Manchester – On Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, the University of Salford hosted a groundbreaking Research Seminar, delving into the realms of modern construction methodologies and the integration of Industry 4.0 innovations to steer the construction sector towards achieving net-zero targets. Held at Lecture Theatre 1.93 in the Mary Seacole Building, the event attracted a diverse audience, both in-person and online, eager to explore the future of construction.
Under the adept moderation and organization of Prof. Zeeshan Aziz, the seminar unfolded seamlessly, fostering engaging dialogues and exchange of ideas among participants. Prof. Aziz’s leadership ensured a fruitful exploration of key topics, including the current state of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) awareness globally, requisite skill sets for graduates, policy measures to drive adoption, and collaborative efforts needed to propel MMC deployment.
Throughout the day, esteemed speakers from around the globe shared their expertise, offering perspectives on MMC adoption, infrastructure efficiency, and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. Key speakers included Professor Lauri Koskela from Tallinn University of Technology, Dr. Nor Fazilah Mohd Hashim from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Derek Drysdale from the Lean Construction Institute. Their presentations provided invaluable insights into MMC practices and future possibilities, drawing from international experiences and case studies.
The active participation of UTM staff members further enriched the discussions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Syazli Fathi from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Dr. Aizul Nahar Harun from Malaysian-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM, made notable contributions. Their expertise underscored UTM’s multidisciplinary approach to research and its commitment to driving innovation across various fields within the construction sector.
Leading the charge from UTM’s Construction Quality & Maintenance (CQM) Research Group from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Nor Fazilah exemplified the institution’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving research excellence in the field of construction.
As the seminar concluded, attendees left equipped with a deeper understanding of futuristic MMC adoption scenarios and a shared vision for revolutionizing the construction sector. With initiatives like these paving the way forward, the journey towards net-zero construction and sustainable infrastructure has taken a significant leap forward.