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In this Birdflocks Talks episode, Hamed Forouzandeh, Birdflocks' Founder and Head of Product, sits down with Yashar Moradi, CTO and co-founder of MOD, to explore the real challenges of digital transformation in the AEC industry. With over two decades of experience in digital solutions for construction, Yashar shares his thoughts on the common misconceptions of digitalization, how prefabrication and offsite construction are shaping the future of building, and strategies to reduce inefficiencies and CO2 emissions in construction. This article distills key takeaways from their conversation and highlights actionable insights for professionals in the AEC industry.
Despite advancements in digital tools like BIM, the gap between digital design and on-site execution remains one of the most significant challenges in the construction industry. "We’re designing digitally, but not fabricating digitally," Yashar explained, highlighting a disconnect where sophisticated BIM models are created with great precision, yet the physical construction process reverts to manual methods. "It’s a waste of resources to spend months perfecting a digital model, only for it to be built using outdated techniques," he added.
Yashar emphasizes that digital transformation isn't just about digitizing traditional processes—it’s about integrating technology to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve efficiency from design to on-site implementation.
Prefabrication and offsite construction offer viable solutions to bridge the gap between digital design and physical construction. Yashar explained that the construction industry could learn from the manufacturing sector, where processes are streamlined, and every step is planned in advance. "In manufacturing, everything happens in a controlled environment. We need to bring that level of industrialization to construction," Yashar stated.
By prefabricating elements in a controlled environment, firms can reduce waste, save time, and increase productivity. "Offsite construction allows you to assemble pre-built elements on-site, which reduces errors and inefficiencies," Yashar noted, pointing out that this method is both faster and more sustainable.
The construction industry is responsible for approximately 38% of global CO2 emissions, making sustainability a pressing concern. "If we want to reduce our environmental footprint, we need to rethink how we build," Yashar emphasized. Prefabrication and offsite construction play a crucial role in minimizing waste and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.
Yashar also discussed how digitalization can contribute to sustainability by enabling better resource management. "When you have precise digital models, you can plan and optimize material usage, reducing the need for rework and waste," he explained. This focus on efficiency, both in design and execution, can lead to more sustainable building practices.
Automation is one of the most effective strategies for reducing inefficiencies in construction. Yashar highlighted the importance of using digital tools to automate repetitive tasks and make data-driven decisions. "Once your data is digital, you can bring automation into the mix to streamline processes," Yashar explained, stressing the need for construction firms to embrace automation to stay competitive.
Yashar also mentioned the role of data in improving project management. "With data, you can make real-time adjustments to project plans, staying agile and responsive to challenges," he noted. By integrating data analytics into the construction process, firms can enhance productivity and reduce delays.
While prefabrication offers many advantages, it’s not without its challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized firms. Yashar acknowledged that access to prefabrication technologies can be expensive, especially in countries facing economic constraints. "The key challenge is not access to prefab elements but planning with them," he said. Architects often struggle to balance creativity with the limitations of prefabricated components, which can stifle innovation.
To address this, Yashar and his team at MOD are working on solutions that allow architects to design freely while ensuring that their designs are compatible with prefabrication methods. "We’re using machine learning to help architects design with prefabrication in mind without limiting their creativity," he explained.
This Birdflocks Talks episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of digitalization in the construction industry. Yashar Moradi highlights the need for true digital transformation, industrialization through prefabrication, and sustainable practices to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. By embracing these strategies, AEC professionals can overcome inefficiencies, reduce CO2 emissions, and pave the way for a more sustainable future in construction.
