Why it is Now Time for Construction to go DIGITAL, too!

The post-pandemic world will see a fresh push for digital transformation, and will witness greater adoption of digitalized workflows across all stages of construction - from design, planning to onsite works.

2020 has seen the world go digital. People have turned to their devices that have now taken the place of reality. The construction segment, too, has not remained unaffected. The current crisis with an indefinite timeline will compel the construction industry to automate workflow and process using technology, and
early adopters will benefit the most. The post-pandemic world will see a fresh push for digital transformation, focusing on specific challenges posed by Covid-19, and there will be a greater adoption of digitalized workflows across all stages of construction - from design, planning to onsite works.

This is where design and animation firms like Kaleidoscope, a graphic animation studio specializing in visualizations for the infrastructure and construction segment, chips in. “As a part of digital transformation in construction and infrastructure, our expertise lies in turning complicated technical content into simple, engaging visual stories that act as powerful digital tools for our clients for their processes, training, implementation and marketing requirements. These videos help make investors and stakeholders understand the project from all angles, which helps gain quick approvals thereby saving time, costs and effort,” says Sathya Kumaran, Co-founder, Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope's videos can be used at various stages in the process.

In the Initial Tender/ Marketing Phase

Visualizing the construction process along various stages is a powerful way for construction companies to convey the entire information to their clients. It explains in detail the proposed construction sequence, providing confidence in project delivery, as well as in the planning and managing of site logistics and safety. The videos can depict in visual form the entire process to the client. It can explain the detailed methodology, equipment and suggested technology for execution. This makes it easier to grasp, making clients more interested in the product. It also helps ensure clear communication, and avoid mishaps and errors in understanding.

“Visualisations connect multiple stakeholders across locations and time zones in real-time, from the initial design through to the final construction. They can experience what the structure will actually look like way before the actual construction which provides enhanced data transparency, supports combined decision making and leads to more predictable and profitable outcomes. It ensures minimal information loss with effective execution of the project, increasing coordination and collaboration between the various disciplines involved in the construction process,” explains Mala Ramachandran, Co-founder, Kaleidoscope.

In the Design Stage

In the design stage, the videos are used as a visual aid to throw up any lacunae in design. 3D visualizations enable easy identification of loopholes and errors in design in the initial phase of the project as it is done to actual scale, in order to allow for amending in case of any practical errors. This can save time and cost at the time of implementation. This enables architects and engineers to play around with different ideas and identify solutions before they can turn into actual issues. It ensures that all project errors are identified and taken care of well in advance, with suitable alternatives. Further, modifying errors in the 3D model is easier before finalizing the design, ensuring minimal post-construction costly changes.

Says Sathya Kumaran, “By combining 3D models with the drone footage of real-world conditions, these visuals can communicate the precise look and feel of the site post project completion. It also helps portray the shortfall between tender survey drawings and actual site drawings to the client, in case of issues. One specific example is the Goa Mandovi Bridge, wherein our visualization provided the detailed construction methodology for the launching and segment wise assembling. The details done to scale helped follow exactly how the process had to be done. Since the video was made in consultation with design team and site, it helped them in saving cost and time during execution.”

During Execution

While executing the project, there are challenges that every construction company undergoes. During execution, the videos can be used to train workforce and bring everyone working on the project to the same page. By playing the visual, new staff and labour force can be educated about the process in detail, saving time and effort in the case of new labour entering the process at various points. It also helps in the explanation of safety precautions and general protocols in place, so the team can visualize the use of these measures, thereby seeing the need to follow guidelines. Since during design, the team from various departments already had the chance to brainstorm ideas and solutions, implementation becomes easier in case of any problems. This saves time, cost and a lot of effort since there is no requirement for trial and error at this point, as the solutions are already in hand.

“We have delivered a wide range of solutions to multiple industries during execution phase, the metro rail sector being one of them. From accurate 3D models of stations, to interactive applications including materials handling and traffic diversions while the project is being constructed, the videos have ensured smooth execution due to complete transparency and pre-planning. All the parties involving in the project were familiar with the risks involved, understood access constrains in particular areas of the site, identified issues and supported the development and adoption of new technologies without feeling the need to visit the site. This reduced costs and improved safety on site for all,” says Mala Ramachandran.

Explain the Idea to Common People Inconvenienced by the Work

Clarifying complex, controversial or difficult-to-explain projects to the common public is one of the major challenges faced by construction companies when executing a project. 3D visualisations act as a communicative tool to make the public understand the project through various angles and analyse the potential of the development project. It explains visually the impact of future development due to said project.

It also helps communicate the environmental standards being used in the project so that there are no hindrances at time of execution and the public is on the same page. All stakeholders and all those involved in the ecosystem are brought on the same level to understand these constraints. Examples include traffic diversions, land evacuation, noise pollution or conserving trees/ecosystem. By knowing and understanding the whole process, they are shown the larger picture of the temporary inconvenience, causing smooth communication and understanding between both parties.

For instance, in one of the projects, saving the flamingos and their habitat was a major concern for conserving the ecosystem. The visuals of the area helped in envisaging the technology required to smoothly carry out the process while taking all precautionary measures. In another project which brought about public concern, by showing the video of the precautions taken to the public, there was a conversation established that helped the public understand benefits of the project and buy into the necessity for it.

A Learning for Future Projects

These videos could also be developed to document the challenges faced during a certain project and the solutions which were arrived at. In case of future cases with similar site conditions or circumstances, these videos can help provide solutions by acting as a readymade method, again saving cost and time in execution. It helps as a knowledge sharing and experience sharing tool for challenges that were unplanned.

“Our clients like L&T, Afcons, Tata Projects, to name a few, have derived value add to their various projects of bridges, metros, defense, power transmission and much more due to our 3D visuals. Most of these works are done under non-disclosure agreements, as the information shared is confidential, sums up Mala Ramachandran.

Hits: 176