Digitalization Is a Social Revolution
Digitization is not only about digital tools, but a revolution that will completely change the way we live and work. In fact, urbanization has created the conditions for the most advanced applications of digitalization to find their way into our everyday lives. We live closer together, which makes logistics easier. For example, we use applications related to public transport, city bikes, restaurant food and shopping, and we recycle our goods through social media.
Digitalization has also enabled a new kind of urban sociality and activism. Urban events like restaurant day, which bring the virtual and real world together, would not be possible without social media and digital applications. These events and the ways of interaction that developed as a result of them are also reflected in how city dwellers live in their cities today and how they take a stand on the planning of their own city.
Researchers are already talking about a fourth sector that increasingly challenges traditional trade unions in how and what kind of cities and buildings are planned and built. Digitization and urbanization are therefore ultimately about social change, which poses a challenge to traditional expertise: what is the justification for your expertise based on and how do you interact with the end user. The designer must master interactive design methods.
Digitization facilitates information sharing and lack of trust, which is often perceived as problematic in construction projects. It increases transparency and facilitates communication, which are often key factors in both successful and unsuccessful construction projects. And digitization doesn’t just mean better communication: digital solutions change the way we work and bring new business opportunities. The built environment information model implemented this decade will digitize the information needed in planning, but at the same time this will shape the entire design culture. It is a big change, which you also need to know how to lead.
The role of the built environment in combating climate change is crucial. Among other things, the materials used in construction and energy-related choices largely determine how well we succeed in our goals of reducing carbon emissions. How can we influence climate change through construction and the means of the built environment.
Wood construction: low-carbon and renewable wood construction achieves exactly the benefits and values that consumers today want to commit to. Therefore, wooden construction is not only sensible in a country where forests are the most important natural resource, but also profitable when it is measured by, for example, resident satisfaction or even when its price is compared to concrete construction. The carbon bound by wood also remains in structures and furniture for a long time as a carbon store.
Energy use: since the building stock renews slowly, attention should also be paid to renovation construction, building insulation and renewable energy sources. When it comes to optimizing energy use and finding new solutions, the possibilities offered by digitalization can contribute to the discovery and implementation of new innovations in an unprecedented way.