As platforms ‘lock down’ the set of component specifications that sit behind design, this reduces the set of technical variables and requirements.
As a result, the initiative really must be headed by a government client.This is why the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) set out their vision for a Platform construction (P-DfMA) approach, focusing on digitally driven, standardised, cross-sector components.
Government is also uniquely positioned to take on the challenge of implementing a new, industrialised construction approach, as they have the resources required for in-depth research and development.Still, with an undertaking as large as transforming construction, collaboration with industry will be crucial to success..The good news is that we’ve already seen this happening more recently, in terms of developing policy responses to the pandemic.
Whereas, previously, the government has simply implemented policies, we’re now seeing a more collaborative approach, in the form of The Construction Playbook and Industrial Strategy.The government is now actively working with industry to make sure new policies can be implemented.
It’s thinking about long-term delivery and it recognises the need to be working with industry to achieve that goal..
Broadening value outcomes with ‘Build Back Better’.We have things like the Value Toolkit coming out of The Construction Innovation Hub.
The question is, how do we help governments make choices that support their ambitions?Value drivers aren’t exactly the same from one country to the next, and so we’ll need to help them make choices based on what’s best for their own local needs, projects and communities..
Although our technical services and products are becoming increasingly exportable and marketable, we need a more cohesive and collaborative approach regarding how we bring that UK construction value proposition to market.It may be that BIM unlocks value, or value unlocks finance, or finance unlocks BIM, but there is a real chance to develop a ‘UK brand’ construction approach that we can sell internationally.