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Farzad Rahimian

(School of Science and Technology, Teesside University, UK)

Farzad is Professor of Digital Engineering and Manufacturing, with a robust research track-record delivering more than 150 quality publications and more than 2600 citations. His research career has been developed through 1) ten years high-quality education in Architecture, Digital Design and Innovative Construction Technologies (from 1996-2002+2007-2010), 2) 20 years’ academic work experience, including research-informed teaching and teaching supported research on different areas related to Digital Architecture and IT integrated design and construction (Since 2002), 3) 15 years intensive industry engagement as a full member of Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB-UK) and a First Class Registered Architect (in Iran), and 4) variety of hands-on virtual modelling and development skills and knowledge of different qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. These support his research on various aspects of Construction 4.0 including Digital Twins, Smart Contracts, Building Information Management/Modelling (BIM), Distributed Ledger Technology, Big Data, IA/Machine-Learning, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Smart Homes, IoT, Cybernetics and use of Smart Agents within the built environment, Virtual Prototyping and use of VR/AR/MR interfaces for building simulation, automation and integration of design, Offsite Construction, Lean and Six Sigma thinking and development of new business models for integrated construction. Farzad has also successfully led several high profile research projects – from InnovateUK, through to Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Data Lab, and Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). This expertise and standing are also recognised through a number of high profile bodies, including the International Council for Building (CIB) and buildingSMART International. Prof Rahimian has more than 10 years’ experience of leading international journals as editor, co-editor, guest editor and editorial board member. He is the Editor in Chief for the Emerald Journal of Smart and Sustainable Built Environment; ISSN: 2046-6099;

Industry 4.0 Paradigm for Building Design & Construction

This keynote provides results and case studies in innovation from actual work undertaken in collaboration with industry partners in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Scientific advances and innovative technologies in the sector are key to shaping the changes emerging as a result of Industry 4.0. Mainstream Building Information Management (BIM) is seen as a vehicle for addressing issues such as industry fragmentation, value-driven solutions, decision-making, client engagement, and design/process flow; however, advanced simulation, computer vision, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, machine learning, deep learning, and linked data all provide immense opportunities for dealing with these challenges and can provide evidenced-based innovative solutions not seen before. These technologies are perceived as the “true” enablers of future practice, but only recently has the AEC sector recognised terms such as “golden key” and “golden thread” as part of BIM processes and workflows.

TThis keynote builds on the success of several initiatives and projects at Teesside University and practice-based solutions produced for industry. It presents these findings through real projects and case studies on how these technologies made a real-world impact.

    The contents are developed around these overarching themes:
  • BIM and AEC Design and Optimisation: Application of Artificial Intelligence in Design
  • BIM and XR as Advanced Visualisation and Simulation Tools
  • Design Informatics and Advancements in BIM Authoring
  • Green Building Assessment: Emerging Design Support Tools
  • Computer Vision and Image Processing for Expediting Project Management and Operations
  • Blockchain, Big Data, and IoT for Facilitated Project Management
  • BIM Strategies and Leveraged Solutions
This keynote is a timely and relevant synthesis of a number of cogent subjects underpinning the paradigm shift needed for the AEC industry and is essential reading for all involved in the sector.

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