Reflections on DigiComm25: Embracing Technology with Purpose

DigiComm25 offered an insightful look at the future of the construction industry, with a focus on digital collaboration, AI integration, and sustainable practices. As expected, the event highlighted advancements in digital tools and processes that have the potential to transform how we design, build, and manage projects. What stood out was the candid discussion around the challenges, trade-offs, and environmental considerations that come with this evolution.

Professor Jennifer Whyte from the John Grill Institute for Project Leadership at the University of Sydney posed a thought-provoking question during her presentation, referring to the Sydney Opera House, one of the most remarkable buildings in Australia, if not the world. She asked, “If it were built today, how would we approach it?” This question, originally posed by Paolo Tombesi, who extensively studied the Sydney Opera House and its construction, encouraged reflection on how far the industry has come and how we might do things differently with today’s tools. Jennifer emphasised the importance of process and the ability to map an entire project from start to finish. She explained the value of using software to enhance collaboration across disciplines and stages, improving clarity and efficiency throughout the building process. One of her key points was about data, describing it as the oil that keeps a project running smoothly. In her view, data underpins the decisions we make and adds value by building a better understanding of features and systems.

Image: Sydney Opera House during construction.

Although Jennifer’s experience is largely with large-scale projects, she made the point that these principles are just as relevant for mid-range markets like New Zealand. One of the challenges she spoke about was understanding the handover between trades. Too often, energy is wasted because the boundaries of responsibility between trades are unclear. If processes and handovers aren’t clearly defined, there’s a risk of gaps forming, which can slow projects down and create unnecessary conflict. Clarifying these boundaries early is key.

Later in the day, John Hemi posed an interesting analogy while reflecting on the evolution of technology. He recalled a time when paper bags were used in grocery stores, only to be replaced by plastic as a modern solution, and now, decades later, we’ve returned to paper bags, this time with a different purpose in mind. Previously, paper was used because it was the only option; today, it’s seen as a more sustainable alternative to plastic. It was a reminder of how our reasons for doing things evolve over time. This leads to the reflect on where we currently are in the construction industry. As we move deeper into the digital evolution with Construction 4.0 and the introduction of AI, it feels as though we’re on the fringe of significant change. Yet it raises the question: are we advancing, or are we cycling back with new reasoning? Much like the paper bag example, it’s worth asking what the real value of progress is—and what might be lost along the way. Are we still in the “plastic bag” phase of construction technology, excited by the newness but not yet seeing the bigger picture of long-term value?

One of the standout presentations was by Justin Flitter from AI New Zealand, who explored different uses of AI in the construction industry. One tool in particular allowed users to upload a document and have it converted into a podcast-style audio format, making it easier to absorb complex information. It was an interesting example of how AI could change the way we access and engage with technical content.

Image: Round table discussion hosted by Francisco Carbajal.

Francisco Carbajal, Director of Capana Group, led a roundtable discussion on how Construction 4.0 can support net carbon zero targets. The discussion covered AI’s potential to improve data collection and streamline Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) processes. There was a lot of interest from attendees in how AI can fill gaps in data and speed up assessments. However, there was also concern about the environmental impact of AI systems themselves. A point was raised about Ireland, where AI-related processing now accounts for 21% of all metered electricity from the grid (up from 18% in 2022). This opened up debate about balancing the benefits of AI-driven efficiencies with their energy demands and environmental footprint. Many professionals acknowledged that while AI offers opportunities to improve LCA processes and data accuracy, more work is needed to address gaps and inconsistencies in current data collection. The group agreed that better data leads to better outcomes—and that AI when applied thoughtfully, could be a powerful tool for improving sustainability across the construction industry.

Nate Herlbach from Neutral introduced his company’s work, including what is set to be the tallest Living Building Challenge project in the world. Through the use of mass timber and automation, Neutral is working on improving building efficiency by repeating processes to refine skills and reduce time and cost. Nate shared some of the real-world challenges they’ve faced. For example, the lower floors of CLT they had ordered from Germany were destroyed when the ship caught fire en route. Thanks to their simplified design and modular floor system, they were able to adapt and repurpose upper floors that were arriving on another shipment to keep the project on track, despite the setback. He also spoke about the challenges of working with government bodies and overcoming industry complacency. There was a need to demonstrate, through extensive testing, that timber construction was a viable solution, particularly when it came to fire performance. Interestingly, they found that charred timber can offer a level of protection, potentially outperforming traditional building materials under certain conditions.

Image: DigiComm25 conference audience.

Another highlight was the Archives NZ: Case Study presentation about digital twin, showcasing a project by Warren & Mahoney. They used digital twin to coordinate project information, linking not only 3D models but also 2D drawings and live data, creating an integrated system to monitor energy use and performance. What stood out was how cost-effective the system was to set up and run. However, they pointed out that the biggest challenge is maintaining a high level of detail in project documentation. For a digital twin to be successful, it relies on accurate, up-to-date information that must be consistently managed over time.

DigiComm25 was an excellent conference that highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of our industry’s digital evolution. There’s no doubt that the future holds exciting advancements, but it’s equally important that we take a thoughtful approach to how we apply them. As we continue to explore new technologies at Capana Group, we remain focused on ensuring these innovations support long-term sustainability and positive outcomes for the industry.