WHAT ARE THE TOP TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2021?
Remember dreaming about what the future would be like? Well – it seems like we’re pretty much there! Technology is evolving all around us, all for the purpose of making life and work that little bit easier, and that little bit more efficient.
When it comes to construction and architecture, precision and efficiency are your two core pressures. Through advances in measured survey technology and data connected devices, it’s never been easier to take full measurements of the biggest spaces. But what are some of the most intriguing technology trends to help you push for improved business?
HYBRID CLOUDS
The cloud is not a new creation by any means, however, it is continuing to change the way we share data and manage our technology. Private clouds are those you handle in-house for your business, while public clouds are internet-based.
Hybrid clouds offer a blend of the two. This allows construction experts to manage their own private, centralised data storage while sharing plans and excerpts with clients through public access.
Hybrid cloud computing is becoming a cost-effective solution for many different specialists and business owners. It’s anticipated to grow even more popular in the years to come, too.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
When it is simply not possible to delegate tasks to human support, artificial intelligence is here to help. AI ties in with machine learning – it is effectively training a robotic or automated service to understand your processes.
AI in architecture and construction planning is useful for capturing measurements, data entry and general number-crunching. Any smaller jobs and pieces which would normally require menial effort can transfer easily over to a clever piece of code! Save time and become efficient in other aspects of your project, while AI can take over and deliver accurate results.
EDGE COMPUTING
Edge computing is set to be the next step on from the cloud, in the main. Many people who work in remote or rural areas don’t always have full access to the cloud. This can lead to all kinds of problems when it comes to speed of transfer and streaming, for example.
CYBERSECURITY MESH
With the evolution of technology comes the evolution of hacking. That, ultimately, is why cybersecurity measures will rarely cease changing, updating, attempting to stay one step ahead.
Cybersecurity mesh is an up-and-coming data safety model that’s largely inspired by home working trends of the past two years. Through innovations in IoT (the Internet of Things), this stance on technological protection goes beyond ‘catch-all’ firewalls. Instead, a mesh ensures that individual devices, users and portfolios receive bespoke protection.
That’s likely to be hugely beneficial to architects, builders and designers working remotely in the modern age. With remote site working all too common, it makes sense to scale cybersecurity beyond the main HQ!
BLOCKCHAIN
Blockchain is technology that’s been growing in popularity for many years now. Largely used to mine and establish cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, blockchain is a digital ledger, allowing for permanent, independent contracts and transactions to take place.
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY

The way we see the world is changing. Virtual reality, or VR, has been an entertainment staple for many years. Augmented reality, or AR, however, is growing as a brilliant commercial asset.
In construction and design, AR allows specialists to plan immersive mock-up visualisations. Using the best tools and software, clients can effectively see their new homes or buildings in full 3D, with projected elements, long before any work takes place. As we understand the process of scan-to-BIM, we can use this tool alongside to visualize our projects and preview any clash detections or inaccuracies that may appear.
These technology trends provide just the tip of the iceberg – 2021 is proving to be a pivotal year for tech, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.
Need help setting up a measured survey you can rely on for long term planning? Call the team now for a free consultation – and take advantage of our advanced technology!