Automating Cities - Design, Construction, Operation and Future Impact

This book highlights the latest advancements in the use of automated systems in the design, construction, operation and future of the built environment and its occupants. It considers how the use of automated decision-making frameworks, artificial intelligence and other technologies of automation are presently impacting the practice of architects, engineers, project managers and contractors, and articulates the near future changes to workflows, legal frameworks and the wider AEC industry. This book surveys and compiles the use of city apps, robots that operate buildings and fabricate structural elements, 3D printing, drones, sensors, algorithms, and advanced prefabricated modules. The book also contributes to the growing literature on smart cities, and explores the impacts on data privacy and data sovereignty that arise through the use of sensors, digital twins and intelligent transport systems. It provides a useful reference for further research and development in the area of automation in design and construction to architects, engineers, project managers, superintendents and construction lawyers, contractors, policy makers, and students.


Brydon Wang is a technology and construction lawyer with a background in architecture. He lectures in the School of Law at the Queensland University of Technology, and in both the Master of Architecture and Master of Data Science courses at the University of Queensland. Brydon holds a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Monash University, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture with Honours from the University of Melbourne. His research interests lie in the intersection of technology, construction and law. He was a UQ Global Change Scholar, Public Transport Authority CEO Scholar and a national finalist in the 2014 Australian Law Awards and has been a Project Manager with the Infrastructure Delivery team within the State Government of Western Australia. Having worked across a number of sectors including Rail, Defence, Heritage and Education, his projects have received awards such as the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Award and the National Sustainability Award.
Prof. Wang is the TMR Chair Professor in Structural Engineering at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia. He is a Chartered Structural Engineer, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, a Fellow of the Academy of Engineering Singapore, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Singapore and a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers. His research interests are in the areas of structural stability, vibration, optimization and very large floating structures. He has published over 450 journal papers and 10 books in the aforementioned areas. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics and an Editorial Board Member of several journals including Engineering Structures, Ocean Systems Engineering, Structures and International Journal of Applied Mechanics. His many awards include the Nishino Medal 2019, JN Reddy Medal 2019, Minister for National Development's R&D Awards 2017, IStructE Structural Award for Sustainability 2016, Monash Civil Engineering Alumnus of the Year 2015 Award, Keith Eaton Award 2014, Lewis Kent Award 2009, the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award 2013 and the US$1 million Grand Prize in the Next Generation Port Challenge.