Creating Capacity and Capability: Embracing Advanced Technologies and Innovations for Sustainable Future in Building Education and Practice

This three-volume book is the proceeding of the 46th Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA) 2023 Conference which brings together papers on construction and built environment education and practice. This particular conference theme, “Creating Capacity and Capability: Embracing Advanced Technologies and Innovations for Sustainable Future in Building Education and Practice” is closely related to a flagship national research programme funded by the Government of New Zealand, known as the CanConstructNZ research programme, aiming to balance the capacity and capability in the construction industry and the national pipeline of construction projects. The capacity and capability of our construction industry in fulfilling the construction needs of the whole nation are reflected in the national pipeline of construction projects and have long been recognised as one of the main challenges facing the construction sector. The practices and education of building and construction play an important role in determining the capacity and capability of the construction industry. Within the context of achieving sustainable future and embracing advanced technologies to create capacity and capability in the construction sector, various concepts, research, and innovative development have emerged and taken place. This particular conference theme has facilitated more in-depth discourses and discussions on the latest ideas and innovation within the building and construction education and practice, not only from the Australasian region but also from the wider international community, including the USA, the UK, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, China, and Sri Lanka. The contents of this book will be of interest to academic researchers, industry professionals and policy makers alike.

Monty Sutrisna is a professor of Construction and Project Management and is the head of the School of the School of Built Environment at Massey University, New Zealand. As an active researcher, his research expertise includes construction and engineering management, construction productivity, construction procurement and contracts, construction IT, and other advanced technologies applied in construction as well as construction project management, decision making modelling/support, knowledge-based systems, and artificial intelligence. He is the principal investigator of the $ 8.64 Million Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Research Programme in New Zealand known as the CanConstructNZ. Prior to joining Massey University, he was the head of the Construction Management Department at Curtin University in Western Australia and was the director of PG Research Training & Outreach/Programme Director for the CM Programme at the University of Salford, UK.

Dr. Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar is Academic Lead and Associate Professor in Construction Engineering and Management at the School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand. A civil engineer by training, his research focuses on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and automation in the built environment, with expertise in offsite construction, transformative technologies, productivity, and innovation in construction. He is particularly interested in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and the integration of digitalization, constructability, and sustainability in construction projects. Dr. Jelodar leads the "Modern Methods of Construction and Automation in Built Environment" research group, driving innovation in construction engineering and management at the School of Built Environment, Massey University.

Dr. Niluka Domingo is an Associate Professor at the School of Built Environment (SBE), with a background in both industry and academia. She is a leading researcher in sustainable construction and has an extensive academic career. She holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from Loughborough University, UK, a B.Sc. (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNZIQS). She also serves as the lead coordinator of the CIB Task Group TG 124 on Net Zero Carbon Building Design and Construction. Dr. Niluka Domingo has been at the forefront of active research for the past fifteen years, concentrating on key areas such as zero carbon initiatives, construction waste minimisation, circular economy practices, and sustainable construction methodologies.

Dr. An Le is a lecturer in Quantity Surveying at the School of Built Environment, Massey University. She holds backgrounds and degrees in Quantity Surveying (BQSurv) and Construction Management (M.Sc., Ph.D.). She instructs courses in both quantity surveying and project management. Additionally, she is recognised as a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (FHEA). She serves as the quantity surveying subject lead at the school, responsible for quality assurance of all courses related to quantity surveying. She actively participates in the CIBTG124 working group focusing on Net Zero Carbon Building initiatives. Her expansive research interests encompass construction project management, cost management, and sustainable construction practices. Additionally, she explores themes such as well-being in the construction sector, construction innovation, Building Information Modelling (BIM), stakeholder engagement, and the development of zero carbon buildings, aiming to contribute significantly to advancements in construction education and industry practices.

Ravindu Kahandawa is a lecturer in Quantity Surveying at the School of Built Environment, Massey University, where his expertise bridges the gap between academia and the construction industry. With a rich background spanning over eight years, Ravindu brings a wealth of knowledge from both fields to his teaching and research. Holding a B.Sc. (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and a Ph.D. from Massey University, New Zealand, his academic credentials are solid. His Ph.D. research, focused on developing a cost estimation model for earthquake damage repair work, showcases his commitment to addressing critical industry challenges.