The 2022 CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL (CTF) brings together AEC firms to showcase digital use-cases for designing, building, and handing over assets faster, greener, and more effectively. This year’s winners were announced at the event. All the below information is courtesy of CTF UAE.
Digital Design Organization of the Year: CUNDALL
Innovation and digital engineering are at the heart of Cundall. To take advantage of the change, Cundall is investing in its people, training, and technology, and is working to digitize their operations to harness the potential of digital tools, skills, and behaviors. The goal is to digitally revolutionize project delivery across the organization. Cundall’s digital engineering program helps personnel develop the essential abilities to innovate in future project delivery to clients through an integrated digital strategy. Cundall fosters a culture that values technical excellence and believes that engagement in every project should result in tangible advantages.
Digital Project of the Year: THE STORM
The Storm is a world-first indoor coaster that pushes the boundaries of engineering design in every way. The coaster, which stands 50 meters tall, features an extraordinary vertical launch and a 670-meter track that loops around the whole structure. The basic structure, as well as the track itself, are interconnected, necessitating a level of accuracy not found in typical construction. Because it spins on all axes within the three-dimensional space of the structure, the track is exceedingly complicated mathematically. From the pre-concept stage forward, extensive parametric modeling was employed to optimize all areas of the design while working quicker and more efficiently. During the design phase alone, more than 30 digital engineering efforts were deployed across several disciplines, and every part of the building was created in a collaborative BIM environment.
BIM Organization Of the Year: Khatib & Alami
Khatib Alami’s digital transformation has affected practically every aspect of the business through enhanced decision-making, shorter project timelines, and increased project performance. It enables projects that are dependable, conflict-free, and long-term with low maintenance costs, fewer risks, and larger income streams. K&A has been proactive in creating its own novel BIM automation solutions, which have resulted in considerable efficiency gains for client projects while also lowering the amount of time required for repeated operations. K&A’s success throughout the pandemic was largely due to cloud collaboration in BIM, as teams were able to swiftly and effectively adjust to working from home without disrupting projects. K&A’s BIM journey began in 2011, but it was expedited in 2018 with the introduction of the company’s digital transformation initiative. This sparked the formation of a specialized BIM implementation team, which has pushed for the adoption of standardized, internationally recognized BIM standards across the board. K&A has created a tech-friendly culture with a flexible and adaptable innovation strategy. As a result, new, client-focused products and services are being developed in-house, helping to position the firm as one of the world’s top multinational technology suppliers and systems integrators.
BIM Organization of the Year: THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) is one of three giga-projects announced in 2017 to expand economic activity, create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and accelerate economic growth. In two years, the Digital Delivery team has led the organization’s usage of BIM to become a leading BIM organization, as evidenced by the British Standards Institute’s issuance of two kitemarks for BIM implementation and use. TRSDC was the first asset owner in the world to do so, as well as the first organization and initiative in the region. This was accomplished in two years in a market that is just getting started with BIM and is constrained by legal, cybersecurity, market maturity, and connectivity in a distant part of Saudi Arabia. The team has offered sustainability benefits by establishing new roles, lowering barriers to entry for BIM, and leaving a digital legacy for future projects, in addition to giving real project benefits and ensuring development kept pace during the pandemic.
The Technology for Good Award: DOWNTOWN VIEWS II
Downtown Views II (DTVII) is a residential and commercial high-rise construction in Dubai’s downtown region. The proposal consists of three high-rise buildings on a shared four-level pedestal, which includes a ground floor and a one-level basement. Tower 1 has 67 (G+67+R) floors. Tower 2 has 62 (G+62+R) levels, and Tower 3 has 54 (G+54+R) floors. The project will take 35 months to complete and will cost AED1,290,000,000 in total. It is expected to produce 1,509 high-end residential apartment units ranging from one to four bedrooms, as well as offices, retail outlets, and other premium lifestyle features. The project’s numerous problems stem from the development’s sheer scale, a small logistical area in a great location, and a short project timeline. LOD 500 is the BIM requirement for this project. With the goal of transforming work execution into digital implementation, the project deserves to be considered Technology for Good, starting with a virtual model that is linked to actual project execution via full-scale BIM implementation, Virtual Reality (VR) for Safety Management, Face Recognition, and Labor Management. BIM cloud-based solutions, Real-name Entrance Guard System for safe labor management, Hoist Facial Recognition Technology, Quick Response (QR) code for site control, BIM cloud-based solutions, and Offsite construction for waste reduction (toilet pods and MEP modules).
Sustainable Organization of the Year: CUNDALL
Cundall’s engineers create innovative, sustainable design solutions that handle a project’s whole lifecycle, with sustainability at the forefront of their goals. Every person’s job is dedicated to a broader goal: to make a difference in the world by creating an environment that prioritizes people and a long-term future. Cundall is confident in leading by example and assisting the built environment in meeting its environmental duties as the first engineering consultant in the world to be certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. Cundall has taken the next step in its path by committing to providing zero carbon design on all projects worldwide by 2030. This is Cundall’s most significant global sustainability endeavor to date. Practicing what they preach, implementing sustainable practices in their own homes, throughout their businesses, and cooperating with industry and government agencies and initiatives to advance the agenda toward a more sustainable future.
Startup of the Year: HYPERTUNNEL LIMITED
HyperTunnel is an underground construction technology business that is collaborating with the industry to radically transform the way underground spaces are constructed, maintained, enlarged, and monitored. Its revolutionary, patented strategy decreases construction costs, dangers, and environmental implications, allowing tunneling projects to be completed more rapidly, safely, and with less project risk than previous approaches. This will meet global demand for sustainable transportation options. We’re committed to achieving the building industry’s net-zero goals. HyperTunnel 3D-prints tunnels and then excavates the spoil. Using a swarm of miniature robots, work is done throughout the tunnel or underground space concurrently, minimizing project time. This strategy uses technology established in other industries, such as digital subterranean surveying, digital twinning, machine learning, 3D printing, robotics, and swarm construction, all assisted by AI and VR. HyperTunnel is a disruptive startup with relevant built-environment technology, not a rival but a much-needed new solution.
Consultant of the Year: MOTT MACDONALD
The Digital Committee Project Management Office (DPMO) drives Mott MacDonald’s global digital strategy. Their digital strategy aligns with their group goal to “improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do; relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities, and employee opportunities.” The group’s mission is digital. With support from regional digital leads (RDLs) and sector leads for BIM, ACD, Data Science, GIS, and Digital Advisory, along with the head of Moata (Mott MacDonald’s proprietary Digital Solutions platform), the DPMO ensures a sound understanding of global business requirements along with specific and local needs. The Mott MacDonald Digital Position Paper was developed in 2020 based on industry triggers, market research, and Mott MacDonald’s values. This statement describes their position and commitments to digital innovation, and the principles set the tone for internal and external digital initiatives, projects, and interactions.
Consultant of the Year: AECOM
AECOM is the world’s most trusted infrastructure consulting organization, providing services from planning to construction. Public and commercial clients trust us to tackle complex problems in transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. The teams are driven by a single purpose: to make a better world through their unsurpassed technical knowledge, the best digital technology and innovation, and a culture of fairness, diversity, and inclusion. With digital business-as-usual, they observe built-environment and community enhancements. Their digital focus increases procedures, workflows, quality, cost, and service efficiency. Their digital transformation strategy seeks faster, smarter, and better solutions for their clients’ toughest problems.
Contractor of the Year: CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION MIDDLE EAST
CSCEC ME is a one-stop-shop committed to exceptional service. One strategy is to embrace digital efforts and new methods. They believe this is the best way to prosper and endure fast industry changes. CSCEC ME’s four digital pillars are automation, digitalization, onsite construction, and green construction. The main objectives stem from a vision to be a consistent leader in technology and innovation in the built environment.
BIM Champion of Year: JUAN TENA FLOREZ
KEO’s regional digital design manager is Juan Tena Florez. His 17 years of professional experience include 8 years in the Middle East, where he gained considerable BIM implementation, strategic planning, and ISO 19650 process standardization knowledge. He also manages parametric-digital collaborative designs, such as large-scale projects for business and public sector clients. He pushes his team’s limitations and successes by creating goals and focusing on people, processes, and technology. Juan stays current by investigating VR, AR, MR, AI, ML, 3D printing, drones, point cloud, generative design, automation, digital twins, etc. Juan has experience with ISO 19650 (leading KEO International Consultants to the BSI Kitemark Certificate) and US (AIA and LOD Forum) BIM standards. He specializes in integrating planning, cost, sustainability, specs, and FM into the BIM process and technologies. He’s a BSI-certified BIM Project Information Professional and BIM Project Information Practitioner and a regular speaker at GCC and international BIM events.
Woman in Contech Of the Year: SHILPA MISTRY-MCCALLUM
Shilpa has made an immediate impact at Mott MacDonald in little over a year. She has aided in the Middle East business focus on digital excellence to fulfill consumer and societal goals. Shilpa has introduced new ideas and momentum to the adoption of digital delivery in projects and is working with major clients to build new solutions such as digital twins and digital advisory services. Shilpa has worked closely with local business leaders to integrate digital strategy, implement digital investments like carbon management, and contribute to global digital agenda inside regional digital delivery networks.
BIM Project of the Year: SEAWORLD ABU DHABI
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (SWAD) is a world-class theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Immersive, captivating, transformable environments will be created employing water, sculpture, music, media, and lighting. SeaWorld will offer several attractions and world-class dining and drink outlets. Miral’s digital strategy and project management were enhanced by selecting BIM as a step change.
- Manage 100+ packages and fast-track procurement tasks using BIM.
- Coordinate design interfaces for 500+ models.
- Accelerate project with IPD.
- BIM data analytics for “Design to Budget”
- Thematic and artistic modeling.
- Support the employer’s digital transformation vision, which required a paperless project, notably for inspections and snagging.
- Support QA/QC during design and construction.
- Ensure as-built BIM captures operation-stage asset information.
- VR simulations and artistic effect coordination.
Digital Transformation of the Year: SOBHA FACADES
Sobha Facades was founded four years ago as a façade contractor that didn’t want to follow traditional techniques but instead desired to revitalize the unorganized industry. Different technologies, industries, methods, and techniques were studied to create a unique effect in this disruptive industry. They adopted advanced philosophies mostly implemented in the auto industry, used digital tools & metrics for real-time data analysis, used AI & ML powered CNC machines, enabled predictive maintenance, and reorganized to develop people-focused processes by developing the highest level of skill in the workforce as it grew from 4 to 650 employees in 4 years. Sobha Facades is the first and only façade firm in the world to be certified with ISO 18404 for efficient design, production, and installation utilizing Lean Six Sigma techniques.
Digital Transformation of the Year: ARAMCO PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE DEPARTMENT
Aramco’s Project Management Office Department (PMOD) optimizes and improves project performance through knowledge management, metrics, contract administration, market information, supplier resources, geomatics services, estimating and project control tools, and safety.
Dubai Digital Twin Project of the Year: DUBAI DIGITAL TWIN PROJECT
The GIS Center in Dubai Municipality has started the Dubai digital twin project, which aims to provide a city-wide digital replica of Dubai in the form of two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps containing all assets, structures, and features, starting from the macro level of land parcel master plans and reaching down to the micro level of building’s unit level details, and covering all the important features such as roads, trees, bridges, green areas, and more. This digital copy gives all the information needed to plan and manage the Emirate and allows the government to provide smart services effectively, especially when integrated with IoT and real-time data. The digital twin is constructed utilizing CAD drawings, BIM models, Lidar point cloud data, and UAV mesh models. DubaiHere was designed by the GIS center as a one-stop-shop platform to get digital twin information. Many government institutions use DubaiHere and Dubai’s digital twin to plan activities, test scenarios, design projects, obtain statistics, and provide smart services.
Offsite Project Of The Year: TURTLE BAY HOTEL AND COASTAL VILLAGE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AT THE RED SEA PROJECT
This 10-building residential complex in Saudi Arabia houses 288 one-or two-bedroom units for management and office personnel. Approximately 75% of this project was developed, built, and assembled in a DuBox factory before being transported to the Red Sea site. Each module is fully manufactured and fitted out, including MEP, before reaching the site. AQA Throughout production, quality control measures and inspections are performed to maintain consistency. Offsite construction began before the site was ready, saving the client 74 days of production time. Savings include a 30% reduction in labor expenditures, a 50–90% reduction in overall waste reduction and a 30% reduction in solid trash. The project will be completed in 11 months, 30% faster than typical construction, with many environmental, HSE, and economic benefits.
Client of the Year: ICD BROOKFIELD PLACE
ICD Brookfield Place is one of the world’s most advanced skyscrapers. The 990,000 square feet of future-proofed office space, 160,000 square feet of retail, and 140,000 square feet of communal green space are all connected to an integrated central administration platform. AI-powered machine learning will forecast future failures. This invention uses market-leading technology to create a great end-user experience for occupants and the community.
Construction Technology’s Rising Star award: HUSSEIN RIDA
Hussein Rida manages structural computational solutions at K&A in Sharjah, UAE. Using structural dynamics, earthquake and wind engineering, and soil-structure interactions, he analyzes and designs predictive models for complex structures. Hussein rejoined K&A in January 2019 to manage a freshly developed team of digital solution developers. His pioneering mentality and advanced computing talents transformed K&A’s digital computation and design automation. Hussein’s digital solutions have boosted project teams’ productivity and efficiency by eliminating repetitive work, minimizing human errors, boosting accuracy, and assuring compliance with international standards and rules. Hussein’s automation and optimized solutions have helped interdisciplinary teams deliver challenging, fast-track projects by letting them explore as many choices as possible for optimum, cost-effective results. His digital solutions have helped K&A promote sustainable construction and reduce project costs globally, exceeding client expectations.
Construction Technology Leader of the Year: PRAKASH SENGHANI
Prakash has led digital construction and innovation across regions, asset classes, and project phases for 11 years. His gains have come from implementing safety, productivity, and quality control programs. Prakash’s practical approach to technology deployment comes from his experience delivering, designing, and managing global projects. Prakash’s focus is on using technology to make the industry safer and more productive.
Digital Construction Hub Award for Project Excellence: THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) is one of three giga-projects announced in 2017 to create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and boost economic growth. The Digital Delivery team drove the organization’s usage of BIM to become a leading BIM organization in two years, as recognized by the British Standards Institute with two kitemarks for BIM installation and use. TRSDC was the first asset owner and project in the region to achieve this. This was accomplished in two years in a market just starting its BIM journey with legal, cybersecurity, market maturity, and connection issues in a remote area of KSA. The team has offered sustainability benefits by generating new employment, decreasing obstacles to BIM, and leaving a digital legacy for future projects.