Daniel Hall
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69 records found
1
Journal article
(2026)
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Alexander N. Walzer, Mariia Kozlova, Ashish Mohite, Julian S. Yeomans, Daniel M. Hall
The construction sector faces persistent challenges in scaling emerging technologies such as 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), despite their potential to reduce material waste and accelerate build times. This paper addresses a key barrier to adoption: economic uncertainty in the development and deployment of 3DCP production systems. Drawing on a case study of a commercial 3DCP facility, we develop a three-stage stochastic decision-support framework to guide scaling efforts. The first stage quantifies cost uncertainties in hardware, software, and material systems. The second stage evaluates strategic development pathways under multiple future scenarios. The third stage integrates investment costs to support full cost-benefit assessments. Anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV), our approach identifies how firms can mobilize technological, financial, and human resources in uncertain environments. Methodologically, we combine Monte Carlo simulations with Simulation Decomposition (SimDec) to enable multivariate cost-benefit analysis. The result is a practical toolkit for managers navigating early-stage innovation in construction production. This research contributes to scholarship on technology adoption, strategic investment under uncertainty, and sustainability transitions in construction.
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The construction sector faces persistent challenges in scaling emerging technologies such as 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), despite their potential to reduce material waste and accelerate build times. This paper addresses a key barrier to adoption: economic uncertainty in the development and deployment of 3DCP production systems. Drawing on a case study of a commercial 3DCP facility, we develop a three-stage stochastic decision-support framework to guide scaling efforts. The first stage quantifies cost uncertainties in hardware, software, and material systems. The second stage evaluates strategic development pathways under multiple future scenarios. The third stage integrates investment costs to support full cost-benefit assessments. Anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV), our approach identifies how firms can mobilize technological, financial, and human resources in uncertain environments. Methodologically, we combine Monte Carlo simulations with Simulation Decomposition (SimDec) to enable multivariate cost-benefit analysis. The result is a practical toolkit for managers navigating early-stage innovation in construction production. This research contributes to scholarship on technology adoption, strategic investment under uncertainty, and sustainability transitions in construction.
Human–robot interaction design with augmented reality in construction
A systematic review of frameworks, applications, and future directions
Research in human–robot Interaction (HRI) has increasingly demonstrated how Augmented Reality (AR) enables better interactions between humans and robots. However, the design of HRI remains less understood. Through a systematic literature review of 53 related papers, this research provides an overview of the emerging applications and trends for AR and identifies three types of AR interfaces as follows: 1) remote modular interface, 2) proximal modular interface, and 3) proximal integral interface. The review indicates potential future directions of construction-oriented and human-centric interaction design studies, leading to four pairs of subsystems, which are frequently modularised or integrated, and three conceptual frameworks for HRI interfaces are proposed. Moreover, this research contributes to the theoretical exploration of interaction design. Future applications can adapt to various tasks by using the proposed three conceptual frameworks for interfaces, as well as combining the four proposed subsystem pairs to suit specific task requirements in the construction sector.
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Research in human–robot Interaction (HRI) has increasingly demonstrated how Augmented Reality (AR) enables better interactions between humans and robots. However, the design of HRI remains less understood. Through a systematic literature review of 53 related papers, this research provides an overview of the emerging applications and trends for AR and identifies three types of AR interfaces as follows: 1) remote modular interface, 2) proximal modular interface, and 3) proximal integral interface. The review indicates potential future directions of construction-oriented and human-centric interaction design studies, leading to four pairs of subsystems, which are frequently modularised or integrated, and three conceptual frameworks for HRI interfaces are proposed. Moreover, this research contributes to the theoretical exploration of interaction design. Future applications can adapt to various tasks by using the proposed three conceptual frameworks for interfaces, as well as combining the four proposed subsystem pairs to suit specific task requirements in the construction sector.
Revisiting collaboration dilemmas among stakeholders in digital projects
A transaction cost lens
Building Information Modeling is recognized as a key socio-technical system driving stakeholder collaboration in the construction industry. However, at the project level, it often encounters the paradox of difficult collaboration. Previous research has primarily compiled static lists of barriers, overlooking the processual challenges and stakeholders' behavioral responses during collaboration. To address this gap, this study applies transaction cost economics to examine the challenges stakeholders encounter throughout the collaborative process. Drawing on empirical data from expert focus groups and semi-structured interviews, the study first contextualizes a transaction cost map. Secondly, it identifies the learning and training costs arising from high asset specificity within organizations and uncertainty-driven coordination costs across organizations. The findings explain that under pressure from high transaction costs, stakeholders tend to adopt low-risk strategies, leading to collaboration dilemmas. This study offers a new perspective for understanding digital collaboration dilemmas and provides practical implications for project management.
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Building Information Modeling is recognized as a key socio-technical system driving stakeholder collaboration in the construction industry. However, at the project level, it often encounters the paradox of difficult collaboration. Previous research has primarily compiled static lists of barriers, overlooking the processual challenges and stakeholders' behavioral responses during collaboration. To address this gap, this study applies transaction cost economics to examine the challenges stakeholders encounter throughout the collaborative process. Drawing on empirical data from expert focus groups and semi-structured interviews, the study first contextualizes a transaction cost map. Secondly, it identifies the learning and training costs arising from high asset specificity within organizations and uncertainty-driven coordination costs across organizations. The findings explain that under pressure from high transaction costs, stakeholders tend to adopt low-risk strategies, leading to collaboration dilemmas. This study offers a new perspective for understanding digital collaboration dilemmas and provides practical implications for project management.
Product platforms as enablers for the circular economy in construction
An integrative review
This integrative review evaluates the potential of product platforms to support the circular economy in construction. Circular economy aims to minimize waste by promoting the regeneration of materials and products. Product platforms appear to support the circular economy because they facilitate efficiency by leveraging repetitions, standardization, and modularization providing potential to increase resource efficiency and reuse. These overlapping definitions lead to the assumption of promising interceptions between product platforms and circular economy that could prove valuable in transitioning away from the traditional ‘take-make-waste’ paradigm. This transition is especially needed in construction. Despite its success in other industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace and defense, product platforms remain largely unexplored in the construction sector. This review sets out to firstly, review barriers to circular economy in construction; secondly, establish a terminology by providing an overview of how product platforms are defined and applied in construction, and thirdly, investigate the benefits of product platforms that could address barriers to circular economy in construction. To do so, this study integrates two strings of research: The barriers to circular economy and the potential of product platforms in construction. By reviewing literature on both areas, this study outlines that product platforms in construction share technical, process, and knowledge domains, while standardization, modularization and configuration are relevant precursors to their application. Further, this study identifies four enablers through which product platform benefits could address barriers to circular economy: commercialization, reuse, derisking, and innovation. Ultimately, this integrative review provides avenues for further research, insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners interested in promoting the circular economy through platforms.
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This integrative review evaluates the potential of product platforms to support the circular economy in construction. Circular economy aims to minimize waste by promoting the regeneration of materials and products. Product platforms appear to support the circular economy because they facilitate efficiency by leveraging repetitions, standardization, and modularization providing potential to increase resource efficiency and reuse. These overlapping definitions lead to the assumption of promising interceptions between product platforms and circular economy that could prove valuable in transitioning away from the traditional ‘take-make-waste’ paradigm. This transition is especially needed in construction. Despite its success in other industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace and defense, product platforms remain largely unexplored in the construction sector. This review sets out to firstly, review barriers to circular economy in construction; secondly, establish a terminology by providing an overview of how product platforms are defined and applied in construction, and thirdly, investigate the benefits of product platforms that could address barriers to circular economy in construction. To do so, this study integrates two strings of research: The barriers to circular economy and the potential of product platforms in construction. By reviewing literature on both areas, this study outlines that product platforms in construction share technical, process, and knowledge domains, while standardization, modularization and configuration are relevant precursors to their application. Further, this study identifies four enablers through which product platform benefits could address barriers to circular economy: commercialization, reuse, derisking, and innovation. Ultimately, this integrative review provides avenues for further research, insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners interested in promoting the circular economy through platforms.
Exploring the Implementation of Digital Fabrication in Construction
Combining System Approaches and a Revelatory Case Study from Switzerland
Digital fabrication is an innovative method for realizing architectural design. However, its implementation is still limited in real projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the relationships between various implementation barriers of digital fabrication. Taking the Swiss construction industry as the empirical setting, this research comprises a mixed method of systematic review, multicriteria decision analysis, and a single revelatory case study. The systematic review identifies initial barriers to digital fabrication, the DEMATEL-ISM approach investigates barrier relationships, and the case study of the DFAB HOUSE interprets the barriers. The findings include the categorization and interpretation of 16 barriers from economic, technological, organization, personal, and policy dimensions, and reveal the unique challenges of integrating hardware-based digital fabrication technologies, involving both physical and virtual transformations. This research offers insights into how different barriers interact, impact digital fabrication implementation at project and industry levels, and guide industry stakeholders in driving innovations in digital fabrication.
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Digital fabrication is an innovative method for realizing architectural design. However, its implementation is still limited in real projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the relationships between various implementation barriers of digital fabrication. Taking the Swiss construction industry as the empirical setting, this research comprises a mixed method of systematic review, multicriteria decision analysis, and a single revelatory case study. The systematic review identifies initial barriers to digital fabrication, the DEMATEL-ISM approach investigates barrier relationships, and the case study of the DFAB HOUSE interprets the barriers. The findings include the categorization and interpretation of 16 barriers from economic, technological, organization, personal, and policy dimensions, and reveal the unique challenges of integrating hardware-based digital fabrication technologies, involving both physical and virtual transformations. This research offers insights into how different barriers interact, impact digital fabrication implementation at project and industry levels, and guide industry stakeholders in driving innovations in digital fabrication.
The construction industry is rapidly integrating robotics and digital fabrication into architecture. Incorporating these human-robot collaboration (HRC) systems can improve workflow efficiency and precision. However, challenges remain in task allocation, worker acceptance, and regulatory frameworks. Through a comparative case study, this paper explores the role of the interface between human and machine in shaping the workflow and engagement during an open-ended design processes. The findings identify strategies for implementation during advanced construction techniques, enabling a socially sustainable approach for more efficient and inclusive HRC in construction.
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The construction industry is rapidly integrating robotics and digital fabrication into architecture. Incorporating these human-robot collaboration (HRC) systems can improve workflow efficiency and precision. However, challenges remain in task allocation, worker acceptance, and regulatory frameworks. Through a comparative case study, this paper explores the role of the interface between human and machine in shaping the workflow and engagement during an open-ended design processes. The findings identify strategies for implementation during advanced construction techniques, enabling a socially sustainable approach for more efficient and inclusive HRC in construction.
Decentralized project delivery in architecture faces challenges related to transparency, accountability, and role definition. This paper explores the application of Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) as a governance and recordkeeping mechanism within decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Using a systematic review of practice, the paper identifies five opportunities for SBTs, proposes an operating framework for SBTs with respect to record-keeping (e.g., skills, contributions) and project governance (e.g, voting power, reputation), and describes one case of technical implementation of SBTs. Future research can improve this technical implementation or develop additional decentralised applications for SBT skills verification and governance mechanisms.
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Decentralized project delivery in architecture faces challenges related to transparency, accountability, and role definition. This paper explores the application of Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) as a governance and recordkeeping mechanism within decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Using a systematic review of practice, the paper identifies five opportunities for SBTs, proposes an operating framework for SBTs with respect to record-keeping (e.g., skills, contributions) and project governance (e.g, voting power, reputation), and describes one case of technical implementation of SBTs. Future research can improve this technical implementation or develop additional decentralised applications for SBT skills verification and governance mechanisms.
As the construction industry increasingly adopts digital technologies, recent studies emphasize digital twins as essential tools for managing construction projects and automating workflows. Although research has advanced the technical aspects of digital twins, there is a notable gap in examining human performance factors, particularly situation awareness – a cognitive process crucial for recognizing, comprehending, and anticipating changes in the work environment. With greater reliance on automation, neglecting this critical capability can lead to severe oversights, particularly during disruptions. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study grounded in a theoretical framework to explore the situation awareness requirements under different disruption scenarios in two contrasting construction contexts: offsite production and onsite assembly. First, drawing on 16 semi-structured interviews and non-participant field observations, we employ goal-directed task analysis to reveal the distinct information needs in each context. Second, through a comprehensive content analysis of the interview narratives, we identify the dynamics of gaining and maintaining situation awareness and provide digital twin design recommendations. Findings indicate that managers must shift from a macro-level overview to a micro-level detail in offsite production, requiring digital twin displays with adaptable granularity. In contrast, onsite assembly demands an intensely iterative approach to situational awareness, which calls for comprehensive real-time digital twin displays that support quick back-and-forth assessments. This study contributes by formalizing experts’ background knowledge, which can serve as a valuable basis for creating context-sensitive digital twin systems that better support human decision-making in offsite construction contexts and beyond.
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As the construction industry increasingly adopts digital technologies, recent studies emphasize digital twins as essential tools for managing construction projects and automating workflows. Although research has advanced the technical aspects of digital twins, there is a notable gap in examining human performance factors, particularly situation awareness – a cognitive process crucial for recognizing, comprehending, and anticipating changes in the work environment. With greater reliance on automation, neglecting this critical capability can lead to severe oversights, particularly during disruptions. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study grounded in a theoretical framework to explore the situation awareness requirements under different disruption scenarios in two contrasting construction contexts: offsite production and onsite assembly. First, drawing on 16 semi-structured interviews and non-participant field observations, we employ goal-directed task analysis to reveal the distinct information needs in each context. Second, through a comprehensive content analysis of the interview narratives, we identify the dynamics of gaining and maintaining situation awareness and provide digital twin design recommendations. Findings indicate that managers must shift from a macro-level overview to a micro-level detail in offsite production, requiring digital twin displays with adaptable granularity. In contrast, onsite assembly demands an intensely iterative approach to situational awareness, which calls for comprehensive real-time digital twin displays that support quick back-and-forth assessments. This study contributes by formalizing experts’ background knowledge, which can serve as a valuable basis for creating context-sensitive digital twin systems that better support human decision-making in offsite construction contexts and beyond.
This concluding chapter summarises the key insights presented throughout this book, connecting individual contributions to a broader discourse on blockchain's role in addressing inefficiencies in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. It highlights blockchain's foundational principles, socio-technical dimensions and applications such as supply chain management, construction contract administration (CCA), property tokenisation and integration with digital twins and IoT systems.
Cross-cutting themes are identified, including blockchain's potential to enhance transparency, decentralise governance, support lifecycle management and enable tokenisation for inclusive and sustainable practices. This chapter also examines key challenges to adoption, such as legal and regulatory hurdles, scalability and performance limitations, integration with legacy systems and stakeholder resistance. These challenges are contextualised within the fragmented and complex nature of the built environment. Additionally, the chapter explores the dynamics of innovation ecosystems, analysing how open, closed and hybrid models influence the scalability and diffusion of blockchain in the AECO sector.
This chapter adapts recommendations from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) blockchain framework, tailoring them to support blockchain adoption within the AECO sector. These include strategies for stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, pilot projects and the development of interoperable and scalable systems.
Finally, the chapter calls for a collective effort among academia, industry and policymakers to position blockchain not as a standalone solution but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity and resilience, extending its impact beyond the built environment. ...
Cross-cutting themes are identified, including blockchain's potential to enhance transparency, decentralise governance, support lifecycle management and enable tokenisation for inclusive and sustainable practices. This chapter also examines key challenges to adoption, such as legal and regulatory hurdles, scalability and performance limitations, integration with legacy systems and stakeholder resistance. These challenges are contextualised within the fragmented and complex nature of the built environment. Additionally, the chapter explores the dynamics of innovation ecosystems, analysing how open, closed and hybrid models influence the scalability and diffusion of blockchain in the AECO sector.
This chapter adapts recommendations from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) blockchain framework, tailoring them to support blockchain adoption within the AECO sector. These include strategies for stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, pilot projects and the development of interoperable and scalable systems.
Finally, the chapter calls for a collective effort among academia, industry and policymakers to position blockchain not as a standalone solution but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity and resilience, extending its impact beyond the built environment. ...
This concluding chapter summarises the key insights presented throughout this book, connecting individual contributions to a broader discourse on blockchain's role in addressing inefficiencies in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. It highlights blockchain's foundational principles, socio-technical dimensions and applications such as supply chain management, construction contract administration (CCA), property tokenisation and integration with digital twins and IoT systems.
Cross-cutting themes are identified, including blockchain's potential to enhance transparency, decentralise governance, support lifecycle management and enable tokenisation for inclusive and sustainable practices. This chapter also examines key challenges to adoption, such as legal and regulatory hurdles, scalability and performance limitations, integration with legacy systems and stakeholder resistance. These challenges are contextualised within the fragmented and complex nature of the built environment. Additionally, the chapter explores the dynamics of innovation ecosystems, analysing how open, closed and hybrid models influence the scalability and diffusion of blockchain in the AECO sector.
This chapter adapts recommendations from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) blockchain framework, tailoring them to support blockchain adoption within the AECO sector. These include strategies for stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, pilot projects and the development of interoperable and scalable systems.
Finally, the chapter calls for a collective effort among academia, industry and policymakers to position blockchain not as a standalone solution but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity and resilience, extending its impact beyond the built environment.
Cross-cutting themes are identified, including blockchain's potential to enhance transparency, decentralise governance, support lifecycle management and enable tokenisation for inclusive and sustainable practices. This chapter also examines key challenges to adoption, such as legal and regulatory hurdles, scalability and performance limitations, integration with legacy systems and stakeholder resistance. These challenges are contextualised within the fragmented and complex nature of the built environment. Additionally, the chapter explores the dynamics of innovation ecosystems, analysing how open, closed and hybrid models influence the scalability and diffusion of blockchain in the AECO sector.
This chapter adapts recommendations from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) blockchain framework, tailoring them to support blockchain adoption within the AECO sector. These include strategies for stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, pilot projects and the development of interoperable and scalable systems.
Finally, the chapter calls for a collective effort among academia, industry and policymakers to position blockchain not as a standalone solution but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity and resilience, extending its impact beyond the built environment.
This chapter sets the stage by offering an incisive introduction to the themes explored throughout the book. It provides a foundational understanding of blockchain and its relevance to the built environment, framing the technology as a catalyst for systemic change.
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This chapter sets the stage by offering an incisive introduction to the themes explored throughout the book. It provides a foundational understanding of blockchain and its relevance to the built environment, framing the technology as a catalyst for systemic change.
Beyond barriers
Stage-based and pathway-oriented conceptual model of resistance to BIM innovation
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is regarded as a representative of digital innovation in the construction industry. However, the process of its innovation is often hindered by the resistance from stakeholders. Many studies view such resistance as a barrier or static outcome, overlooking both stage and pathway perspectives. Even when considered, existing discussions remain fragmented. To fill this gap, this paper integrates diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory to build a theoretical framework that guides a systematic literature review of 55 journal articles. Based on the results, this study proposes a stage-based and pathway-oriented conceptual model to enhance the understanding of BIM innovation resistance. The conceptual model provides an intermediate theory, providing a theoretical basis for future knowledge development. It also offers stage-based practical references for managers and policymakers to identify and mitigate resistance in the process of BIM promotion.
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) is regarded as a representative of digital innovation in the construction industry. However, the process of its innovation is often hindered by the resistance from stakeholders. Many studies view such resistance as a barrier or static outcome, overlooking both stage and pathway perspectives. Even when considered, existing discussions remain fragmented. To fill this gap, this paper integrates diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory to build a theoretical framework that guides a systematic literature review of 55 journal articles. Based on the results, this study proposes a stage-based and pathway-oriented conceptual model to enhance the understanding of BIM innovation resistance. The conceptual model provides an intermediate theory, providing a theoretical basis for future knowledge development. It also offers stage-based practical references for managers and policymakers to identify and mitigate resistance in the process of BIM promotion.
Journal article
(2025)
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David F. Bucher, Jens J. Hunhevicz, Brandon S. Byers, Meliha Honic, Catherine De Wolf, Daniel M. Hall
The management of lifecycle data poses significant challenges for the built environment, hindering effective transformation toward important concepts such as a circular economy. Many recent scholars propose blockchain technologies as a solution; however, there is almost no investigation into decentralized data networks, which also offer significant potential for lifecycle data management. This might be due to a lack of clarity in understanding the fundamental characteristics and potential use cases for decentralized data networks. Therefore, this paper combines a comprehensive review with inductive reasoning to classify three functional typologies—immutable, comprehensive, and privacy-centric – of decentralized data networks. Through testing with material passport data, we evaluate the practical implications of these typologies for lifecycle data management in the built environment. The findings highlight that decentralized data networks can improve data sovereignty and interoperability, but their effectiveness depends on use-case-specific trade-offs, such as mutability, access control, and storage location control. To navigate these trade-offs, the paper derives a decision framework that guides practitioners and researchers in selecting the most suitable decentralized data network. These insights contribute to a better understanding of decentralized technologies beyond blockchain and provide actionable recommendations for the future of data management in the built environment.
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The management of lifecycle data poses significant challenges for the built environment, hindering effective transformation toward important concepts such as a circular economy. Many recent scholars propose blockchain technologies as a solution; however, there is almost no investigation into decentralized data networks, which also offer significant potential for lifecycle data management. This might be due to a lack of clarity in understanding the fundamental characteristics and potential use cases for decentralized data networks. Therefore, this paper combines a comprehensive review with inductive reasoning to classify three functional typologies—immutable, comprehensive, and privacy-centric – of decentralized data networks. Through testing with material passport data, we evaluate the practical implications of these typologies for lifecycle data management in the built environment. The findings highlight that decentralized data networks can improve data sovereignty and interoperability, but their effectiveness depends on use-case-specific trade-offs, such as mutability, access control, and storage location control. To navigate these trade-offs, the paper derives a decision framework that guides practitioners and researchers in selecting the most suitable decentralized data network. These insights contribute to a better understanding of decentralized technologies beyond blockchain and provide actionable recommendations for the future of data management in the built environment.
The integration of automation and robotics in construction can address critical challenges such as safety hazards, inefficiencies, and cost overruns. This paper explores the evolving role of human-robot collaboration (HRC) in digital fabrication for architecture (DFAB). With a focus on robotic agency and shared authorship, three case studies—Interactive Robotic Plastering, Tie-a-Knot, and Autonomous Dry Stone Wall Construction—are analyzed to examine dynamic workflows, varying levels of robotic autonomy, and the implications of collaboration across different task phases. The findings contribute to a framework for construction practices that merge human intuition with robotic precision, enabling both efficiency and adaptability.
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The integration of automation and robotics in construction can address critical challenges such as safety hazards, inefficiencies, and cost overruns. This paper explores the evolving role of human-robot collaboration (HRC) in digital fabrication for architecture (DFAB). With a focus on robotic agency and shared authorship, three case studies—Interactive Robotic Plastering, Tie-a-Knot, and Autonomous Dry Stone Wall Construction—are analyzed to examine dynamic workflows, varying levels of robotic autonomy, and the implications of collaboration across different task phases. The findings contribute to a framework for construction practices that merge human intuition with robotic precision, enabling both efficiency and adaptability.
From automation to agency
Prototype for self-owning intelligent buildings enabled by blockchain
While most research in human-building-interaction looks at the interaction between humans and building automation, few studies question the agency of the building itself. This paper explores how blockchain technology can be combined with intelligent buildings to achieve self-ownership and self-agency. Using a design science research approach, a blockchain-based smart meditation cabin, the “no1s1” prototype, is iteratively designed, tested and evaluated. no1s1 demonstrates that a building can autonomously manage access, finances, and operation with minimal human oversight. These findings suggest that blockchain can redefine technical system design by embedding ownership and agency into the building itself. The findings encourage further exploration into decentralized coordination mechanisms within intelligent environments, such as combining blockchain with artificial intelligence and advanced sensing environments, to rethink the coordination, ownership and agency of cyber–physical systems in the built environment.
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While most research in human-building-interaction looks at the interaction between humans and building automation, few studies question the agency of the building itself. This paper explores how blockchain technology can be combined with intelligent buildings to achieve self-ownership and self-agency. Using a design science research approach, a blockchain-based smart meditation cabin, the “no1s1” prototype, is iteratively designed, tested and evaluated. no1s1 demonstrates that a building can autonomously manage access, finances, and operation with minimal human oversight. These findings suggest that blockchain can redefine technical system design by embedding ownership and agency into the building itself. The findings encourage further exploration into decentralized coordination mechanisms within intelligent environments, such as combining blockchain with artificial intelligence and advanced sensing environments, to rethink the coordination, ownership and agency of cyber–physical systems in the built environment.
A review of circular industrialised construction for sustainable and affordable housing
Towards a process-driven framework
Circular Industrialised Housing, underpinned by the systematic design of building components for future disassembly and reuse, offers valuable opportunities to deliver sustainable and affordable homes at scale. However, research interlinking these approaches remains thin, and critical socio-economic dimensions are often overlooked. This paper addresses these gaps through a systematic review of 65 publications spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Six key factors inductively emerged: cultural, governance, financial, site and logistics, construction system, and building information. Building on these findings, a four-step circular process framework is proposed—(re)planning, (re)designing, (re)manufacturing, and (dis)assembly—capturing the full housing lifecycle. Fifteen themes and 36 sub-themes were identified. Mapping barriers and enablers reveals a disproportionate emphasis on the (re)designing process (55 %), with significantly less attention to (re)manufacturing (20 %), (re)planning (13 %), and (dis)assembly (12 %). The strongest relationship identified was between the construction system and (re)designing, with sub-theme ‘theoretical design’ dominating the literature. Most literature gaps pertained to governance, particularly in relation to (dis)assembly. Few studies investigated social and affordable housing. Only six studies included interviews or surveys with practitioners. Overall, this review contributes a holistic perspective on Circular Industrialised Housing, offering a structured, process-driven lens to inform interdisciplinary research, policy design, and industry adoption. By illuminating how and where key factors intersect across the housing lifecycle, the framework serves as a roadmap for systematically advancing the field towards resource-efficient, regenerative and equitable housing outcomes. Future research can apply the framework to specific case studies to develop and refine its practical relevance.
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Circular Industrialised Housing, underpinned by the systematic design of building components for future disassembly and reuse, offers valuable opportunities to deliver sustainable and affordable homes at scale. However, research interlinking these approaches remains thin, and critical socio-economic dimensions are often overlooked. This paper addresses these gaps through a systematic review of 65 publications spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Six key factors inductively emerged: cultural, governance, financial, site and logistics, construction system, and building information. Building on these findings, a four-step circular process framework is proposed—(re)planning, (re)designing, (re)manufacturing, and (dis)assembly—capturing the full housing lifecycle. Fifteen themes and 36 sub-themes were identified. Mapping barriers and enablers reveals a disproportionate emphasis on the (re)designing process (55 %), with significantly less attention to (re)manufacturing (20 %), (re)planning (13 %), and (dis)assembly (12 %). The strongest relationship identified was between the construction system and (re)designing, with sub-theme ‘theoretical design’ dominating the literature. Most literature gaps pertained to governance, particularly in relation to (dis)assembly. Few studies investigated social and affordable housing. Only six studies included interviews or surveys with practitioners. Overall, this review contributes a holistic perspective on Circular Industrialised Housing, offering a structured, process-driven lens to inform interdisciplinary research, policy design, and industry adoption. By illuminating how and where key factors intersect across the housing lifecycle, the framework serves as a roadmap for systematically advancing the field towards resource-efficient, regenerative and equitable housing outcomes. Future research can apply the framework to specific case studies to develop and refine its practical relevance.
Bug or feature?
Institutional misalignments between construction technology and venture capital
Despite substantial investments into new technologies, the adoption of systemic innovations such as construction robotics remains limited. Therefore, this study investigates the discrepancy between the assumed advantages of construction technologies and their actual performance during practical implementation, using construction robotics as the empirical case. Through an abductive thematic analysis of 127 interviews across Europe and North America, we identify six enablers of institutional misalignment: cognitive frame differences, divergent time horizons, conflicting market strategies, product versus revenue focus, varying risk tolerances, and information asymmetry. These misalignments between startup founders’ technological logic and investors’ economic logic constrain adoption, emphasizing the influence of institutional dynamics over technological feasibility. Our findings suggest these challenges are not unique to construction robotics but may extend to other emerging construction technologies. This highlights the critical need for aligning institutional logics to fully harness the potential of innovation in construction.
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Despite substantial investments into new technologies, the adoption of systemic innovations such as construction robotics remains limited. Therefore, this study investigates the discrepancy between the assumed advantages of construction technologies and their actual performance during practical implementation, using construction robotics as the empirical case. Through an abductive thematic analysis of 127 interviews across Europe and North America, we identify six enablers of institutional misalignment: cognitive frame differences, divergent time horizons, conflicting market strategies, product versus revenue focus, varying risk tolerances, and information asymmetry. These misalignments between startup founders’ technological logic and investors’ economic logic constrain adoption, emphasizing the influence of institutional dynamics over technological feasibility. Our findings suggest these challenges are not unique to construction robotics but may extend to other emerging construction technologies. This highlights the critical need for aligning institutional logics to fully harness the potential of innovation in construction.
Book chapter
(2025)
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Theodoros Dounas, Daniel M. Hall, Dimosthenis Kifokeris, David Christie, Jens Hunhevicz, Firehiwot Kedir, Joseph Mante, Goran Sibenik, Marijana Sreckovic, More authors...
This chapter introduces the concept of digital building logbooks (DBLs) and their role in facilitating a circular economy within the built environment. It underscores the importance of DBLs in capturing and managing building information throughout its lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolition. It discusses the challenges of DBL implementation, particularly the need for secure and reliable data storage, integration of legacy information and user-friendly interfaces. The chapter proposes a blockchain-based DBL architecture, outlining a three-layered system consisting of a data layer, a logic and services layer and a user interface layer. It advocates for a hybrid data storage system, combining decentralised storage using the IPFS with centralised databases for legacy information. The chapter concludes by emphasising the potential impacts of blockchain-enabled DBLs, including fostering circular economies, advancing energy-efficient renovations and creating decentralised data marketplaces. It also identifies future research directions such as developing standardised frameworks, integrating legacy data and aligning blockchain-based solutions with legal and regulatory frameworks. This vision positions DBLs as critical tools for driving transparency, efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.
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This chapter introduces the concept of digital building logbooks (DBLs) and their role in facilitating a circular economy within the built environment. It underscores the importance of DBLs in capturing and managing building information throughout its lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolition. It discusses the challenges of DBL implementation, particularly the need for secure and reliable data storage, integration of legacy information and user-friendly interfaces. The chapter proposes a blockchain-based DBL architecture, outlining a three-layered system consisting of a data layer, a logic and services layer and a user interface layer. It advocates for a hybrid data storage system, combining decentralised storage using the IPFS with centralised databases for legacy information. The chapter concludes by emphasising the potential impacts of blockchain-enabled DBLs, including fostering circular economies, advancing energy-efficient renovations and creating decentralised data marketplaces. It also identifies future research directions such as developing standardised frameworks, integrating legacy data and aligning blockchain-based solutions with legal and regulatory frameworks. This vision positions DBLs as critical tools for driving transparency, efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.
Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) are increasingly recognised for their potential to address complex challenges across various sectors. Within construction and the built environment, these technologies are beginning to show promise not only in tackling persistent issues such as inefficiencies, fragmented processes and trust deficits but also in reshaping business models, enabling new forms of organising and driving value creation. Construction and the built environment, known for their significant economic and environmental impact, face growing pressures to adopt innovative, sustainable and collaborative approaches. [...]
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Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) are increasingly recognised for their potential to address complex challenges across various sectors. Within construction and the built environment, these technologies are beginning to show promise not only in tackling persistent issues such as inefficiencies, fragmented processes and trust deficits but also in reshaping business models, enabling new forms of organising and driving value creation. Construction and the built environment, known for their significant economic and environmental impact, face growing pressures to adopt innovative, sustainable and collaborative approaches. [...]
Decentralized phygital identifier systems for digital passports in circular construction
A design science evaluation
Journal article
(2025)
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Brandon S. Byers, Pascal Emmenegger, Jens J. Hunhevicz, Daria Schumm, Felix Heisel, Daniel M. Hall, Catherine De Wolf
Purpose – Circular construction promotes the reuse of building components, yet a key challenge is to reliably link long-term information with physical products. This study aims to investigate how to implement a decentralized identifier system linking physical products to their digital data, and the design requirements necessary to evaluate these systems within circular construction. Design/methodology/approach – A pragmatist sequential multi-methods approach is applied, integrating technical prototyping, performance evaluation, and stakeholder validation. This study explores different identifiers (decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and tokens) and data carriers (QR codes and NFC chips). A mobile application prototype is developed and tested for operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and usability. Findings – QR codes outperform NFC chips in ease of use and efficiency, while DIDs offer higher interoperability compared to token-based identifiers. Blockchain technologies ensure long-term data integrity but introduce cost and complexity trade-offs. Stakeholder feedback highlights the importance of accessibility, user interface clarity, and legacy system interoperability for successful adoption. Research limitations/implications – This study is exploratory, with validation conducted in controlled environments rather than active deconstruction sites. Future work should test long-term performance in real-world reuse scenarios. Nonetheless, the findings have broad implications for research, practice, and society by guiding the development of robust traceability systems that enhance building component reuse and tracking for construction practices. Originality/value – This research contributes to circular construction by systematically evaluating decentralized and physically backed identifiers for tracking building components. It provides empirical insights into various technological configurations and establishes a foundational design framework for digital product passports in circular supply chains.
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Purpose – Circular construction promotes the reuse of building components, yet a key challenge is to reliably link long-term information with physical products. This study aims to investigate how to implement a decentralized identifier system linking physical products to their digital data, and the design requirements necessary to evaluate these systems within circular construction. Design/methodology/approach – A pragmatist sequential multi-methods approach is applied, integrating technical prototyping, performance evaluation, and stakeholder validation. This study explores different identifiers (decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and tokens) and data carriers (QR codes and NFC chips). A mobile application prototype is developed and tested for operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and usability. Findings – QR codes outperform NFC chips in ease of use and efficiency, while DIDs offer higher interoperability compared to token-based identifiers. Blockchain technologies ensure long-term data integrity but introduce cost and complexity trade-offs. Stakeholder feedback highlights the importance of accessibility, user interface clarity, and legacy system interoperability for successful adoption. Research limitations/implications – This study is exploratory, with validation conducted in controlled environments rather than active deconstruction sites. Future work should test long-term performance in real-world reuse scenarios. Nonetheless, the findings have broad implications for research, practice, and society by guiding the development of robust traceability systems that enhance building component reuse and tracking for construction practices. Originality/value – This research contributes to circular construction by systematically evaluating decentralized and physically backed identifiers for tracking building components. It provides empirical insights into various technological configurations and establishes a foundational design framework for digital product passports in circular supply chains.
Sustainable Future-Proof Healthcare Facilities
Modular and Adaptable Design Approach
The challenge of implementing industrialized construction to achieve sustainable future-proof healthcare facilities is not only about construction methods themselves but also about how to shift design methodologies. COVID-19 has raised the attention of research and practices in using modular design and construction for healthcare facilities. However, the lifespan and functional differences between general and emergency healthcare facilities mean that their sustainable design requirements are not exactly the same. Drawing from 27 interviews and design review sessions with 19 international groups of experts, this research proposes a modular adaptable hospital design (MAHD) approach based on the Open Building Concept (OBC). This includes an evaluation framework composed of five design categories and 23 subcategories complemented with a set of design guidelines and it concludes by identifying a future implementation pathway. This research extends the implementation of OBC through theoretical contributions for modular and adaptable designs and practical guidelines for future design implementation.
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The challenge of implementing industrialized construction to achieve sustainable future-proof healthcare facilities is not only about construction methods themselves but also about how to shift design methodologies. COVID-19 has raised the attention of research and practices in using modular design and construction for healthcare facilities. However, the lifespan and functional differences between general and emergency healthcare facilities mean that their sustainable design requirements are not exactly the same. Drawing from 27 interviews and design review sessions with 19 international groups of experts, this research proposes a modular adaptable hospital design (MAHD) approach based on the Open Building Concept (OBC). This includes an evaluation framework composed of five design categories and 23 subcategories complemented with a set of design guidelines and it concludes by identifying a future implementation pathway. This research extends the implementation of OBC through theoretical contributions for modular and adaptable designs and practical guidelines for future design implementation.