Discovering the perfect balance between form and function is what JCT Design and Build 2016 is all about. This biannual event, held in 2016, brought together architects, interior designers, building professionals, and industry exhibitors to showcase the latest trends and innovations in design and construction. If you missed it or want to revisit the insights, we've compiled a comprehensive guide with key topics, products, and trends that defined this influential gathering.
The 2016 edition, themed 'Revolution: Shape the Future', explored how architects and designers could drive meaningful change within the built environment. Here, we delve into two pivotal themes that dominated the discussions and exhibits at JCT Design and Build 2016.
Sustainability: Designing for the Future
At the forefront of discussions was sustainability, with a growing emphasis on creating structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The event spotlighted innovative materials, technologies, and practices that Sweden, the host country, has embraced to become one of the world's most sustainable nations.
Smart Materials & Innovative Products
Sustainability manifested in various forms, with numerous exhibitors showcasing smart materials and products designed to reduce environmental impact. Biodegradable and recycled materials, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon construction methods were among the highlights. For instance,orrowtex, a Swedish design studio, presented their collection of fabric made from marine-life-friendly materials, demonstrating how design can support ocean conservation.
Concrete, a ubiquitous yet polluting material, received attention too. Leading manufacturers displayed alternatives like hempcrete, wood Wool, and self-healing concrete, which can repair micro-cracks by attracting minerals from their environment.
Green Building Movement & Certifications
Green building certifications, such as Breeam, BREEAM, and LEED, gained prominence as industry standards for evaluating an asset's lifecycle cost and environmental impact. Experts shared insights into achieving these certifications and the role they play in driving sustainable practices in design and construction.
Prominent discussions ensued around the circular economy, focusing on eliminating waste throughout an asset's lifecycle. Key takeaways stressed the importance of specifying products that could be reused, recycled, or repurposed at the end of their useful life.
Parametric Design & Digital Manufacturing
Another significant trend that emerged at JCT Design and Build 2016 was the integration of technology-led design methods and digital manufacturing techniques. From parametric design to virtual reality (VR), the event spotlighted tools that are transforming the AEC industry. Here's how:
The Rise of Parametric Design
Parametric design, an algorithmic approach that allows buildings to adapt, change, and grow based on specific parameters, garnered significant attention. Speakers, including leading architects, delved into how parametric design could create complex, responsive structures, while reducing the need for labor-intensive architectural detailing.
Exhibitors like Autodesk and Rhino demonstrated software for generating optimized building designs by applying design algorithms and parametric modeling. Architects could explore 'what-if' scenarios, optimizing designs based on various performance metrics, such as energy consumption or cost.
Digital Manufacturing: Changing the Game
Digital manufacturing techniques like 3D printing, CNC milling, and large-scale additively manufacturing (AM) are reshaping construction. JCT Design and Build 2016 showcased how these can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock unlimited design possibilities. For example, Dutch 3D printing company, DUS Architects, displayed their modular, 3D-printed canal house, proving that the technology was ready to EXIT the lab and enter the construction sector.
Moreover, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) demonstrated their potential in streamlining design reviews, site planning, and client communication. Companies like Trimble and Topcon MEA exhibited tools that enabled stakeholders to 'walkthrough' buildings in VR before construction even began, ensuring clearer expectations and smoother project delivery.
As we look ahead, the trends that emerged in 2016 continue to reshape the design and construction landscape. From prioritizing sustainability to embracing digital technology, the JCT Design and Build 2016 guide serves as a reminder of how forward-thinking design can truly shape our future. So, let's keep exploring, keep designing, and keep revolutionizing.