Dr. Qian Chen of UBC Okanagan bridges her experiences from China and Canada to advance digital construction technologies, particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM). Growing up near Shanghai, she witnessed China’s rapid construction boom, inspiring her research into how technology can revolutionize the construction industry by increasing efficiency, affordability, and speed. Dr. Chen emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships to address housing shortages. She envisions a “mission control room” for construction projects, utilizing smart helmets and digital blueprints to improve accuracy and reduce errors. Her work with Build Smartr, a BC-based construction company, highlights the practical application of her research, aiming to integrate new technologies like augmented reality and off-site steel frame production into the construction process. Dr. Chen’s experiences in the UAE and UK further reinforce the potential of automation and modular construction. She advocates for embracing technological advancements through updated training, business models, and regulations to drive progress in the construction industry.

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