Understanding these processes seems like an obvious element in laboratory design, but members within the client team often have differing opinions as to the scope.. A good client will always call on the expertise of the lab users - the scientists - to help define the brief.

Further, standardisation allows us to do a better job of integrating our mechanical and electrical engineering systems, which then has the knock-on effect of reducing the overall volume of a building by 30-40%.As the building gets smaller, so does the air handling plant.

This creates a reduction in running costs - heating and lighting.In other words, we create a virtuous circle of benefit.. What is the future of the construction industry?.Ultimately, we suspect that over time buildings will become flexible configurations of components, rather than large, fixed assets.

We may end up creating loose-fit superstructures.The superstructure contains the majority of the embodied carbon in a building.

We could design these for a 100-year total life span, while the use of standardised components would make an interior refit possible every five to ten years.

In its initial configuration a building might function as an office block, but components could be taken out and the building changed into a residential building or school.Optimisation of materials, better control of logistics, automation in construction, fewer people on site – all of these factors will help to create an overall lower carbon version of the built environment.

We’re already working hard with concrete manufacturers to find the lowest carbon form of concrete we can possibly use.We’re talking to steel manufacturers about the types of steel which will be made by electric arc furnaces powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

We’re evaluating whether it’s viable to grow enough forests to build buildings using timber.All of these issues must be addressed now.. Modern construction for the next generation.