Buildings 2.0
In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Amy Schaap, VDC Engineer at Turner Construction. Amy shares her unique journey from biology to the world of construction. She discusses the innovative use of mycelium-based insulation as a sustainable building material, highlighting its potential to improve energy efficiency.
Amy also dives into the transformative role of BIM and AI in enhancing project management, enabling more accurate estimations and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of neuro-based design in creating adaptable workspaces that prioritize human well-being and productivity.
Topics discussed:
- The innovative use of mycelium-based insulation, emphasizing its potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact in construction.
- How BIM technology revolutionizes project management by enabling accurate estimations, improved collaboration, and streamlined workflows among various stakeholders.
- The integration of AI in construction processes is discussed, showcasing its ability to optimize project timelines and enhance decision-making.
- The importance of designing spaces that consider human behavior and well-being, creating environments that boost productivity and comfort.
- The need for versatile office designs that accommodate hybrid work models and diverse employee needs in modern workplaces.
- The critical role of communication and shared vocabulary among architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure project success.
- Common challenges faced during construction projects, including clashes between design elements and how to resolve them effectively.
- The importance of collecting and analyzing metrics over time to improve efficiency and sustainability in construction practices.
- Emerging trends in the industry, focusing on sustainability, technology integration, and the evolving needs of urban environments.
Guest Quotes:
#1.)
“So I dove right into using 3D modeling software like Rhinoceros, Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD. I was using laser cutters and 3D printers. And my mind was kind of blown at being able to iterate in such a short period of time, going from a design to implementation and creation. And at the same time, I was taking these biology classes, these neuroscience classes, and seeing a very direct link between these two of how the natural systems, the human systems, the much larger scale systems of evolution and development, and how that is reflected in the built environment.” 4:16-5:00
#2.)
“Because often design is over a scale of years, an order of years. And then once you've designed that and you're good to go, you have your contractor, you've bought your trades, you're commissioning the different products to be brought to site, like just in time to keep it lean, then where are you slipping up? What is causing a scheduling delay? How can you be more efficient? How can you save on logistics costs, etc.? 16:47-17:19
#3.)
“If you have a digital twin, if you're using BIM, and not just BIM, but other things that we've discussed, you're using AI, you're collecting this historical data from occupancy, and you're looking at market trends, and you're taking advantage of the big data world that we live in at the moment to see what are the trends in these cities. How have my other buildings been performing? What aspects are really working?” 23:15-23:41
#4.)
“In certain contexts, it's understood that you're talking about the same thing, but in another context, another person could completely misinterpret it because they wouldn't use that same word, or they have a different understanding of that word. So establishing from the beginning whether that's in your contract language, whether that's in your kickoff meeting, but establishing that terminology from the beginning, because communication is so critical, I think that's the first step.” 32:21-32:48
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