizen-oriented objectives for well-being and complement participatory and multi-criteria approaches.
Structural Equation Modelling of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Adoption Framework in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2025-10-28) Doan, Dat Tien; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali; Naismith, Nicola; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein; Zhang, Tongrui; Tookey, John
Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) adoption in the construction industry has increased, driven by its potential to revolutionise project outcomes through improved efficiency and collaboration. However, New Zealand’s BIM adoption is still in its early stages, hindered by unique challenges such as a lack of comprehensive, tailored guidelines. While other countries have developed BIM frameworks to address their specific needs, a critical gap exists in New Zealand for a structured framework tailored to its context. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the key factors influencing BIM adoption in New Zealand, addressing the unique local challenges and opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This research employed a questionnaire to collect data from New Zealand construction professionals experienced in BIM. The data were analysed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess measurement and structural models. Findings The study identifies seven critical categories, encompassing 31 factors, that significantly impact BIM adoption in the region. Among these, leadership emerged as the most influential category, underscoring the importance of clear BIM leadership roles and regular reviews of strategic plans. Originality/value This research systematically integrates qualitative and quantitative insights to develop a comprehensive, empirically validated framework specifically for New Zealand. This study uniquely employs PLS-SEM to test interrelationships between 31 factors across seven categories, offering a structured decision-making model for policymakers and industry professionals. The framework not only addresses New Zealand’s context-specific barriers but also provides a scalable model that can inform BIM adoption strategies in other countries facing similar challenges.
Characterization of Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose From Indigenous Vietnamese Biomass for Potential Textile Applications
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-10-09) Cleveland, D; Nayak, R; Joseph, F; Nguyen, TA
This research explored the fabrication and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC), with a distinct emphasis on leveraging indigenous Vietnamese biomass sources. A diverse sample library consisting of 150 BC samples was prepared, with six samples selected for objective evaluation, based on the standard test methods. These samples were subjected to characterization techniques including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to explore potential applications of BC in fashion and textiles. Moreover, the growth medium (or SCOBY- Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), from which the BC was cultivated, was analyzed to identify the constituent bacterial and yeast strains. The EDX analysis showed the major elements of BC were Carbon (C) followed by Oxygen (O), which accounted for 99% of the elemental composition of BC. The cellulosic structure was confirmed by the FTIR results, which indicated the characteristics bonds of BC. The DSC results showed that thermal stability can be achieved for the fashion and textiles produced from BC. Bacterial analysis showed the presence of Acetobacter Indonesiensis, a gram-negative bacterium, in all the BC samples. The outcomes of this study established a deeper comprehension of the morphological, thermal, biological, and chemical attributes of BC, as well as the microbial dynamics within the SCOBY mother. This exploration not only augments the existing knowledge on BC's potential in material design but also paves the way for further research on the influence of local ingredients on biomaterial production, thereby contributing to the burgeoning field of sustainable material innovation within a localized context.
Application of Building Information Modeling for Energy Efficiency: A Systematic Review
(MDPI AG, 2025-10-16) Zhang, Tongrui; Yang, Xiaofei; Wu, Zhenzhen; Zhai, Guoliang; Doan, Dat; Sun, Qingwei; Gao, Hui
As global warming worsens, reducing energy use is becoming increasingly crucial. In recent years, 34% of the world’s energy use has been consumed by buildings. Therefore, improving building energy efficiency is essential for halting climate change and promoting sustainability. In this regard, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is steadily emerging as a valuable tool for promoting energy efficiency. This research adopts a systematic review approach, and 87 articles were included for review. This research identified seven areas in which BIM plays a role in energy efficiency. For each area, workflows for the adoption of BIM were explored. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of each adoption of BIM were critically examined. In conclusion, visualization is the most helpful feature of BIM and is beneficial for almost all applications. In addition, software compatibility issues and high initial setup costs are the most common drawbacks of adopting BIM. This research makes several contributions to the literature. First, the results of this study help provide a better understanding of the importance of BIM in energy efficiency improvement. Secondly, our research supplements the energy field that identifies seven BIM use categories. Thirdly, this article critically examines the use of BIM in the building energy field.
Blockchain-Powered Authentication: Reinforcing Identification for Misinformation in AI-Generated Videos
(AUT Graduate Research School and Auckland University of Technology Library, 2025-03-26) Moolika Gedara, Kasun
The rapid rise of misinformation and disinformation through manipulated videos poses a significant threat to the integrity of digital content. This research explores the potential synergy between blockchain technology and AI-generated video identification to combat this issue. By integrating the immutable ledger of blockchain with advanced algorithms, this researcher aims to create a robust framework for authenticating video content and curbing the dissemination of misinformation.This research investigates the technical feasibility, security implications, and potential impact of such a solution on contemporary digital content authentication challenges. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), digital content creation and manipulation have become more sophisticated, raising concerns about the authenticity and trustworthiness of media. To address these challenges, a sophisticated algorithm that combines video blockchain and advanced cryptographic functions is proposed to develop a sustainable method for video authentication. Methodologically, a comparative review of state-of-the-art approaches was conducted, and the method implemented using the sophisticated datasets. Results demonstrate a high level of performance, surpassing other existing methods.The proliferation of manipulated videos, deepfakes, and other forms of synthetic media has amplified concerns about misinformation and its societal impacts. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions to authenticate video content effectively and mitigate misinformation risks. This research provides a significant contribution to this field, offering a viable approach to enhancing the security and reliability of digital media.
Geospatial Approaches to Enhancing Urban Flood Resilience in Auckland, New Zealand: Implementation of Innovative Mitigation Strategies
(SDEWES Centre, 2025) Annadi, Sai Meghana; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Dokyi, George
Flooding is a major threat to urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanising coastal cities like Auckland, New Zealand, where urban growth and climate shifts increase flood risks. This study addresses the gap in integrating multi-criteria decision-making tools with Geographic Information System to enhance flood resilience strategies. A novel combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and spatial analysis was used to develop a high-resolution flood susceptibility model, analysing seven key factors, including slope, land use, rainfall intensity, and drainage density. The results show that 16% of Auckland is highly susceptible to flooding, 63% moderately susceptible, and 21% at low risk. The model, validated against historical flood data, demonstrated 82.98% accuracy. These findings offer actionable insights for urban planners, enabling dynamic floodplain management and real-time decision support systems. This research provides a framework for sustainable urban planning and disaster mitigation, advancing both theoretical and practical approaches to flood resilience.
Transforming Spaces: The Role of Adaptive Reuse in Strengthening Urban Resilience in Auckland, New Zealand
(Elsevier BV, 2025-10-03) Aigwi, Itohan Esther; Mendoza, Lisandro; Poorisat, Tharaya; Nwadike, Amarachukwu Nnadozie
In an era marked by rapid urbanisation and the increasing threats posed by climate change, cities worldwide face the pressing challenge of enhancing resilience while accommodating growing populations. This study explores the potential of Adaptive Reuse (AR) in strengthening New Zealand's existing urban resilience strategies. By combining a thorough document analysis (n = 8) and two insightful case studies of existing AR projects in Auckland, valuable insights are uncovered to promote sustainable urban development. The findings underscore the significant advantages of AR, including improvements in Energy Efficiency (EE), reductions in waste, and enhancements in socio-economic vibrancy. While there are notable challenges to address—such as financial limitations, regulatory adaptation, enforcement issues, and the need for cohesive collaboration among stakeholders—these barriers present opportunities for growth and improvement. The study offers practical recommendations for strengthening existing regulatory frameworks, boosting financial incentives, and fostering stronger stakeholder engagement in New Zealand. It also highlights the importance of aligning AR practices with global sustainability objectives, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to promote long-term urban resilience in New Zealand. These insights would serve as a valuable resource for relevant AR policymakers, investors, building professionals, users of existing buildings, and academics.
Evolution and Critical Evaluation of Deterministic Physically Based Rainfall-Induced Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Mixed Review
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-10-03) Sachinthaka, Rajitha; Kalatehjari, Roohollah; Brook, Martin S
Physically-based models play a critical role in assessing rainfall-induced landslide susceptibility, offering valuable insights into landslide hazard prediction and risk mitigation. This study conducts a scientometric and systematic review of deterministic, physically-based, rainfall-induced landslide susceptibility mapping, synthesising research trends and advancements in this domain. A comprehensive literature search, conducted through the Scopus database following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 70 key studies for in-depth analysis. The findings reveal significant progress, including the integration of climate change projections, enhanced real-time monitoring systems, and advancements in high-resolution data processing. Despite these developments, challenges persist in achieving a balance between model complexity and practical applicability. This review highlights the need for standardised validation protocols, robust uncertainty analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches that merge physical modelling with machine learning techniques. By evaluating the evolution and current state of deterministic physically-based landslide modelling, this study provides a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners, contributing to the advancement of more reliable and accessible landslide susceptibility assessments.
From Competency Mapping to Digital Twin Integration: Developing a Next-Gen Digital Project Manager Model for Smart Construction
(International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, 2025-09-17) Owais, Omar A; Poshdar, Mani; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali; Ying, Fei; Jaafar, Kamal; Sarhan, Saad; Sheikhkhoshkar, Moslem
The digital transformation of the construction industry has outpaced the evolution of traditional project management competency frameworks, leaving many Project Managers (PMs) underprepared to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as Digital Twins (DTs). This study develops and validates a Next-Gen Digital PM Competency List tailored to the Smart Built Environment (SBE) through a structured two-stage methodology. Stage 1 applied a three-phase process comprising (1) a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), (2) NVivo-based thematic analysis, and (3) Large Language Model (LLM)-driven synthesis. These phases identified, categorised, and defined 55 digital PM competencies, systematically organised into Skills, Knowledge, and Core Personality Traits. Stage 2 evaluates the practical relevance of these competencies by mapping them against six thematic functional requirements of DTs, including interoperability and integration, real-time data management, simulation and predictive modelling, cybersecurity and data governance, stakeholder collaboration, and scalability and lifecycle continuity. DTs were selected as an exemplar because they integrate multiple digital technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, making them a representative test case for evaluating competency alignment in digital transformation. The mapping confirmed strong alignment in digital integration and collaboration while exposing gaps in cybersecurity readiness and lifecycle resilience. The resulting framework provides a validated reference for competency benchmarking, targeted training, and digital leadership development. By equipping PMs with the competencies to lead, manage, and support digitally enabled projects, this research contributes directly to advancing smart and sustainable construction practices in the digital built environment.
Smart Seismic Rocking Motion Control of Fluid Tanks Using Semi-Active Model-Based and Data-Driven Adaptive Control
(Elsevier BV, 2025-09-22) Hosseini, SEA; Beskhyroun, S
Various mechanisms have been investigated in the literature for seismic protection of fluid tanks. These structures play a pivotal role in the integrity, reliability, and safety of strategic industries. Any damage to fluid tanks can jeopardise these industries and the environment. In this research, a Smart Vertical Isolation System using magnetorheological dampers for rocking isolation of legged rigid cylindrical fluid tanks under base excitations has been proposed and investigated. First, dynamic equations of motion for the rocking rigid fluid tank are developed. Different semi-active classical and an online data-driven adaptive control technique are then employed to examine the efficacy of the rocking isolation system. Parameters of the data-driven controller are estimated online in real-time using the Recursive Least Squares approach, which offers simplicity, robustness against faults, and small memory requirements. Numerical simulations are compared with experimental investigations to validate the accuracy of the developed dynamic equations and the performance of the MR dampers and control techniques in mitigating the seismic effects on the examined fluid tank. The MR dampers and semi-active control strategies proved substantial reductions in the uplift displacement of the tank as one of the main causes of damage to these structures under earthquakes.
A Comparative Study of Standardised Inputs and Inconsistent Outputs in LCA Software
(MDPI AG, 2025-09-04) Gong, J; Vishnupriya, V; Wilkinson, S
Motivation: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool for quantifying environmental impacts in construction. However, inconsistencies between software outputs may compromise effective decision-making. Knowledge Gap: In New Zealand’s construction sector, practitioners have limited guidance in selecting suitable LCA tools due to gaps in software scope, data transparency, and the quality of result interpretation. Aim and Objectives: This study investigates inconsistencies in results produced by eight widely used LCA software tools and identifies the key factors contributing to these variations. Research Method: This study uses a comparative analysis with data from a timber-framed warehouse project in Auckland, New Zealand. Eight software tools (SimaPro V9.0, openLCA V2.0, LCAQuick V3.5, Building Carbon Calculator V1.0, CCaLC2 V3.1, eTool V5.0, One Click LCA, and Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings V5.4) were evaluated across 14 environmental impact categories using standardised inputs. Preliminary Findings: Substantial inconsistencies were observed even with standardised inputs, although SimaPro V9.0 and openLCA V2.0 provided the most consistent results. These findings highlight the importance of software selection for reliable environmental assessments. Research Significance: This study aids industry practitioners in selecting effective LCA tools for sustainable construction practices.
Human-Centric Integrated Change Management Framework for Digital Transformation in Construction
(Emerald, 2025-09-08) Bidhendi, Ali; Poshdar, Mani; Babaeian Jelodar, Mostafa; Rahimian, Farzad; González, Vicente A
Purpose This study develops a human-centric change management framework to address the gap between building information modelling (BIM) potential and its practical implementation and adoption in the construction industry by focusing on human factors influencing digital transformation success. Design/methodology/approach A multi-phased methodology was employed, combining systematic literature reviews with advanced network analysis techniques. Two literature review rounds extracted key change management activities and human-centric principles. Social network analysis (SNA) was utilised to quantify relationships and significance within the construction industry context, identifying high-centrality nodes in the network. Findings The analysis identified training, organisational competency assessment and resource allocation as the most critical change management activities for successful digital transformation, which emerged as central nodes. The study developed a tailored three-phase framework (Strategic initialisation, Operational transformation and Sustainable integration) that enables construction organisations to implement BIM and digital technologies while maintaining focus on human factors. Practical implications include improved employee engagement, reduced resistance to technological change, enhanced organisational readiness for digital transformation and a structured pathway for construction organisations to move beyond current BIM implementation barriers. The framework provides actionable guidance for construction leaders to balance technological advancement with human-centric values, ultimately supporting sustainable digital transformation in the industry. Originality/value This study offers a novel data-driven approach to digital transformation in construction by quantitatively analysing relationships between change management activities and human-centric principles. The research addresses a critical gap in BIM and digital transformation implementation literature by developing an integrated framework that balances technological advancement with human considerations, helping organisations move beyond current adoption barriers in the AECO industry’s transformative journey.
Enabling Lean Construction 4.0 Through Human-Centric Digital Transformation: Organisational Leadership Insights
(Emerald, 2025-09-08) Bidhendi, Ali; Poshdar, Mani; Babaeian Jelodar, Mostafa; Hamzeh, Farook
Purpose This study investigates the challenges construction organisation leaders face when implementing human-centric digital transformation to enable Lean Construction 4.0. It aims to provide insights into how organisations can effectively manage the human aspects of digital transformation while addressing industry-specific barriers to lean implementation. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with senior organisation leaders from construction organisations across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Denmark. Data analysis followed a systematic thematic analysis approach to identify key challenges and patterns. Findings The study revealed ten key challenge areas in implementing human-centric digital transformation for Lean Construction 4.0: strategic vision communication, organisational competencies assessment, training development, resource allocation, employee involvement, value integration, technological adoption, performance monitoring, well-being support and cultural reinforcement. Critical barriers include the industry’s traditionally low-profit margins limiting investment capacity, high staff turnover rates complicating training initiatives and resistance from long-tenured employees transitioning from memorised to documented processes. The findings highlight how the construction industry’s unique characteristics create distinct challenges in terms of implementing Lean Construction 4.0 that extend beyond general digital transformation barriers. Originality/value This study is among the first to specifically examine human-centric digital transformation challenges in implementing Lean Construction 4.0 in construction organisations from a leadership perspective. It contributes to both theory and practice by providing a comprehensive understanding of the barriers that leaders face when implementing digital transformation while maintaining a human-centric focus. The findings bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation of Lean Construction 4.0, offering insights for construction organisations seeking to balance technological advancement with human factors.
A Systematic Literature Review of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Offsite Construction (OSC) Integration: Emerging Technologies and Future Trends
(MDPI AG, 2025-09-12) Doan, Dat Tien; Atencio, Edison; Muñoz La Rivera, Felipe; Alnajjar, Omar
This research conducts a systematic literature review of 189 peer-reviewed articles to explore integrating building information modelling (BIM) and offsite construction (OSC). It aims to identify emerging trends, methodologies, and technologies in BIM-OSC integration, focusing on construction stages, stakeholder roles, and BIM dimensions. The research highlights a growing interest in BIM-OSC, particularly in early construction stages, and emphasises 21 collaborative approaches and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, the internet of things (IoT), blockchain, and 3D printing for sustainable development. Nine challenges identified include emerging technologies integration, standardised protocols, improved integration and interoperability of solutions, data management, costs, stakeholders, sustainability, geographical perspectives, and skills considerations. The findings offer a comprehensive roadmap for BIM-OSC implementation, contributing to construction innovation discourse and suggesting future research directions. This research advocates for the robust adoption of BIM and OSC to foster innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.
Wasting Time: AI, Construction Waste and the Problem of Estimation
(OAIMDD - EcoZone Publishing House, 2025-04) McMeel, Dermott
This manuscript reports on the problem of construction waste, specifically difficulties with accurate estimation. The purpose is to understand why quantifying construction waste is problematic, as well as how and where it can be improved. The methodology includes an expansive literature review as well as periodic industry workshops to share data and validate interim findings and decisions. Findings reveal current techniques for waste reduction are largely confined to construction sites. The geographical and methodological diffusion of these sites makes aggregation and accurate estimation problematic. It points to landfill and transfer stations as a key point of convergence to improve observation and estimation. However, the quantity of waste at these locations makes detailed quantification difficult. An initial pilot study uses artificial intelligence to categorise and quantify large volumes of waste. While it does not prove a panacea, outcomes show promising preliminary results for automatically categorising and quantifying waste without manual intervention. The research adds to the body of knowledge by highlighting the potential of AI tools to positively impact and enhance waste estimation by incorporating more granular and automated methodological approaches.
Building Consent Reform: How Digital Technology Can Make New Liability Rules Watertight
(The Conversation, 2025-09-08) Doan, Dat; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein

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