The current South Florida construction boom isn’t quite like before, Suffolk Construction VP in the Southeast John Planz tells us. The industry is seeing the benefits of emerging tech, on and off jobsites, putting them to uses unimagined during the last building cycle. (It's only a matter of time before construction looks like it did in The Jetsons.)
“These technologies allow for better connectivity among team members and trade partners,” John says, and it goes far beyond the use of BIM, which has been the industry buzzword for quite a while now. “We’re experimenting with new technologies, such as 3D printing and the use of drones, and more importantly, how these tools talk with one another.”
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On the company’s Jade Signature and Met 3 projects in Miami (both condo developments), the construction team is using what Suffolk calls a “SmartBox”—a large, portable touch screen that allows trade partners to instantly access the current BIM model right on the jobsite. “It’s greatly enhancing our approach to jobsite safety, quality control, scheduling, and overall communication,” John explains.
Drones are also taking the sky in the service of Suffolk. The company’s recently used the unmanned flying machines on a number of projects, including Sinai Residences in Boca Raton and Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, as well as Met 3 (pictured). John says that clients appreciate the accuracy these images provide. It’s something they can view from any location, at any time, and feel like they’re present at the jobsite.
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