Publication explores how facility managers can use AI

A new guide, “Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI,” provides a roadmap to understanding and using AI in the built environment.

Released by The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the publication offers step-by-step guidance on starting, scaling, and sustaining AI initiatives. Insights are drawn from industry research, expert opinions, and practical experiences.

The guide provides clear and practical explanations of key AI concepts such as machine learning and machine vision. It includes a step-by-step approach to successful AI deployment, offering actionable advice on aligning AI strategies with business goals, managing organizational change, and ensuring data governance and infrastructure readiness.

The publication will help facility managers harness the power of AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate the occupant experience.

Walmart has completed one of the largest free-standing, 3D-printed commercial structures in the US. Alquist 3D printed the almost 8,000-sf, 20-foot-high addition to a Walmart store in Athens, Tenn. The expansion, which will be used for online pickup and delivery, is the first time Walmart has applied 3D printing technology at this scale.

3D Printing | Sep 13, 2024

Swiss researchers develop robotic additive manufacturing method that uses earth-based materials—and not cement

Researchers at ETH Zurich, a university in Switzerland, have developed a new robotic additive manufacturing method to help make the construction industry more sustainable. Unlike concrete 3D printing, the process does not require cement.

AI could help AEC firms solve project management snags. Image: Courtesy of Pixabay

AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2024

Are AI opportunities overwhelming design and construction firms?

A new survey of A/E firms found that more than three-fifths of 652 respondents expect AI to improve their operational efficiency. That survey, though, also found that the same portion of respondents wasn’t using AI yet, and two-thirds admitted they were struggling with where and how to apply AI.

Airports | Aug 22, 2024

Portland opens $2 billion mass timber expansion and renovation to its international airport

This month, the Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion opened to passengers. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the 1 million-sf project doubles the capacity of PDX and enables the airport to welcome 35 million passengers per year by 2045.

environmental awareness city with vertical forest concept of metropolis covered with green plants. Civil architecture and natural biological life combination. Digital art generative AI

AEC Tech | Aug 19, 2024

Harnessing AI to revolutionize architectural design and creativity

Architects are wondering if AI will replace us. For Vessel, the gains offset the fear. We believe there is wisdom in the unattributed quote, “You won’t lose your job to AI. You will lose your job to someone using AI.”

Energy Efficiency | Aug 9, 2024

Artificial intelligence could help reduce energy consumption by as much as 40% by 2050

Artificial intelligence could help U.S. buildings to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, according to a paper by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.