CONCERT

Birdflocks Talks with Concert CRO Tim Dufault Birdflocks serves as a clearinghouse for innovative ideas and dynamic conversations around collaboration in AECO. While it is well-known in Europe, we’re thrilled to see them spread their wings and to introduce this incredible platform to the U.S. community. This is a great way to connect, share and learn from one another. In this newest episode of Birdflocks Talks, CONCERT's CRO Timothy Dufault, FAIA offers a fresh perspective on the future of collaboration, reflecting on the synergies between Birdflocks' mission and the work Concert is doing to empower effective project delivery. Watch it here: https://loom.ly/xOi9XsA We’re excited to support this movement and be part of bringing Birdflocks' collaborative spirit to the U.S. AECO community. Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments! https://loom.ly/0EpF7zM #aeco #collaboration #architecture

🌏 Global South and Asia: A Growing Hub for Architectural Opportunities ArchDaily's recently published list of the 25 Most Anticipated Projects of 2025 highlights a fascinating trend: 56% of these projects are located in the Global South and Asia. Of these, nearly 20% are in China alone, continuing its well-established leadership in large-scale architectural developments. What’s more interesting, however, is the increasing prominence of other regions in Asia and the Global South, such as Cambodia, Albania, and Australia. These markets represent a growing segment of global project work, signaling exciting opportunities for architectural firms willing to expand their international reach. For large firms, this raises an important question: What’s your plan for engaging with these emerging markets? ➡️ Firms with established international strategies can leverage their global experience to expand into new regions, fostering partnerships and exploring untapped opportunities. ➡️ Firms without a robust international presence risk missing out on these dynamic markets, where urbanization, cultural investment, and infrastructure development are accelerating at unprecedented rates. Our Recommendation: Large architecture firms should evaluate or refine their international strategies. The Global South and Asia are not only driving significant architectural activity—they’re shaping the future of our industry. Investing in these regions is not just about diversifying portfolios; it’s about positioning for long-term relevance and growth. 🌟 The rise of nontraditional markets is an opportunity to redefine what global architecture can achieve. Is your firm ready to meet the challenge? https://loom.ly/3YzwQCs #GlobalArchitecture #EmergingMarkets #Architects #AECInnovation Foster + Partners MAD architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Diller Scofidio + Renfro Snøhetta Frank Gehry Populous KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES Sou Fujimoto Atelier Paris Studio Gang David Chipperfield Architects Shigeru Ban Architects Architecture Research Office KLEIHUES + SCHUWERK GESELLSCHAFT VON ARCHITEKTEN MBH

Blockchain in Construction: Moving Past the Hype to Real Innovation A few years ago, blockchain was heralded as the next big thing in construction, with bold claims about revolutionizing payments and enabling seamless smart contracts. While those ideas haven't taken off as anticipated, there’s no denying blockchain’s real potential to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. This recent article reminds us of why blockchain is still worth paying attention to—not for automated payments, but for what truly matters: ➡️ Building Trust: Blockchain offers a secure way to track materials and certifications, creating confidence in project data. ➡️ Supporting Sustainability: As ESG compliance becomes more critical, blockchain can help substantiate material declarations and reduce ambiguity. ➡️ Driving Transparency: By serving as a single source of truth, blockchain addresses data fragmentation and ensures stakeholders stay aligned. These applications directly respond to industry needs and provide meaningful, actionable benefits. Blockchain may not be about “disruption,” but its ability to solve real-world problems makes it a tool worth exploring. Instead of asking if blockchain will revolutionize construction, the better question is: How can we harness its strengths to build a more sustainable and transparent future? https://loom.ly/sOEIQHY #aeco #blockchain #Sustainability #MaterialTransparency

Our CRO Timothy Dufault, FAIA shares some new year thoughts about what building a legacy means.

The Why Factory: A Modern Lyceum? The Why Factory at TU Delft isn’t your typical think tank. Think tanks often ask “How” questions—how to implement, optimize, or innovate within existing systems. The Why Factory, by contrast, asks a fundamentally different class of questions: Why do we approach architecture and urbanism the way we do? This approach feels less like a traditional research institution and more like a modern Lyceum—a space for examining foundational ideas and assumptions. If its purveyors stay true to this vision, it could inspire profound shifts in how we understand the built environment. Of course, in a world with no shortage of challenges, some may wonder: How much room is there for “Why” when solutions are urgently needed? Perhaps it’s precisely the right time for this kind of inquiry. Explore more here: https://loom.ly/mlkjW-Q #Architecture #UrbanDesign #Innovation #DesignThinking #Sustainability Architizer Delft University of Technology

Adaptive Reuse as a "Right"? A Radical Proposal in Europe A European Citizens’ Initiative has sparked debate by proposing a "right to reuse" underutilized buildings. Supported by some prominent architects including Herzog & de Meuron, this idea challenges traditional approaches to property development and sustainability. While adaptive reuse is a proven strategy for revitalizing cities—think Google's Thompson Center in Chicago—framing it as a societal right marks a significant and, arguably, radical shift. As professionals deeply invested in the built environment, we must balance the benefits of reuse with the principles of property rights. How can we encourage innovation without overstepping? This initiative is worth watching, but it has a long way to go before broader adoption. What’s your take? Could this spark a larger conversation about the role of reuse in urban planning? https://loom.ly/1bRy2Ng #AdaptiveReuse #RealEstate #UrbanInnovation

75% of executives say sustainability communication is critical to investors—but only 9% feel their tools will meet reporting needs in the next 18 months. In construction, this gap is even wider. ESG compliance is about more than just checking a regulatory box—it’s about delivering trusted, actionable data that supports informed decisions. Yet challenges like fragmented supply chains and inconsistent frameworks make it harder than ever to achieve. Material declarations, for example, aren’t just about transparency. They’re part of a larger process of material selection, where quantitative and qualitative comparisons drive key decisions. Without a consistent framework for trust and transparency, the whole system falters. As new ESG demands emerge, we must ask: How can the industry unite around data that’s trusted, transparent, and easy to share? What’s the biggest challenge you see in material transparency today? https://loom.ly/XxBdgvk #ESG #SustainableDesign #ClimateResilience Workiva Forrester

The Top AI Tools Shaping Construction Workflows in 2025 AI isn’t just coming to construction—it’s already reshaping it. By 2025, the question won’t be whether to use AI across design, construction and building operations, but how. Generative design algorithms, predictive maintenance systems and real-time project management platforms are revolutionizing how teams collaborate and solve complex challenges. These tools aren’t just enhancing efficiency; they’re enabling entirely new ways of working, from reducing rework to automating routine decisions. Articles like VentureBeat’s “How Advanced Foundation Models Will Expand What AI Can Do” (https://loom.ly/TY23bnY) remind us that AEC firms face unique challenges—fragmented data, rigid timelines and cross-disciplinary teams. But with AI, these challenges are opportunities for reinvention. The goal is to make AI indispensable, not just adopted. At CONCERT, we’re exploring how AI can transform digital sharing, improving trust, data flow, and collaboration across projects. The future isn’t just about adopting AI—it’s about integrating it deeply into workflows to unlock its full potential. What AI tools or workflows do you see becoming essential in construction by 2025? Let’s discuss. #artificialintelligence #constructiontech #digitaltransformation

As the World Cement Association’s recent report highlights, global cement demand is expected to stagnate, but regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and India are projected to grow. This raises a critical challenge: how do we support necessary development in these regions while addressing the carbon impact of traditional Portland cement? Sustainable alternatives, such as blended mixes with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or low-carbon binders, show promise in reducing emissions. However, their financial and logistical accessibility remains uncertain in rapidly urbanizing economies that prioritize cost efficiency. Bridging this gap requires action. Innovation must focus on scalable, affordable solutions tailored to local conditions. Global collaboration can ensure technology transfer, investment, and policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable construction practices. Emerging markets represent a turning point for the industry—a chance to build infrastructure that’s not only robust but also environmentally responsible. Can we align these goals to drive a greener future for construction worldwide? Download the full report here: https://loom.ly/7j-IUoE #architecture #construction #cement

Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities Ahead for Construction The construction industry continues to grapple with labor shortages, a challenge that could intensify if immigration laws are more strictly enforced. At the same time, there’s a clear path forward: technology. While the sector’s cautious approach to adopting new tools and processes is understandable, it’s becoming increasingly evident that more proactive strides are necessary. Efficiency and productivity will rely on embracing advances in automation, robotics and prefabrication. Equally important are strategies to foster better cross-team collaboration, ensuring that projects stay on track despite resource constraints. We feel very strongly about our prospects to unify data across design and construction team in the coming year. In the multi-family housing sector, the outlook is mixed—while economic conditions pose risks, the underlying demand remains robust. We’re hopeful that this demand will spur continued investment and construction, as the need for housing persists across communities. As we look ahead, these trends call for bold leadership and innovative solutions. At CONCERT, we’re committed to supporting the industry with tools and strategies to tackle these challenges head-on. https://loom.ly/55uyx1Y #architecture #construction #trends #2025