A strategic roadmap for the construction sector

The work presented in this paper has the objectives to capture, synthesise and exhibit the main Construction industry requirements in relation to the use and deployment of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), and formulate an ICT vision for the sector. This work is based, on the one hand, on existing R&D (Research and Development) projects, studies, reports, and surveys, commissioned at a national and European level, as well as a wide consultation with Construction industry key players across Europe. The ROADCON ICT vision, established from the synthesized industrial requirements, has been expressed using the following attributes: human centered ICT, flexible interoperability, performance driven process, virtual teams, adaptive systems, total lifecycle, knowledge re-use, ambient access, model-based ICT, and intelligent products and buildings. It is worth mentioning that the ICT dedicated vision presented in this paper (that complies with the scope of ROADCON) contributes to a wider vision, which is the one of smart buildings and sustainable cities. The former envisions future buildings to be self-configurable, functionally adaptable, remotely manageable, socially cohesive, human supportive, and environmental friendly; while the latter sees the dominance of the concept of urban ambient intelligence and promotes sustainable ways of urban planning, living and working.