Digitalisation is not only changing the way we communicate and live, but also the way we live and work. The changes are very evident in the construction industry, among others. According to the official Digital Switzerland Action Plan, the Confederation and all federal companies are to plan and realise their real estate using the BIM method from 2021. BIM stands for Building Information Modelling and is a digital collaboration method. All planners and companies involved in a construction project work together on a multi-dimensional and virtual image of the building. According to the Digital Switzerland Action Plan, this can increase efficiency by five to ten percent in terms of project goals, deadlines and costs. In reality, this new form of collaboration and the use of digital tools still poses major challenges for all those involved – new concepts and ways of working are required. In addition, the question arises as to whether our current infrastructures and living spaces still fit our needs at all. The Covid 19 pandemic has made us realise that dense building, which is necessary for ecological reasons, does not only bring advantages. Weaknesses in our current housing come to light when the space is suddenly used for unfamiliar activities such as home office, home schooling and sports. Experts from the think tank “Density on the Test Bench”[1] are of the opinion that in the future it will be particularly important to design built space for flexible use. So that quality of life becomes feasible not only in spite of density, but thanks to it. When questioning and rethinking current planning and building concepts, the second major challenge of our time, global warming, must also be taken into account. This issue therefore looks at various aspects of the transformation of our living spaces: How can energy supply be managed to enable the shift to solar and wind energy? How can electric mobility in public transport contribute to a higher quality of life in neighbourhoods? What are the special needs of older people in Switzerland? How can new modular building concepts provide more affordable housing? And can façade greening be promoted by an app so that more green space can also be created in the city? I wish you an exciting read.

Reference

[1] https://www.espazium.ch/de/aktuelles/bauen-nach-corona-wie-weiter