How do you assess the current situation in Germany in terms of housing demand and infrastructure – and where do you see the most urgent areas for action in the coming years?

The current situation is characterized by a major discrepancy: while there is very high demand for housing and functional infrastructure on the demand side, there has been a dramatic slump in capacity on the supply side. This crisis, which affects both the housing construction and infrastructure sectors, is fueled by a combination of four core problems:

the tense financing situation, characterized by limited funds and sharply risen interest rates, the sluggish and overly bureaucratic approval procedures, the omnipresent labor and skilled worker shortage, which is paralyzing the entire value chain, and the lack of planning capacities, which is leading to bottlenecks in implementation—especially of infrastructure projects.

Given the need for new housing and the maintenance and expansion of infrastructure, traditional, labor-intensive construction methods are increasingly reaching their limits. In addition to reducing administrative hurdles, the most urgent area for action is therefore not only to build “more,” but first and foremost to build “differently.” As I have outlined in my book “Modeling and Digital Transformation in Construction Operations and the Construction Industry,” the key lies in systemic modeling and targeted digitalization. This is necessary in order to understand construction projects as complex production systems and to optimize them holistically, especially with regard to ecological and social sustainability.

In view of the shortage of labor and skilled workers, it is more important than ever to increase efficiency in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. Digitalization enables precise planning and recording of resource consumption and, above all, CO2 emissions, in order to create climate-friendly construction methods. Last but not least, more efficient methods also improve the social compatibility of construction projects: Affordable housing is created more quickly, vital infrastructure is modernized more rapidly, and the burden of construction work on society is reduced. In any case, the construction industry is at a critical turning point. Overcoming these challenges requires not only a fundamental rethinking of the construction processes themselves, but above all decisive political and administrative reforms to remove the upstream blockages. Renovation and the circular economy are particularly important in this context, as they allow existing building stock to be revitalized for new uses in the face of already scarce resources.

What economic developments do you expect in the construction industry, and what impact will the German government's current infrastructure packages have on future construction projects?

In any case, the economic situation in the construction industry can be described as volatile. However, the long-term prospects are secure thanks to the undeniable need for modernization and new construction. It is crucial for future development that investments are increasingly linked to technological and sustainability requirements. The German government's current infrastructure packages are acting as catalysts for the digital transformation of the industry. They are more than just financial injections; they are a driving force for modernization. By requiring the implementation of digital methods such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) in large public construction projects, the entire process chain is undergoing largely continuous information processing without media breaks. In addition, this promotes the development of powerful digital tools. This leads to a profound structural change, because increasingly data-driven, collaborative work requires new, cooperative forms of contract such as integrated project management or alliance models. Contract models must be developed that are adapted to the new framework conditions. This applies not only to large projects, but also to the far more numerous small and medium-sized projects. Such contract models promote open cooperation and a common understanding of risk. At the same time, the ability to manage, share, and protect data is becoming a decisive competitive factor. Companies that invest in a secure and interoperable digital infrastructure will be successful in the long term. The central challenge is therefore to implement existing but only partially applied methods, such as the BIM method, across the board and to solve the associated interface problems.

When you think about construction site practice, what technological developments are already helping to implement construction projects faster or more sustainably?

In construction site practice, we are already seeing concrete applications that deliver enormous added value by converting data into actionable insights. The BIM method mentioned above plays a central role here, and it is much more than just a 3D model. It acts as a central database that enables integrated and transparent planning and execution. Although widespread application is still pending, it is certainly one of the most advanced developments that have increasingly found their way into the industry in recent years. In practice, the BIM method leads to more precise quantity determination, better collision checking, and a more solid basis for construction management. In addition, coordination between specialist planners is carried out earlier than in projects without BIM, making it possible to carry out redesigns and conversions more efficiently, reduce errors in execution, and save resources. Furthermore, IoT sensors and polysensory systems are increasingly enabling real-time monitoring of construction processes. A concrete practical example of this is the DIGICOPRO (DIGItalised COncreting PROcesses) project, in which such systems are used to precisely monitor concreting processes. This allows decisions to be made on a solid, objective data basis, which in turn significantly increases efficiency and safety. Another example of a step towards greater sustainability based on technological developments is the detailed monitoring of energy consumption to identify potential savings. Digital construction site management tools and AI assistance systems are also becoming increasingly important. AI-supported chatbots, which are trained with construction-specific regulations such as VOB and DIN standards, contract documents, and internal company knowledge, are already acting as valuable (internal) digital assistants. For example, construction managers can clarify technical questions directly on the construction site via voice input. Such systems can even be linked to software for the BIM method to automatically determine quantities and suggest tender texts. In addition, there is great potential in the use of augmented reality (AR), for example, to visualize digital planning data directly on site in the real environment. This supports the review of construction progress, helps with the early detection of planning or execution errors, and improves communication between the trades. The technologies mentioned as examples are not just a dream of the future, but are already being used in pilot projects. It can be assumed that these will increasingly find their way into regular operation in Germany in the future in order to make construction processes more efficient and data-driven.

How do you prepare your students for the demands of tomorrow's construction industry, and which skills are particularly important in this regard?

There needs to be a fundamental shift away from purely imparting knowledge in silos. The goal must be to promote a networked understanding of systems and processes and to strengthen students' interdisciplinary skills. Higher education must enable them to actively shape the “techno-social working world” of the future. A variety of skills are particularly important in this regard. The most central foundation is probably systemic thinking, i.e., a comprehensive understanding of the processes and their interdependencies within the complex production system that is a construction site. Without this basic knowledge, the digitalization of construction operations cannot deliver any significant benefits, which is why students must learn to think in networked contexts. Building on this, strong digital skills and a deep understanding of data management are essential. This is not just about being able to use software. Future engineers must understand how a digitalization roadmap (DDB) is developed—a strategic plan that defines which processes are to be digitalized, how this is to be done, and what framework conditions are required. In view of the ever-increasing amounts of data, they must learn to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant data or information and master the principles of data security and data exchange. Another crucial factor that needs to be taught during their studies is interdisciplinary collaboration. The future lies in the interplay between human intelligence and machine precision (keyword: human-machine teamwork), which is why students must learn to collaborate effectively with experts from a wide range of fields, such as IT, robotics, law, and business administration. The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams is crucial. In addition, given the rapidly changing construction industry, students need skills in the area of change management. This includes the ability to respond agilely and flexibly to unforeseen events and to actively shape change processes in companies. A practical and future-oriented approach, in which study programs are developed in close coordination with the requirements of the construction industry, is essential in order to specifically teach the future “bottleneck resources.”

What role will artificial intelligence play in the future of construction—from planning and construction to building operation?

In my opinion, artificial intelligence (AI) will fundamentally change the entire construction value chain. It is a central component of my concept of “Construction 5.0” – a new evolutionary stage in construction in which humans and technology work together as a team. Naturally, the systematic spread of AI in the construction industry – from individual flagship projects to increased practical application – will take several years, but developments are already emerging:

In planning, generative AI will be able to create a variety of design options in the future, taking into account costs, sustainability, and constructability. The role of humans will shift away from tedious creation to strategic evaluation, analysis, selection, and optimization of solutions. AI systems can also perform complex data analyses to better predict risks, such as those associated with the building site.

On the construction site itself, AI has the potential to act as an intelligent assistant – provided it has been comprehensively trained by experienced experts. AI-supported dashboards will monitor construction processes in real time, proactively flag deviations, and provide forecasts on schedules and costs based on machine learning. The AI chatbots I mentioned earlier can become knowledgeable assistants that provide accurate information immediately on the construction site. AI also enables the control of autonomous construction machines and robots.

One of the greatest potentials for AI use lies in building operations. Here, AI-managed digital twins, which are constantly fed with real-time data from IoT sensors, will enable predictive maintenance, optimize energy consumption, and allow flexible, demand-driven use of buildings.

In general, the use of AI will change the role of humans in construction: away from repetitive routine tasks and toward monitoring, validating, and controlling AI systems. Human judgment and ethical reflection thus remain irreplaceable, especially since AI models can also make mistakes or “hallucinate” content. Continuous review and critical reflection by human experts remains essential. It should also be noted that with the increasing autonomy and deep integration of AI systems, the importance of clear legal and ethical frameworks (keyword: robot laws) is inevitably growing. Initiatives such as the European Union's AI Act create a crucial foundation for this. Such a risk-based approach is extremely important for the construction industry, as it helps to establish clear governance structures and responsibilities. It must be clearly traceable which decisions were made by AI and who bears ultimate liability. These legal guidelines are not a brake on innovation, but a necessary prerequisite for building trust in the technology and ensuring its safe, transparent, and responsible use in the construction industry. In addition to ethical and legal aspects, the considerable energy requirements associated with the large-scale use of AI must also be taken into account. These arise primarily from the construction and operation of data centers. A truly sustainable transformation of the construction industry must therefore also take this aspect into account and focus on energy-efficient digital solutions.

Housing is one of the central social issues of our time. Where do you see the greatest potential for creating more housing—and what obstacles need to be overcome?

As explained at the outset, the creation of more affordable housing is inextricably linked to increasing efficiency and promoting the circular economy in construction. The greatest potential here lies in the industrialization of construction through serial and modular building, which, however, can only be achieved through a continuous digital process chain. The BIM method, also mentioned above, provides the precise data required for the automated prefabrication of components such as walls, ceilings, or built-in modules (e.g., bathroom modules). This drastically shortens on-site construction time, reduces errors, and increases quality. Another enormous potential lies in the optimization of processes by systematically analyzing and digitizing the entire value chain – from planning and logistics to assembly. The use of digital construction site management tools in combination with data-supported logistics planning is crucial for this. In addition, cooperative contract models such as alliance contracts create a framework in which all project participants work together toward a common goal—the rapid, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective creation of living space—instead of getting bogged down in time-consuming conflicts.

However, there are considerable obstacles to the potential mentioned above. These include, above all, the currently still highly fragmented “digital construction landscape.” The construction industry is considered to be comparatively undigitized. A lack of interoperability between different software systems, unresolved interface problems, and the fact that the BIM method is only used partially prevent a continuous digital process chain. Added to this are labor and skills shortages and the necessary cultural change: the switch to digital and serial construction methods requires a profound rethink within companies and entails a massive training requirement. There is currently a shortage of skilled workers with both construction and digital expertise. Finally, the regulatory and legal framework also poses a major hurdle, as lengthy, often still analog approval procedures and rigid building regulations are not designed for the agility of serial construction methods. The legal framework therefore needs to be further developed in order to map data-driven processes in a legally compliant manner.

What professional and personal skills are crucial for success in the construction industry?

The following combination is key: a solid foundation in the form of comprehensive basic knowledge and a forward-looking openness. First and foremost among the crucial professional skills is a deep understanding of construction operations and the construction industry. The best technology is useless if there is a lack of understanding of the core processes. This sound basic knowledge is therefore an essential prerequisite for any optimization. Building on this, strong digital and data analysis skills are required that go beyond the mere application of software and require a strong understanding of data structures, process modeling, interoperability, connectivity, and data security. Ideally, this understanding is complemented by interdisciplinary knowledge, as successful professionals need to understand the basics of related disciplines such as change management, contract law, and sustainability management.

In addition to these professional qualifications, personal skills are of course equally important, as treating everyone involved with respect forms the foundation of all other competencies. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are also paramount. As the industry is undergoing profound change, “lifelong learning” is not just a buzzword, but an indispensable reality. Problem-solving skills and agility are key success factors in responding flexibly to the often unpredictable challenges of construction projects. Excellent collaboration and communication skills are also essential for communicating complex issues in an understandable way and for succeeding in interdisciplinary socio-technical teams. Finally, with the increasing importance of data and AI systems, ethical reflection and an awareness of the consequences of one's own actions are more important than ever.

Imagine a student asks you directly: Why is it worthwhile to become part of this industry? How would you respond?

In two short sentences, I would answer as follows: Because there is hardly any other industry that offers you the opportunity to help shape the future so actively, directly, visibly, and sustainably. You are not only a witness to change, but also a key player in shaping a prosperous future.

In a slightly more detailed version, I would add that it is worthwhile for three main reasons:

Firstly: To make a contribution to society. You are helping to solve the most pressing issues of our time. You create the living space that people need, plan and build the infrastructure that connects our society, and design a sustainable, livable environment. Your work has a real, tangible, positive impact.

Secondly: because of innovation and pioneering spirit. Forget the image of a dusty, conservative construction industry. You are entering an exciting turning point where the digitalization of construction—from BIM to the Internet of Everything (IoE) to AI—is just beginning to unfold its full potential. You can do pioneering work and help shape how we plan, build, and live in the future. The industry urgently needs your creativity and innovative strength to steer these new technologies.

Thirdly: because of the challenge and personal growth. Construction projects are complex, dynamic, and demanding undertakings. You will be challenged daily to find creative solutions to unexpected problems. In this interplay of human intelligence and digital precision, Construction 5.0 will not only allow you to erect buildings, but also to continuously develop your own skills.

You should always keep in mind that it is better to help shape digitalization than to be shaped by it. Especially in the context of Construction 5.0, it will be your job to ensure interdisciplinary and appropriate project preparation as the foundation for success. Only by specifically combining digital efficiency and human wisdom can you ensure that the construction industry remains fit for the future. Never forget: Digitalization is not an end in itself—its success is measured by how it contributes to collective value creation. The following guiding principle should serve as our compass: “Without social and ecological appreciation, there can be no lasting value creation!”

Read the original article published on hitech-campus here.