{"id":159029,"date":"2026-03-23T07:32:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T07:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=159029"},"modified":"2026-05-01T10:03:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T09:03:01","slug":"artificial-intelligence-ai-in-building-enter-the-new-era-of-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/digital-construction-news\/construction-technology-news\/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-building-enter-the-new-era-of-transformation\/159029\/","title":{"rendered":"Artificial intelligence in building: Enter the new era of transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

When humans and machines work together, they create more than technology \u2013 they redefine progress, writes Yves Padrines, CEO of Nemetschek<\/h2>\n

The construction and real estate industry stands at a historic turning point. Rising costs, a shortage of skilled labour, and ambitious climate goals are increasing the pressure to build faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably. The key insight of this transformation is clear: the next era of construction will only succeed if artificial intelligence (AI), open and interoperable systems, digital twins, and consistent sustainability are seamlessly integrated<\/a>. What matters is not individual tools, but a connected, data-driven ecosystem. This is not a technological luxury \u2013 it is an economic and social necessity.<\/p>\n

From digital tools to intelligent ecosystems<\/h3>\n

For years, digitalisation in construction followed a linear path: first BIM, then the cloud, followed by mobile apps. But that view falls short. The future lies in connectivity \u2013 the ability to link data across all phases, stakeholders, and systems.<\/p>\n

AI analytics, automated workflows, and digital twins now form the backbone of this ecosystem. While many firms still manage data in silos, pioneers already rely on open interfaces based on the openBIM principle. This foundation enables data-driven decisions: designs can be simulated, energy efficiency can be evaluated in real time, and risks can be identified early.<\/p>\n

True value emerges when data flows freely \u2013 across architecture, engineering, manufacturing, construction sites, and operations. Here, AI acts as a catalyst, translating complexity into clarity, optimising resources, and boosting productivity.<\/p>\n

Productivity and risk management with AI and digital twins<\/h3>\n

Unproductive processes have long been the industry\u2019s Achilles\u2019 heel. Productivity growth still lags far behind other sectors \u2013 a weakness rooted in fragmentation and information loss. Digital twins close these gaps by uniting design, construction, and operational data in a dynamic model. Combined with AI, they enable scenario modelling, predictive maintenance, and cost forecasting \u2013 reducing risk and increasing reliability.<\/p>\n

Take a simple example: a digital twin identifies where a building loses heat and suggests renovation measures based on material data, CO\u2082 intensity, and lifecycle costs. AI turns this from an abstract report into an actionable management tool. Clients gain transparency on budgets and timelines, developers monitor ESG performance, and operators optimise energy use. This integrated view provides a decisive competitive edge \u2013 especially in markets driven by regulation and sustainability targets.<\/p>\n

Openness is a duty, not an option<\/h3>\n

Many companies still use closed system environments that seem efficient in the short term but block innovation long term. Closed ecosystems create dependencies, slow data exchange, and hinder scalability.<\/p>\n

The future must be interoperable. Only open standards ensure data remains usable from design to operation. OpenBIM and IFC are not technical jargon but cornerstones of a digital construction industry that connects knowledge, efficiency, and sustainability.<\/p>\n

Political initiatives such as Germany\u2019s BIM strategy or the EU data strategy set frameworks. But true progress happens in practice \u2013 when software vendors open interfaces, architects co-develop data models, and construction companies invest in digital competence.<\/p>\n

Sustainability as an economic lever<\/h3>\n

Construction accounts for 40% of global CO\u2082 emissions \u2013 an alarming share that has awakened the industry. Sustainability is no longer a \u201cnice-to-have\u201d but a core business factor.<\/p>\n

Digital technologies make environmental responsibility measurable. ESG dashboards, resource analyses, and smart metering create transparency. Developers and investors can track in real time which measures improve carbon balance or extend lifecycles.<\/p>\n

The shift from obligation to value creation is decisive:<\/p>\n