Inside the new, high-tech labs where future building systems are being tested

Building scientists in Berkeley, CA, and Singapore are using robust new facilities that let them test how building systems will perform in real-life, before installation.

By Hallie Busta • April 26, 2017

AECOM leading UK driverless vehicle trial

The Capri Consortium secured a $5.37 million grant from Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles to create the connected shuttles.

By Emily Peiffer • April 26, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Construction Technology

As construction technology continues to evolve, here’s what savvy contractors need to know.

By Construction Dive staff

Built to last: How keeping up the builder–buyer relationship can lead to future business

Builders are using a combination of tried-and-tested and high-tech methods to extend client relationships beyond the home's warranty period.

By Mary Tyler March • April 26, 2017

In water-scarce states, green toilets could save 170B gallons of water annually

High-efficiency toilets and low-flow fixtures are a common way to reduce a home’s resource consumption for a relatively low upfront cost.

By Mary Tyler March • April 24, 2017

Bechtel opens welding tech innovation, training center

The Houston facility offers virtual training and augmented reality simulations to give workers practical experience in a controlled environment.

By Emily Peiffer • April 19, 2017

Construction tech, offsite startup Katerra raises $130M

The company's $1 billion valuation highlights growing investor interest in platforms that aim to transform the building industry.

By Emily Peiffer • April 19, 2017

Report: BIM market to reach $7.6B by 2022

Improved project efficiency and communication as well as government mandates are the primary drivers of growth in the market.

By Mary Tyler March • April 19, 2017

Tuning in: 6 construction tech documentaries to stream now

These programs show the past, present and future of construction worldwide, from intensive megaprojects to retrospectives on industry visionaries.

By Hallie Busta • April 19, 2017

Renewable energy capacity hit record high in 2016

Investments in large-scale storage solutions are critical to mainstream adoption of alternative energy sources like wind and solar, according to a new report.

By Mary Tyler March • April 19, 2017

Tri Pointe adds smart-home platform to new-home offerings

The move responds to growing interest among consumers for the ability to manage thermal comfort, entertainment and security systems through their smart devices.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 19, 2017

New tools for Hover app aim to aid prospecting

Clients can use the app to share photos of their home, giving contractors access to exterior visuals and measurements without having to visit the site.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 19, 2017

A walk through Autodesk's Pier 9 digifab lab in San Francisco

The software juggernaut is testing the future of digital fabrication technology on a rehabbed pier in the city's Embarcadero district, with more such facilities to come.

By Hallie Busta • April 12, 2017

How construction firms are integrating new technology into their workflows

Successful companies have both formal and informal processes in place to get employees involved with identifying innovations that could transform the job site.

By Jean Thilmany • April 12, 2017

Chicago to power city-owned buildings with 100% renewable energy

Beginning next year, the city will start acquiring renewable energy and investing in on-site generation to offset the demand from about 900 properties.

By Robert Walton , Mary Tyler March • April 12, 2017

Australian builder makes Tesla Powerwall a standard feature

The electric car maker shows no sign of stopping when it comes to renewable energy innovation, with plans to take orders for its new solar panels this month.

By Jean Thilmany • April 12, 2017

Construction begins on $20M San Antonio tech campus

The Port of San Antonio hopes the site's proximity to Lackland Air Force Base will draw interest among potential tenants, both local and national.

By Jean Thilmany • April 12, 2017

Stanford researchers explore 'managed retreat' for when disaster strikes

The strategy of abandoning at-risk buildings or relocating communities is most likely when the environmental risks are deemed "intolerable," according to a new report.

By Jean Thilmany • April 12, 2017

Lotte World Tower elevator takes riders 121 stories in 1 minute

New technology has today's elevators moving more efficiently than ever before, and the Seoul, South Korea, tower is just the latest example.

By Jean Thilmany • April 12, 2017

There's an app for that: How new tech is changing the way we buy and sell homes

The growing use of the internet and mobile is spurring the development of tools giving consumers more power and builders new ways to move their products.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 12, 2017

UPDATE: Tesla shares new details about its rooftop solar panel system

The announcement comes as more homeowners and builders turn to photovoltaic systems to power residential units.

By Mary Tyler March • April 10, 2017

A new class of glass: How tech is making daylighting design more energy efficient

The emergence of new glazing products and improved lighting design software is encouraging project teams, and their clients, to give glass another look.

By Tim King • April 5, 2017

Bloomberg announces smart city certification

What Works Cities will mirror existing building certification programs by offering a point-based system through which cities can earn silver, gold or platinum status.

By Mary Tyler March • April 5, 2017

Report: How to balance design, health and tech considerations in LED streetlighting applications

The building design community continues to weigh the technical issues and design opportunities posed by this still-new lighting technology.

By Tim King • April 5, 2017

Researchers test heated pavement tech at IA airport

The Iowa State University team aims to improve airport safety and reduce delays caused by snow and ice. 

By Emily Peiffer • April 5, 2017

Milwaukee Bucks choose smart building partner for $524M arena

Johnson Controls will work with contractors to improve the venue's energy efficiency and security through building automation, lighting and other features.

By Emily Peiffer • April 5, 2017