Digital intelligence in construction
From planning to operation, a wealth of valuable building data is generated today. But it often remains unused. At a specialist event at Swissbau in Basel, experts demonstrated how platforms, AI and visualization technologies can make construction more efficient, sustainable and intuitive.
“Planning is already highly digitalized, construction less so and operations more so,” explained Alex Walzer from the FHNW. A lot of information still gets lost between the project phases. This is a problem, particularly with regard to the circular economy. Walzer sees great potential in the consistent use of data. Learning from projects, designing buildings based on data, standardizing processes. But without a clean data basis and precise questions, even artificial intelligence remains ineffective.
Consistent data with Lakeup
Michal Rzinski from Bond BIM presented the Lakeup platform, a system for life cycle data management. It is designed to enable building owners and real estate organizations to use data in a structured way over the entire life cycle of a building. From the definition of requirements to ordering and evaluation, Lakeup creates data consistency and transparency.
According to Rzinski, the focus is on people. “We want to pick up specialist planners, engineers and decision-makers in equal measure.” One example is provided by the University Hospital Basel, where AI agents automatically classified 25,000 data records, the basis for later applications. The platform has a modular structure, from specialist planning tools to corporate solutions.
Virtual bathrooms and real decisions
Things got practical with Patrick Marti from Hegias Vision. His platform combines 3D visualization with real-time data in bathroom renovation. Using an iPhone, rooms can be scanned, objects automatically recognized and designed in a digital environment. Customers can immediately see what their bathroom could look like, including materials, lighting moods and real product data.
Together with BMS, Hegias is enabling a new, interactive consultation process. “People used to leave the showroom with a block full of product names, now they leave with a link to their dream bathroom,” says Ilona Lupart from BMS. The room scanner makes it easier to get started, speeds up decisions and increases satisfaction.
People at the heart of digitalization
In the final round, everyone agreed that automation cannot replace people. “AI should relieve the burden on advisors, not replace them,” emphasized Marti. Walzer emphasized that AI is particularly strong where large amounts of data are analysed or supply chains are optimized. Nevertheless, specialist knowledge, reflection and further training are still required.
Rzinski added that Lakeup was deliberately designed to cover different levels of expertise, from data specialists to management. Lupart added that training, involvement and communication are key to reducing skepticism. Openness is more important than age: even 90-year-olds have used VR glasses enthusiastically.
New skills and outlook
Walzer sees a change at the FHNW. “Students today are working more collaboratively and critically with technology.” In addition to technical skills, soft skills, communication, understanding of interfaces and teamwork are increasingly in demand.
Marti and Rzinski announced that they will continue to expand their platforms in the future. More automation, better user guidance and deeper integration of AI into existing processes. Walzer dares to look ahead “In ten years, AI will work as naturally in the background as electricity from the socket. The goal will have been achieved when building is fun again thanks to technology.”