< Previous60 APRIL 2024 | EVENTS | CW TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT 2024 Sustainability, ef ciency, and safety emerged as key themes surrounding the adoption of technology in the Middle East The construction industry is undergoing a transformative phase, embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance effi ciency, sustainability, and safety. The Construction Week Technology Summit 2024 served as a dynamic platform where industry leaders, experts, and innovators converged to unveil the transformative trajectory of construction technology. With an emphasis on sustainability, effi ciency, and safety, the summit provided a unique insight into the cutting-edge technologies currently reshaping the construction and real estate landscape in the region. As the fi rst keynote speaker in the fi rst session, Global Construction Tech CEO Eliyahu Rapaport opened the summit by highlighting the potential of harnessing robotics and artifi cial intelligence for green technology, emphasising its impact from the supply side. The discussion touched upon various real-world applications such as managing water systems and solar power through the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), highlighting its potential to create a more sustainable construction environment. “There’s a lot of fear of what robotics and artifi cial intelligence are going to introduce to the construction industry,” said Rapaport, addressing misgivings surrounding the technology. “In reality, they’re here to amplify us, to help us do more with less.” Following on, Ben Hughes from EY’s Capital Projects division shed light on the challenges posed by vast amounts of non-structured data involved in construction projects that, while valuable, often tend to be scattered, siloed, and disorganised, leading to diffi culty in accessing and analysing data and maximising its full potential. He presented digital tools and project controls as a powerful solution, off ering Salpie Kechichian, Head of Product Management, WakeCapAPRIL 2024 61 | EVENTS | increased automation, improved data accuracy, and enhanced risk management. Key disruptors like AR/VR, AI, cloud-based software, and real-time monitoring tools were identifi ed as crucial elements in project controls. Likewise, Salpie Kechichian of WakeCap explained that one of the biggest sources of waste in the construction industry is wasted time. She introduced the fi rm’s digital and wearable timekeeping solutions, sharing two case studies where more transparently recorded work hours encouraged accountability and worked hours improved by as much as 61%. In a panel discussing sustainability and green construction technologies were Dr Anas Bataw, Technology Partner at COP28, Naveen Raj, Principal Consultant at Alpin Limited, and Manal Shawish, Manager Sustainability and Carbon at AtkinsRéalis, moderated by Mohamed El Desouky, BIM Manager at Dewan Architects & Engineers. Their insights ranged from innovations in renewable energy integration and waste reduction strategies, particularly during the early design stages of a project. In a fi reside chat, Madeleine Skillen, Marketing Manager at Procore Technologies and Mukund Hirani, Co-founder and Chief Technology Offi cer at Navatech Group discussed the future of construction technology, defi ning AI’s role in enhancing productivity and improving the quality of life. The conversation emphasised the collaborative nature of AI, aiming to make human decision-making more eff ective and effi cient. The second set of sessions at the Construction Week Technology Summit 2024 featured an insightful panel discussing challenges and opportunities in adopting construction technology, along with keynotes from distinguished speakers: Mansour Faried, Chief Engineer at China State Construction, who showcased modular construction techniques; Zulema Sanchis, Director of Accuracy, who highlighted best practices in change management and workforce training for technology adoption; and Alyaa Al Wahab, Head of Project Management at Rider Levett Bucknall, who shared successful case studies demonstrating how technology has transformed construction projects. CSCEC Middle East’s Chief Engineer/Board of Management, Mansour Faried Panellists touched upon various real-world applications of technology in the construction sector The rst and only reside chat at the Tech Summit62 APRIL 2024 | EVENTS | Developing a robust and reliable infrastructure system is at the core of the national vision’s three strategic objectives, it is how local businesses can thrive, citizens can become enabled participants in a diverse economy, and how the kingdom can realise its transformative ambitions. From gigaprojects to regional rails, and smart cities to sustainable communities, the great pipeline of the kingdom’s infrastructure projects is reported to be about $1 trillion (SAR3.75 trillion), and while investors are eyeing these unprecedented opportunities, the country is steadfastly advancing in innovative markets, social initiatives, green manufacturing, and international cooperation to fulfi l its own success story. Following a streak of several promising announcements, including Saudi Arabia’s win to host World Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, this year’s Construction Week KSA Infrastructure Summit sought to create an engaging and collaborative space to explore the solutions and innovations gearing into play across the sector, and fi nd a common starting point for the industry’s leaders to share their expertise and contribute towards accelerating the nation into unmatched expansion. The fi rst session started with a presentation on innovative solutions for Road & Rail, given by Nur Yachou, the Business Development Director at Bin Zafrah, and Maarten Maas, Area Manager at Bin Zafrah. Making the point of the conference clear, they shared that, “Quality and sustainability start with the foundation. Everything on top can then last longer and cost less.” Next, Sean Doherty, Head of Program Management at JLL, sat down with Julianne Tolentino, Digital Editor at Construction Week Middle East, for a fi reside chat to discuss the how Riyadh is entering a phase of economic renaissance as a result of recent infrastructural developments. The conversation touched on how the country is seeing considerable growth in international investment, job creation, and strong local business. However, without straying too far into optimism, Doherty put forward, “if we are so good at mitigating risk, why are so many of HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 4TH ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION WEEK KSA INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT 2024 | EVENTS |APRIL 2024 63 | EVENTS | our projects running late and over budget?’ But let’s put that in context. Nobody has ever gone to the scale of what we are doing right now.” The last panel in this session was about Building the FIFA World Cup 2034, inviting to the stage Ibrahim Asar, Business Development & Investment Management at Mofarreh AlHarbi & Partners, Phil Williams, Director, Environmental Protection Group at STRI Group, Emad Abdeljawad, Bidding & BD Director at MARCO as panellists, and Christopher Nicolas, Director at TBH Consultancy as moderator. The general discoveries revolved around what will be required to hold the largest sporting event in the world, and Riyadh’s extensive road network expansion, which is the backbone of the city’s infrastructure, linking gigaprojects, residential areas, and green initiatives for a thriving, accessible metropolis. SMART CITY INITIATIVES Moving onto the second session on the agenda, Smart City Initiatives took centre stage here. By focusing on areas like smart infrastructure, economy, living, and governance, these initiatives seek to improve quality of life for citizens, diversify the economy, and propel the kingdom towards a technologically advanced future. From intelligent traffi c systems to futuristic mega-cities, Saudi Arabia’s smart city endeavours are ambitious and hold the potential to reshape the country’s urban landscape. Thomas Cunniff e, Infrastructure Director at KEO International Consultants, started this session with a presentation on Riyadh’s Path to Tomorrow with Smart Infrastructure and Innovation. He explained that that path is built on data-driven development and innovative urban transformation. Emphasising his idea, he remarked, “While we don’t see infrastructure, we do see traffi c.” Following that, attendees applauded the next group of panellist as they sat down to discuss the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). From the beginning, the room was compelled to listen to Mikhael Alkurdi, Business Development Manager & Acting Director at BEC Arabia, Laura Coates, Partner at Clyde & Co., Mehdi Danesh, Head of Advisory & Cost Consulting Services at Hill International, Rashed Altaib, Board Aff airs Manager at Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company, and Abdulaziz AlQarra, Director Project Manager, Project & Development Services KSA at JLL as the panel dived into the evolution of the PPP models, and their success for the Saudi market. Closing this session, Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Co-founder at WakeCap, presented his ideas for harnessing the power of emerging technologies. Here, Albalawi elaborated on the integration of IoT, Artifi cial Intelligence, and data analytics for Riyadh’s urban landscape, as a means for transforming the city’s services and infrastructure. Mindful of the collaborative intention of the gathering, he ended by saying, “This is not just a dream, this is a vision we are creating together.” SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE The third session saw another expert panel preparing to engage on the topic of ‘Sustainable Horizons’, green building, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. These are some of the key areas for which the kingdom has earmarked massive funds. While these sustainable industries will undoubtedly aid the country in resolving its own environmental challenges, Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan is to achieve net- Sameer Daoud, Managing Director - Infrastructure, KEO International Consultants A reside chat with JLL MENA’s Head of Program Management, Sean Doherty64 APRIL 2024 | EVENTS | zero by 2060 and secure 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030. Joining the conversation on this panel was Nader Kamal, Project Director at Studio International Engineering Consultants KSA (SIEC), Norman McComb, Director of Sustainability Services at EY, Anthony Simon, Urban Infrastructure Director of Saudi Arabia at Egis, as well as Construction Week Saudi’s Deputy Editor Muhammad Alharari, serving as moderator. The members readily picked up the topic and delved into the latest innovations in green construction techniques and materials. However, on the matter of perceived challenges, there was a consensus that the lack of consideration for long-term costs and poorly defi ned design standards and regulations emerged as the primary obstacles. The panel also explored the strides in renewable energy adoption and the role it plays in reducing carbon footprints while driving economic growth and sustainability. Lastly, when discussing collaboration and awareness, Simon commented that infrastructure projects create the right opportunity to get all relevant stakeholders involved to progress on sustainable practices. Mohammed Al Ghofaili, Facility and Structure Management Director at Saudi Arabia Railways As for McComb, he remarked that the narrative around Vision 2030 to diversify Saudi Arabia’s GDP, and seek growth in other sectors, is shaped by a global push to combat climate change. And given the pressing nature of the matter, he said, “it has become the reason why we are all here at the conference today.” UNLOCKING MOBILITY: KSA’S ROADMAP FOR TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSPORT EXPANSION Discussions around mobility and transportation, a longstanding challenge The panel delved into the latest innovations in Saudi Arabia’s green construction space Bin Zafrah’s Nur Yachou and Maarten MaasAPRIL 2024 65 | EVENTS | for urban planners, dominated the last session of the summit. Saudi Arabia is innovating to reform its car-centric culture and move away from car dependence. And with plans to embrace a multimodal system with public transport, create human-centric urbanised neighbourhoods, and implement sustainability initiatives, the topic has become unavoidable. The session started with a presentation by Mohammed Al Ghofaili, Facility and Structure Management Director at Saudi Arabia Railways, on drainage system renewal on railways, where he focused on optimising the integration of construction technology. Eagerly, on the last panel, moderator Ben Hughes, Partner and Senior Principal of Capital Projects at EY, shared the stage with Ahmed Sayed, ME Construction Manager at ACCIONA, Maarten Maas, Area Manager at Bin Zafrah, Belal Deiranieh, CEO at Systra Arabia, and Omar Al Battaineh, Regional Director of Transport Advisory and Planning Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Co-founder of WakeCap in the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis, for a discussion on redefi ning commuting in Riyadh, the public transport expansion and the urban transformation. The panellists explored how public transport expansions align with Riyadh’s goals for urban development, liveability, and accessibility. Their discourse continued by addressing strategies for solving the “last- mile” challenge, and designing seamless connections for commuters. They closed the successful session by highlighting eff orts to make public transport more environmentally friendly, touching on clean energy and green infrastructure. The last panel of the day featuring speakers from EY, ACCIONA, Bin Zafrah, Systra, and AtkinsRéalis The audience directed questions to the panel 66 APRIL 2024 | THE LAST WORD | CYBORG CITIES: THE FUTURE OF URBAN PLANNING IN THE KINGDOM D esign professionals are living through a period of unprecedented growth and experimentation, specifi cally in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The enormous opportunity and almost unfettered creativity present in the kingdom has been garnering most of the applied development in urban planning. Proposals such as The Line in NEOM, The Mukaab, and the 2km high tower in Riyadh demonstrate unprecedented creativity in architecture and planning, with the foremost practitioners in the world being involved in the Giga and Megaprojects. That sense of exploration and creativity in urban planning approaches is beginning to lead the world to new ideas in urban planning. However, there is still much to be done. Even today, much of the conventional architectural discourse continues to reinforce the nature/culture duality where architecture and urbanism are seen as existing outside of the natural world. We continue to think of cities as existing separately from nature, and regard nature as a resource for urbanism and to clean up the mess we collectively create as a profession. The climate crisis and its need for urgent and immediate action has drawn this fl awed approach into sharp focus. By conceiving landscape and urbanism through the lens of ecology, we can foresee the ways that we may be able to address the problem of climate change. A NEW ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE We collectively need to let go of the objectifi ed and ecologically detached understanding of architecture and write a new narrative around cities as component parts of a new ecological landscape. This trajectory has been evolving over the last two decades, particularly through the discourses that have dominated landscape architectural thinking. It is also a strong theme in the arts, as expressed through the work of Donna Haraway, Ilkka Halso, and Patricia Puccini. REGENERATION TAKING CENTRE STAGE One fortunate outcome of the boom in creativity in the kingdom has been the focus on new methods to how the kingdom can be regenerative and net positive. This has resulted in developers like The Red Sea and NEOM pursuing ways to manage and monitor the ecological health of projects. This is not simply a way to ‘do less damage’ through rating systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and Mostadam, but rather pursuing truly regenerative development that provides a net ecological improvement through the process of development. This involves fi rstly being able to consider the full environmental cost of carbon emissions plus energy, water, food, and material demands. Secondly, how we can off set all of those demands and then provide even more ecosystem services and biodiversity benefi ts beyond simply off setting the damage created by cities? This is beginning to be delivered through evaluating the economic value of services like renewable energy, water cleaning through nature-based systems, or the regreening of large territories. As a result, we’re able to recast cities as the solution to climate change, rather than as the villain. GREEN FINANCE There is an evolving path in the kingdom which facilitates urbanism through the utilisation of climate fi nance, green bonds, and carbon credits, making regeneration an appropriate and profi table way to reconceptualise development. This has begun to bear fruit and The Public Investment Fund (PIF) now has a centre of excellence in green fi nance that is exploring this idea for all PIF projects. We have also begun to see the securing of signifi cant amounts of green fi nance from banks which is a sign of the estimated $27 trillion green fi nance pool that is evolving in the move towards climate change mitigation and reversal. It is this promise that we see becoming an increasingly important and necessary future of Gensler’s future work in the kingdom, and well beyond. Steven Velegrinis is the Design Director for Gensler Middle East’s Cities and Urban Design practiceNAVIGATE THE LANDSCAPE OF BUILDING BRILLIANCE, WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITYwww.glaze.ae/ MARBLE | ONYX | QUARTZ | PRECIOUS STONE | TRAVERTINE | SINTERED STONE | PORCELAIN Surface Solutions, Designed By Nature NatureNext >