INDUSTRY BLOG

The Klosters Forum – A Path Towards Sustainable Architecture, Engineering & Construction

Image: The Klosters Forum

As a lifelong enthusiast of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and the technologies used by AEC professionals, I am excited to announce my participation at The Klosters Forum. This three-day session, June 27 – 29, will examine innovative solutions for harmonizing our living, working, and recreational built spaces with nature. 

The global community recognizes the crucial role that planning, designing, constructing, and operation of our built environment plays in shaping the future of our planet. How we build, operate, and maintain our infrastructure has far-reaching effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the viability of our way of life. 

And yet, our current building practices contribute substantially to the climate crisis and hinder efforts to preserve biodiversity. For example, consider the following alarming facts: 

A Call to Action for the AEC Industry

Recognizing the situation’s urgency, The Klosters Forum intends to challenge industry standards. It requires a profound and systemic shift in producing, operating, and restoring the built environment. Such a change necessitates cross-sector collaboration and the mobilization of our collective expertise. The forum is a platform for bringing together leaders, thinkers, and doers who share a common objective: to design and reimagine our built environment as an ally to nature rather than an adversary. 

Image: The Klosters Forum

Exploring New Methodologies

The Klosters Forum provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborative ideation, and the exchange of innovative ideas. As an AEC subject matter expert, I am excited to share my knowledge and expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, and other related technologies. We know these methods have a positive impact on the quality and productivity of AEC work, and they have the potential to revolutionize how we plan, design, and administer the built environment. By leveraging the power of data, advanced visualization, and simulation, we can create environmentally friendly, resilient, and sustainable structures. 

Image: Esri, Inc.

In particular, we must utilize GIS, location intelligence, spatial analytics, and contextual data to address these issues. These instruments are essential for comprehending and mitigating the negative environmental impact of construction. 

We can use GIS and location intelligence to identify suitable locations for construction projects based on considerations such as proximity to public transportation, existing infrastructure, and environmental impact minimization. This approach reduces the demand for new construction in environmentally sensitive areas. 

Throughout the construction lifecycle, GIS enables us to analyze and optimize the use of resources such as water, energy, and materials. We can identify opportunities for efficiency, reduce waste, and reduce the environmental impact of construction initiatives by utilizing spatial analytics. 

We can assess climate change risks and incorporate resilience measures into the design and construction process with the aid of GIS. By analyzing spatial data on flood zones, heat islands, and other vulnerabilities, it is possible to design structures and infrastructure that can withstand and adapt to future climate scenarios. 

GIS facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration by providing a shared platform for exchanging geospatial data and insights. This improves coordination, facilitates decision-making, and ensures that all parties work toward sustainable construction objectives. 

I look forward to contributing to the collective effort of redefining the future of the built environment by participating in The Klosters Forum. I plan to collaborate with like-minded professionals from various backgrounds who can collectively challenge the status quo and effectuate real change. By embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we can create buildings that minimize their ecological imprint, foster biodiversity, and promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. 

Image: The Klosters Forum

The Klosters Forum provides a unique opportunity to explore and debate the integration of GIS, location intelligence, spatial analytics, and contextual data in the transformation of the built environment of the future. These technologies allow us to make informed decisions, optimize resource management, and construct environmentally responsible and resilient buildings. 

I am excited to collaborate with other thought leaders, innovators, and agents of change to investigate new approaches that prioritize the well-being of our planet. By applying my knowledge of GIS, BIM, Digital Twins, and related technologies, I aim to contribute to the collective effort to reshape how we design, construct, and operate buildings. Together, we can create a more sustainable future where our built environment coexists harmoniously with the natural world. 

Feel free to reach out to me directly to share your thoughts on these topics, or for any reason: mgoldman@esri.com 

About the author

Marc Goldman is the Director of AEC Industry at Esri. He works with a global team to define and deliver the strategy for Esri’s solutions serving architecture, engineering, and construction. He is a leading expert in BIM, GIS, Digital Twins, and their impact on the industry. Marc began his career in the first days of CAD, he led some of the earliest BIM efforts, and he has contributed nearly thirty years defining, developing, and delivering services and technologies for design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction. He works with an international network of AEC executives creating joint ventures, partnerships, and customer relationships. He is the Vice Chair of the NIBS Digital Twin Integration Subcommittee, the co-Chair of the Digital Twin Consortium AECO group, and supports buildingSMART International on the Steering Committee for the Infrastructure Room, the OGC+bSI Working Group, and the Digital Twins Working group. Marc studied Architecture and Engineering at Tulane University. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Lynne a veterinarian, and way too many animals.

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