The global engineering and infrastructure advisory company hopes the paper will allow the construction industry to discover how it can help its clients anticipate the journey towards buildings of the future.

The paper was inspired by interviews with a broad group of professionals across the built environment who were asked to imagine what buildings in the future might look like and how they could be created.

“The major drivers identified in the paper have the potential to reshape the built environment industry in the next 30 years,” said Peter Greaves, leader of Aurecon’s Buildings of the Future.

The paper identified 3D printing technology as one of the biggest disruptors to the design industry.

“The 3D printer is significantly disrupting the traditional design role held by the structural engineer but, at the same time, presents exciting new opportunities in how building designers will create, relocate and shape buildings of the future,” Peter added.

Meanwhile, the use of new, flexible constructions materials as well as additive manufacturing concrete, solar polymers and carbon fibre balsa were fuelling new design approaches.

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“These options are unlocking the architectural limitations of size, weight and shape that the building and construction industry works within today,” said Peter.

“To bring this to life, the thought processes, measurements and methods commonly used in our industry will also have to evolve.”

The paper also highlighted further innovation in the building management field by developing shared services in facilities management.

“Aurecon believes that the first real innovators in the facilities management space are likely to be those who explore the idea of shared building maintenance hubs,” claimed Peter.

“Such hubs would be designed to provide facilities for all local buildings to centrally monitor electricity, water, energy storage common areas and integrate other aspects of maintenance and management of operational efficiencies.”

James Bennett, managing director for built environment at Aurecon, added that if it was going to help design buildings of the future, then it had to be able to envision them.

“Aurecon wants to be a forerunner in helping our clients identify the opportunities this presents and facilitating these changes.”

“Those who shape buildings of the future will be those who, firstly, realise that our world is changing and have the boldness to not only let go of, but question the status quo, so that working with government and economic leaders we might reimagine our physical spaces and infrastructure.

“Engineers need to lead such conversations.”