In some cases, building off-site in a factory may even be less efficient than on-site construction.

There is a paradox; what does long-term planning look like when there is little clarity on how individual technologies will deliver or develop?How do we demonstrate clear business cases for investment when many approaches are not yet ready for deployment and those that are ready have not been tried and tested?.

There is also a significant cultural change to work through as activities which were previously seen as high-value, almost crafts, become commodity services..There is clarity in the fact that changes in equipment and technology will have significant impact on buildings, structural loading, vibration control, floor-to-floor heights and special layout.. Less quantifiable is how buildings will need to change to support the change in the people operations of scientists, engineers, technicians and managers.Laboratories can be sited in warehouse or industrial zones which could serve the need of building adaptability very well..

However, will these locations help attract the minds and skills required to create the value and manage the transition?.A business case.

An interesting subject was discussed around the business case or affordability of automated testing.. As in the other areas, could common operations or key equipment in laboratories be shared?

This model is adopted in other arenas where equipment is simply too expensive for one party to own and operate but can be provided as a service or on a rental basis.Cloud-based Advanced BIM modelling.

Internal / External CFD / Pipeflo / Short Break Analysis, Buffer Vessel Sizing.Automatic building configuration software development.

Sustainability/Energy strategies, LEED or BREEAM, Energy modelling, Whole Life Cycle Carbon Analysis.Client Representative.