By embracing Bluebeam’s digital collaboration tools, Arcadis revolutionized its global project management, driving efficiency, improving accuracy and cutting down on delays across international teams and complex infrastructure projects
Discover how cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics and cloud-based tools are transforming construction by addressing key challenges such as labor shortages, rising material costs and project delays in 2025

The construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads—not just building taller skyscrapers or faster homes, but reinventing how it works from the ground up.

Pressed by labor shortages, sustainability mandates and rising costs, industry leaders are abandoning outdated methods in favor of technology-driven solutions. From AI-powered project management to autonomous robots on job sites, the future of construction is being built today.

Below, Built explores the six most pressing issues in construction for 2025 and beyond, and investigates how technology can help overcome them.

Construction Labor Shortage: Causes, Impact, Tech-Driven Solutions

Challenge: One of the biggest obstacles facing the construction industry is a critical shortage of skilled labor. As seasoned workers retire and fewer young professionals enter the field, the gap in skilled labor widens. According to a 2023 report from the Associated General Contractors of America, around 88% of contractors report difficulty finding skilled workers. This lack of manpower often leads to project delays and increased labor costs.

Solution:

Automation and Robotics: Automation and robotics are stepping up to reduce the strain on human labor. Machines are now capable of performing repetitive tasks like bricklaying, excavation and demolition, which not only speeds up the process but also improves safety. Robots, such as the semi-autonomous SAM100 bricklaying robot, can lay bricks more quickly and consistently than human workers, helping to offset the labor gap.

Additionally, construction management software streamlines scheduling, allowing companies to allocate their existing workforce more efficiently, ensuring that no labor is wasted.

Rising Construction Material Costs: Challenges and Tech Solutions

Challenge: Volatile material prices have long been a source of financial strain in the construction industry. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation and other unpredictable global events have driven up the cost of essential materials like steel, lumber and concrete, putting pressure on project budgets.

Solution:

Predictive Analytics and Supply Chain Technology: Building information modeling (BIM) is one solution that helps mitigate these costs by optimizing designs and reducing material waste. BIM allows for precise material estimates, ensuring that only the necessary amount is ordered. By simulating how a project will look and perform in the real world, it also helps detect design flaws early, preventing expensive changes mid-construction.

Additionally, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics tools help monitor material availability and prices in real time, allowing for smarter purchasing decisions. When supply chains are strained, companies can quickly pivot and adapt, minimizing delays and reducing costs.



Sustainability in Construction: Reducing Environmental Impact with Green Tech

Challenge: The construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, according to the World Green Building Council. As climate change intensifies, there is growing pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce its environmental footprint.

Solution:

Green Technology and Energy-Efficient Design: Sustainable building materials like carbon-neutral concrete and recycled steel are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives. For example, innovations like hempcrete—a bio-composite made of hemp and lime—offer an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional materials while also providing insulation benefits.

Energy-efficient designs are another powerful solution. By leveraging BIM and advanced simulation tools, architects and engineers can model the energy performance of a building before it’s even constructed, ensuring that projects minimize energy use and emissions over their lifecycle.

In some cases, 3D printing is also helping to reduce waste. Companies are experimenting with 3D printing to create intricate building components that use only the necessary materials, eliminating excess and promoting sustainability.

Project Delays and Budget Overruns in Construction: Causes and Tech Solutions

Challenge: Project delays and budget overruns are an endemic problem in the construction industry. Factors like poor planning, unforeseen site conditions and inefficiencies in resource allocation often contribute to projects exceeding timelines and budgets.

Solution:

AI and Drones: AI is revolutionizing project management by predicting delays before they occur. Using data from past projects and real-time conditions, AI systems can identify potential roadblocks such as weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns or labor shortages, enabling better planning and resource management.

Drones are also playing a key role in improving project timelines. Equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors, drones can perform site inspections faster and more safely than human inspectors, providing real-time progress updates and detecting issues before they become costly problems.

Construction Safety Challenges: How Tech Is Making Job Sites Safer

Challenge: Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries, with high rates of injuries and fatalities. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in the US occurs in construction.

Solution:

Wearables and AI-Powered Safety Monitoring: Wearable technology is increasingly used to monitor worker health and safety on-site. Smart helmets and vests equipped with sensors can track vital signs, detect unsafe conditions and send real-time alerts to both workers and site managers.

AI-powered systems can also predict potential safety hazards by analyzing historical data and monitoring current working conditions. With predictive analytics, construction firms can take preventive measures, such as adjusting workflows or updating safety protocols, to minimize the risk of accidents.

Solving Fragmented Communication in Construction with Collaboration Tech

Challenge: Construction projects often involve multiple stakeholders—architects, engineers, contractors and clients—each using different tools and systems. This fragmented communication can lead to misunderstandings, rework and project delays.

Solution:

Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools: Cloud-based platforms like Bluebeam offer real-time collaboration for all stakeholders, ensuring everyone has access to the latest project updates, designs and documents. These tools break down silos between teams and foster more transparent communication, reducing the likelihood of misaligned goals or missed information.

By integrating all project data into a single, accessible platform, cloud-based tools also support Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)—a methodology that brings all stakeholders together early in the project lifecycle to align objectives and minimize risks.

The Future of Construction: How Tech Is Shaping a Smarter, Safer Industry

The challenges facing today’s construction industry—from labor shortages to sustainability—are daunting. However, technology offers a promising path forward. From AI and robotics to green building materials and cloud-based collaboration tools, the construction sector is undergoing a digital transformation that promises to boost efficiency, safety and sustainability.

As more companies adopt these technologies, the construction industry will become better equipped to tackle its most pressing challenges, setting the stage for a more innovative and resilient future.

This article originally published on Industry Today.

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The high-speed rail line in England began with a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions, then expanded to diesel-free construction sites to further decarbonize the project

Imagine a construction site without diesel, and it’s hard to see how any work would get done. Diesel supplies 98% of all energy used in the construction industry, according to the Engine Technology Forum. That includes powering more than three-fourths of all heavy construction equipment, along with generators and compressors.

But using diesel comes at a price. Even diesel that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 standards produces noxious exhaust fumes and particulate matter that are damaging to the environment and unhealthy for workers, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

This reliance on diesel doesn’t mesh well with the U.K.’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050. With construction responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions—mainly from manufacturing building materials and burning fossil fuels—the sector has a lot of work to do. That made it a brave decision to eliminate diesel from construction sites for the new High Speed 2 (HS2) rail line.

“Climate change presents unprecedented challenges,” said Andrea Davidson, head of environmental sciences, technical services directorate, HS2 Limited. “The way we travel—and the way we build our transport networks—are critical to our response to this global emergency.”

Zero emission goal

HS2 will connect Birmingham and London via zero-carbon bullet trains. That requires four new state-of-the-art stations, two depots and 140 miles of track.

HS2 initially aimed to achieve net zero GHG emissions in keeping with the U.K.’s targets. But key partners, like Skanska, were already working toward diesel-free construction sites—and developing a business case and taking actions to realize that goal. HS2’s decision was also influenced by provisions in the U.K. Finance Act 2021 to ensure taxes fairly reflect the harmful impact of diesel emissions. The policy aims to incentivize users of polluting fuels to improve energy efficiency, invest in cleaner alternatives and use less fuel.

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In HS2’s Net Zero Carbon Plan, the organization committed to all HS2 sites being diesel-free by 2029, with the first in 2022. In addition, the team aimed for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from steel and concrete by 2030 compared with 2021 and an 11% reduction in heavy goods vehicles by 2027 compared with 2020. From day one of HS2 operation, the railway plans to use only zero-carbon electricity. Finally, HS2 aimed to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and Scope 3 emissions from 2035, offsetting any residual emissions from that point.

Myth-busting is the biggest hurdle

Finding diesel replacements isn’t necessarily easy. No single alternative fits all construction sites—the candidates depend on the location, activities and building methods. If no mains power connection is available, Davidson advised considering other solutions, from hydrogen power towers and fuel cell technologies to drop-in biofuels and bio-LPG.

Being a first mover also means taking on higher costs. Davidson noted the importance of thinking beyond the initial investment when deciding on diesel alternatives and including operating costs and carbon savings for the entire period of machine usage on a site.


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Also, contractors’ preconceived ideas about diesel options can foster a reluctance to change. Trials, testing and independent academic evidence are essential to de-risk solutions and inspire confidence that diesel alternatives work, are reliable and address health and safety concerns. Only then does a diesel-free site become viable.

“The site teams have been absolutely key to achieving this target on HS2,” Davidson said. “Their initiatives have flagged to other contractors what is possible, which is driving the opportunity and transition.”

Combining technologies

One principle to reducing use of any energy source is to minimize demand. So, a critical first step is ensuring on-site fuel efficiency to reduce emissions and cost. Increasing efficiency might include older machine retrofitting, operator training, anti-idling programs, battery storage solutions and flywheel technologies.

Of course, a mains supply can make powering equipment with a clean charging solution easier. But access depends on land permission, demand and timeframes for connections. Working with distribution network organizations helped H2S formulate a plan to streamline connections.

In the H2S Net Zero Carbon Plan, the target is ultra-low or no emissions by 2035. For now, the focus is on reducing or eliminating emissions as much as possible and demonstrating the feasibility of diesel-free construction sites on a major project. “By prioritizing targets like this, we are reducing impacts to site operators as well as those living in close proximity to sites by improving local air pollution,” Davidson said. “Due to the size and scale of the HS2 program, we have an opportunity and responsibility to challenge the norm, to identify opportunities and roll out more sustainable solutions so that we can leave a positive, lasting legacy.”

Green building in construction Bluebeam

These are 5 key trends shaping the future of green building.

A look back at 2024’s most compelling construction stories, highlighting the year’s innovations, challenges and the people driving change in the built world

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of the year’s most compelling stories from the world of design and construction. From adaptive reuse to cutting-edge technology, these stories spotlight the challenges, triumphs and innovations shaping the built environment. Join us as we revisit the top 10 stories that defined 2024. 

1. Office-to-Housing Conversions: Challenges and Opportunities 

The COVID-19 pandemic’s legacy continues to shape urban landscapes, with office-to-housing conversions becoming a hot topic in cities across the globe. This piece dives into the structural and financial hurdles developers face when reimagining commercial spaces for residential use—while uncovering the potential benefits for housing shortages and urban revitalization. 

Read the full story: Office-to-Housing Conversion Challenges 

2. Build Out Alliance: Building a More Inclusive Industry 

Diversity and inclusion took center stage in 2024, with advocacy groups like Build Out Alliance championing LGBTQ+ representation in construction. Learn how this nonprofit is fostering a culture of belonging across job sites and boardrooms alike and why inclusion is key to a thriving industry. 

Read the full story: Build Out Alliance Construction 

3. Prioritizing Mental Health in Construction 

With rising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, the construction industry is stepping up. This article explores how companies are implementing new policies, support systems and technology to better address workers’ mental health, paving the way for a healthier workforce. 

Read the full story: Mental Health in Construction 2024 



4. Church Conversions: A New Era of Adaptive Reuse 

Historic churches are finding new life as apartments, cultural centers and even offices. This story explores the architectural ingenuity and community impact behind these transformations, proving that adaptive reuse can preserve history while meeting modern needs. 

Read the full story: Church Conversions Adaptive Reuse 

5. Geothermal Heat Turns Up the Energy Efficiency in Nightclubs 

Sustainability reached new heights (and depths) this year, with a spotlight on a nightclub that harnesses geothermal heat to stay eco-friendly. Discover how this innovation could inspire broader adoption of renewable energy solutions across industries. 

Read the full story: Geothermal Heat Nightclub Innovation 

6. The State of Artificial Intelligence in Construction 

AI continued to revolutionize construction in 2024, streamlining workflows and optimizing decision-making. From generative design to predictive maintenance, this article breaks down the latest advancements and what they mean for the future of the industry. 

Read the full story: State of Artificial Intelligence in Construction 2024 

7. Washington, D.C.’s Sewer System: An Underground Marvel 

Beneath the bustling streets of the nation’s capital lies an engineering marvel: an intricate sewer system designed to tackle stormwater challenges. This deep dive showcases the ingenuity and resilience behind this essential infrastructure. 

Read the full story: Washington DC Sewer System 

8. Liz Larsen: Structural Engineer and Trailblazer 

Meet Liz Larsen, a structural engineer who is reshaping the industry with her groundbreaking projects and advocacy for young women in STEM. Her inspiring journey and dedication to innovation make her one of the year’s standout leaders. 

Read the full story: Liz Larsen Structural Engineer 



9. Detroit Design Core: Creativity at the Heart of Urban Renewal 

Detroit’s design scene flourished in 2024, thanks in part to Design Core Detroit’s initiatives. This story highlights how the city’s creative community is driving economic growth and shaping a new narrative for the Motor City. 

Read the full story: Detroit Design Core 

10. WELD: Supporting Second Chances in Construction 

Seattle-based nonprofit WELD made waves this year by empowering formerly incarcerated individuals with training and job opportunities in construction. This story highlights how the organization is addressing labor shortages while offering participants a new path forward, proving that second chances can build stronger communities. 

Read the full story: WELD Seattle Construction 

Building a Better Future: How Construction Innovation and Community Impact Defined 2024 

From cutting-edge technology to inspiring personal stories, 2024 was a year of transformation and progress in the built world. As we look to the future, Bluebeam remains committed to sharing the innovations and ideas driving the industry forward. 

Here’s to 2025 and beyond! 

Ready to Build Smarter in 2025? Try Bluebeam! 

Through a blend of tradition and innovation, the remarkable restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral reveals a story of resilience, craftsmanship and global unity

On April 15, 2019, the world held its breath as flames consumed Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, reducing its ancient wooden roof to ashes and toppling its iconic spire—a devastating blow to one of humanity’s most cherished architectural treasures.

In the days following the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore the Gothic masterpiece within five years—a seemingly impossible task. On December 8, 2024, after a half-decade of intensive restoration efforts involving more than 2,000 skilled workers, Notre-Dame reopened to worshippers and visitors, standing once again as a symbol of resilience and human ingenuity.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire: Devastation and Immediate Response

The fire broke out in the early evening of April 15, 2019, likely caused by an electrical short circuit during renovation work. As flames spread, firefighters and emergency responders fought desperately to save the structure, managing to prevent its complete collapse.

Still, the 300-foot-tall spire, designed by 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, crumbled, and much of the medieval timber roof—nicknamed “the forest” for its dense wooden framework—was reduced to ash.

Despite the extensive damage, the cathedral’s stone vaults, bell towers and famous stained-glass rose windows survived. Within days, pledges of financial support poured in from around the world, eventually totaling nearly $1 billion, according to The New York Times.

What followed was one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern history.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration: Critical Emergency Stabilization Efforts

Before any restoration work could begin, the structure needed to be stabilized. Engineers quickly realized that Notre-Dame’s fragile walls were at risk of collapse. Crews erected scaffolding around the cathedral and installed temporary wooden frames to secure its iconic flying buttresses. Large tarps covered the exposed interior to protect it from rain and wind.

Environmental concerns also complicated the effort. An estimated 460 tons of lead from the roof and spire had melted in the fire, according to New York Times reporting, contaminating the surrounding area. Workers wore protective suits, and nearby schools were closed for decontamination. According to France 24, specialized teams spent months removing toxic residue, ensuring the safety of both workers and the public.

Inside the Architectural Restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral

The actual restoration began in 2021, focusing on preserving Notre-Dame’s historic design while incorporating modern construction technology and materials where necessary.

Rebuilding the Roof and Spire

Restoring the cathedral’s roof and spire required architectural precision and a deep understanding of medieval construction techniques. Following Viollet-le-Duc’s original 19th-century blueprints, carpenters hand-carved beams from centuries-old oak trees, harvested from forests across France. In total, more than 1,000 oaks were carefully selected and felled, with preservationists ensuring ecological sustainability.


Architect of the Past and Future: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) was more than just an architect—he was a storyteller who brought history back to life through stone and wood.

He’s best known for restoring some of France’s most iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame de Paris, Mont Saint-Michel and the fortress of Carcassonne. His imaginative touch helped define how we see these structures today—especially Notre-Dame’s towering spire, which he designed and which became a beloved symbol of Paris until its tragic fall in the 2019 fire.

Viollet-le-Duc believed restoration wasn’t just about repairing the past; it was about completing what history left unfinished.

This bold vision made him both celebrated and controversial. His masterwork, Dictionnaire Raisonné de l’Architecture Française, still inspires architects and preservationists, proving that even after 150 years, his ideas continue to shape the future of historic preservation.


The spire, considered the most recognizable feature of Notre-Dame, was reconstructed exactly as it appeared before the fire, down to its intricate statues of the Twelve Apostles. A new gilded rooster was placed at the top of the spire, containing relics from the original—a symbolic nod to the past and a hope for the future.

Stonework and Facade Preservation

Notre-Dame’s iconic limestone facade required careful cleaning and restoration. Centuries of soot and pollution were scrubbed away, revealing a bright, cream-colored exterior rarely seen in modern times. Master stonemasons worked meticulously to repair damaged gargoyles, statues and reliefs. Any stone too damaged for preservation was replaced with identical limestone sourced from quarries used in the cathedral’s original construction.

Stained Glass and Artistic Restoration

The cathedral’s three famed rose windows, dating back to the 13th century, miraculously survived the fire but needed significant cleaning and restoration. Each piece of stained glass was removed, cleaned and reassembled by master glassmakers following traditional methods. Restorers also repaired religious sculptures and precious artworks, including the Virgin Mary statue from the main altar.

Modern Innovations in Notre-Dame’s Restoration: Blending Tradition with Technology

While preserving Notre-Dame’s medieval integrity was paramount, the restoration team embraced modern technologies and sustainable practices to ensure its longevity.

Technological Advancements

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the restoration was the use of 3D digital modeling. Before the fire, architect Andrew Tallon had completed a detailed laser scan of the cathedral, creating an incredibly accurate digital blueprint. These scans allowed restorers to reconstruct even the most intricate details with unparalleled precision. Engineers also used augmented reality to simulate various restoration scenarios before implementing them onsite.


Deeper Look: How Construction Technology Helped Rebuild Notre-Dame

Reconstructing a centuries-old masterpiece like Notre-Dame Cathedral wasn’t just about craftsmanship—it was about blending tradition with cutting-edge tech. Here’s how digital tools helped restore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

3D Laser Scans: A Blueprint from the Past

Long before the 2019 fire, architect Andrew Tallon created ultra-precise 3D laser scans of Notre-Dame. His work captured every intricate curve, arch and detail of the cathedral, becoming an essential reference when restoration teams faced the daunting task of rebuilding the structure from the ground up.

Augmented Reality: Testing the Future

Rebuilding something as complex as Notre-Dame isn’t just about bricks and beams but about making sure everything fits perfectly. Engineers used augmented reality (AR) to run digital reconstruction tests, simulating designs before physically rebuilding. This process saved time and helped avoid costly construction mistakes.

Digital Project Management: Keeping It Together

Coordinating a massive, years-long restoration across dozens of teams required more than meetings and plan documents. Project managers relied on digital collaboration platforms to track progress, share updates and keep thousands of moving parts in sync—all while preserving the cathedral’s unique history.

Through a powerful mix of old-world craftsmanship and technology, Notre-Dame’s restoration became a story of innovation and resilience.



Eco-Friendly and Modern Upgrades

To protect against future disasters, fire-resistant materials were integrated into the roof structure, including advanced metal reinforcements hidden beneath the traditional wooden framework. An energy-efficient lighting system now illuminates the cathedral’s soaring arches, enhancing both its beauty and sustainability. The newly installed sound system also ensures world-class acoustics for concerts and religious ceremonies. What’s more, accessibility features were added, including improved ramps and entryways for visitors with limited mobility.

The Cultural and Symbolic Significance of Notre-Dame’s Restoration

Beyond its architectural splendor, Notre-Dame holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. To honor the workers involved in its restoration, their names were engraved on a special commemorative plaque installed within the cathedral. The new gilded rooster atop the spire, containing relics from the original, symbolizes hope, renewal and the enduring human spirit.

The reopening ceremonies in December 2024 drew world leaders, dignitaries and millions of viewers worldwide. As Reuters reported, the Paris Archbishop symbolically reopened the cathedral by knocking on its great wooden doors with a crosier crafted from a beam that survived the fire.

Notre-Dame’s Legacy: A Triumph of Restoration, Resilience and Cultural Heritage

Notre-Dame’s restoration stands as a triumph of global collaboration, craftsmanship and modern technology. Its rebirth represents not only the preservation of a cultural and historical treasure but also humanity’s capacity to rebuild in the face of loss.

As it reopens its doors to worshippers and tourists alike, Notre-Dame remains a beacon of resilience, reminding the world that even in destruction, renewal is possible.

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Municipalities must adopt digital collaboration tools to streamline permitting and meet CHIPS Act demands. Here’s how they can start

The CHIPS Act, a landmark investment to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, promises to reshape the nation’s technology landscape. With more than $50 billion allocated for domestic production and billions more for research and development, the act represents a bold step toward reducing reliance on foreign chip suppliers.

Yet, while much of the focus has been on manufacturers and contractors, a critical piece of the puzzle lies with local governments.

Municipalities will play a pivotal role in the success of these projects, particularly in managing construction permitting and records. For these high-profile initiatives to succeed, local governments must embrace digital collaboration tools to streamline processes, minimize delays and align with the advanced systems used by contractors.

How Municipalities Drive Success in CHIPS Act Construction Projects

The CHIPS Act’s ambitious goals depend on efficient project management at all levels. Semiconductor plants, with their high-tech infrastructure and specialized requirements, demand a seamless permitting process to avoid costly delays. But many municipalities still rely on outdated, paper-based workflows for permitting and records management.

These inefficiencies risk creating bottlenecks that could derail timelines and escalate costs for critical projects.

Local governments are key gatekeepers in ensuring compliance with regulations while supporting contractors with the tools they need to execute efficiently. Adopting digital collaboration tools will be essential to meeting these demands.

Maximizing Efficiency with Digital Collaboration Tools for Municipalities

Digital collaboration tools are transforming construction workflows by offering centralized platforms for managing permits, plan reviews and records. These tools facilitate real-time communication between stakeholders, automate compliance tracking and reduce errors in documentation.

For municipalities, they offer an opportunity to modernize their systems and align with the digital practices contractors are increasingly adopting.

A 2019 study by McKinsey & Company highlights that digital tools can reduce project delays by up to 45% and improve productivity by 14% to 15% in large construction projects. Using such tools, municipalities can significantly enhance their ability to process permits, manage records and support CHIPS Act projects.

Lessons from Successful Digital Plan Review Implementation

Some municipalities have already begun transitioning to digital systems with impressive results.

The city of Seattle serves as a prime example of how digital plan review systems can revolutionize municipal permitting processes. By implementing Bluebeam, Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections transformed its approach to handling project submissions.

The city transitioned from cumbersome, paper-based workflows to a streamlined digital system that enabled real-time collaboration among stakeholders, improved accuracy in plan reviews and significantly reduced processing times.

Practical Strategies for Municipalities to Embrace Digital Transformation

Municipalities looking to modernize their processes can take the following steps to prepare for the demands of CHIPS Act projects:

  • Assess Current Processes: Conduct a workflow audit to identify inefficiencies in permitting and records management.
  • Invest in Digital Tools: Choose platforms tailored to municipal needs, such as those offering review capabilities, automated compliance tracking and document storage.
  • Train Staff: Provide training for staff to ensure a smooth transition to digital tools and minimize operational disruptions.
  • Collaborate with Contractors: Align workflows with contractors’ digital systems to ensure seamless communication and avoid mismatches.
  • Monitor and Optimize: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency of new processes and make continuous improvements.

Addressing Challenges in Municipal Digital Transformation

While the benefits of digital transformation are clear, municipalities may face challenges such as budget constraints, resistance to change and integration difficulties. Addressing these issues requires a proactive approach:

  • Budget Constraints: Advocate for CHIPS Act funding to include allocations for local digital upgrades. 
  • Resistance to Change: Emphasize long-term cost savings and efficiency gains. 
  • Integration Challenges: Implement phased rollouts and seek vendor support for training and technical assistance.

Building a Future-Ready Vision for Modernized Municipalities

As semiconductor manufacturing becomes a cornerstone of the US economy, municipalities must rise to meet the challenge of supporting these projects efficiently.

Digital collaboration tools offer a pathway to modernize workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination and ensure compliance with complex regulations. By adopting these tools, local governments can position themselves as valuable partners in the success of the CHIPS Act.

Modernization is not just about keeping up with contractors; it is about creating a resilient, future-ready public sector capable of supporting large-scale, transformative projects.

As the CHIPS Act lays the foundation for America’s semiconductor future, municipalities can play a key role in building it—efficiently, effectively and digitally.

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Discover how libraries in Henrico County, Virginia, are embracing community needs and redefining public spaces for the 21st century

Andrew Carnegie’s vision for community progress depended on libraries as the instrument of change, inspiring him to fund more than 2,500 between 1893 and 1919. Typical elements included separate wings for children’s and adult books and a professional librarian in the middle, preserving order. Although the stacks occupied most of the space, the building also included a community assembly room.

But today’s libraries turn that model on its head. There’s no need to store every possible book when they’re available in digital form and through interlibrary loan. “We’ve come to the point where the books stopped pushing the people out of the building,” said Jeff Hoover, principal, Tappé Architects, Boston. Today’s library programs call for flexible, multi-use spaces for people to gather, interact, learn, imagine and create. That human focus means listening to and understanding the different needs of each library community—even if they’re only 20 miles apart.

The designers of three libraries built in Henrico County, Virginia, in the past decade took this to heart. Quinn Evans of Richmond (formerly BCWH), architect of record, and Tappé Architects, library planning and design associates, collaborated to create one-off, state-of-the-art libraries perfectly attuned to their communities.

Libbie Mill Library: Reimagining the Traditional Library for the New Urbanism

Built in 2015, the three-story Libbie Mill Library is the centerpiece of a development that epitomizes New Urbanism, with walkable neighborhoods blending retail, office and residential facilities interlaced with green spaces and promenades.

Awards: AIA Virginia Honor Award, LEED Silver certification

The Libbie Mill Library’s form starts with a massive and traditional box—but the interior program of reading and meeting rooms projects through the façade and becomes part of the vibrant scene outside. Similarly, group study areas and a digital media lab create a collage of boxy spaces inside. Chuck Wray, principal, Quinn Evans, said the distinctive geometry is a result of the ounty giving the designers “the flexibility and the freedom to help reinterpret how those spaces could be used in a 21st century library.”

The library’s two entrances let people flow in from both sides of the building—the parking lot or lake—with the main reception desk in the center. “It gave us a chance to create that tight adjacency to an urban environment, to have active public spaces just outside the building,” Wray said.

Opposite the reception desk, children enjoy a tactile and interactive learning center, with reading nooks and kid-sized furniture, including upholstered seesaws. Deconstructed cardboard boxes encourage them to use their imaginations. “We didn’t want the architecture to tell the kids what to think,” Hoover said. But that’s not restricted to the children’s area—the designers tried to satisfy every visitor’s needs without directing how they use space.

On the second story, the central jewel is the digital media lab. “It floats out in the space with a unique geometry that’s not orthogonal,” Hoover said. Transparent walls let visitors enjoy a close-up view of technology like two 3D printers, audio-video editing equipment and green screens. Nearby, teens get social prompts from small group study rooms and open gathering areas, including video gaming spaces.

The community’s desire for sustainability called for siting the library for maximum daylight and minimum solar heat gain and landscaping with water-efficient plants. But the library’s design also ensures a sustainable future by allowing reconfigurability as the community diversifies and grows.

Varina Library: Merging Agrarian Roots with Paradigm-Changing Design

Opened in June 2016, the 43,000-square-foot Varina Library features an assemblage of pavilions that borrow from the forms of tobacco barns and reinforce a Virginia vernacular.

Awards: Library Building Award, American Institute of Architects & American Library Association Merit Award, AIA Virginia and Library Journal New Landmark Libraries 2019, LEED Silver certification

The three pavilions of the Varina Library look modest until you realize they’re only the top of two stories that cascade down a slope to 22 acres of protected wetlands and lush woodlands integral to the library design. Once inside, the clean lines, natural stone and wood and views straight through the building reinforce the agrarian feel. Daylight from clerestory windows and skylights offers a volumetric experience without requiring a large footprint.

The pavilions are linked by gathering spaces, including a Reading Landing—giant steps that provide seating for films, lectures and performances. Deep overhangs shade the large south-facing windows, and a high-albedo roof fends off the Virginia sun, keeping the building energy-efficient.

The Varina Library’s three pavilions cascade towards protected wetlands, blending clean lines, natural materials and abundant daylight to create a harmonious, agrarian-inspired design.

The library supports state-of-the-art resources and programming, with stacks and collaboration areas for adults, teens and children. At every turn, the design lets patrons choose the level of engagement they want, whether that’s a minute perched on a stool or an hour lounging in an Adirondack chair.

In the adult section, the public computing space offers 35 computers, four times the previous number. A nook nearby holds print and digital periodicals. The fiction collection beckons with cozy chairs and a view to nature, and the nonfiction section includes tables for longer work sessions.

“One of the most exciting places in the library is the teen area in the collaboration zone wing of the building, which also incorporates the digital media lab,” Hoover said. “They flow together very nicely in a programmatic way.” Here, teens can learn how to code or edit podcasts or visit the Minecraft gaming club. Fun furniture and clear study rooms encourage others to join in.

The children’s area lets kids be kids without the risk of shushing. The design prioritizes a fun and interesting environment that’s not overstimulating. Even away from the windows, biomorphic textiles and furniture mimic a deep green forest.

During design, the team preserved a historic oak tree on the site by choosing to frame it at the end of a pavilion. It’s a symbol of how strongly the Varina Library connects with the natural landscape and the history of its rural community.

Fairfield Area Library: Uniting Families and Beliefs in a Multifunctional Hub

Opened in October 2019, the Fairfield Area Library is characterized by two large masses that reflect diverging philosophies of how Black people could best advance.

Awards: Merit Award, AIA Richmond, LEED Gold certification

In the 20th century, W.E.B. DuBois championed academic learning while Booker T. Washington emphasized skilled trades as the path forward for Blacks. Henrico County leaders challenged the architects to unite both ideas in the Fairfield Area Library design. The 44,000-square-foot structure sits at an intersection as well, a 10-acre site in an area of investment to promote equity for area residents.

Engagement to hear the voice of the people made it clear that the county’s prototypical library program wouldn’t meet Fairfield’s needs. Instead, multifunctional spaces support various learning styles and activities, with a life skills classroom, expansive meeting and conference spaces and ample teen study rooms.

Visitors entering the library are met by soaring ceilings, skylights, balconies and the reference desk and digital trailblazers wall. A saffron-yellow staircase climbs to a family collaboration zone between the children and teen wings. This area reflects feedback that as many as four generations of a family might visit the library together, so adults must be centrally situated to monitor younger charges.

In another nod to family needs, Quinn Evans collaborated with TMC Furniture to create a custom workstation with a play area that keeps babies and toddlers secure and entertained while their parents use computers. The expansive children’s section lets kids explore picture books divided into “neighborhoods” of genres. Glass sliders open into a multipurpose room for read-aloud and arts and crafts activities. 

In the teen wing, young adults find tempting displays of texts plus a video gaming area. Clear-sided study rooms look out over the library’s adult section to the monolithic fireplace and welcoming chairs that surround it.

One of the most appreciated library features is the “One Button Press Room,” where patrons can capture video and audio in a state-of-the-art recording booth for job interviews, podcasts and music. Afterward, creators can take a USB with the recording and edit it in another room using Adobe software that library staff teach.

The Fairfield Library has become an anchor in eastern Henrico and a source of cultural pride for the neighborhood, a hub for learning, opportunity and prosperity. Although the design has transformed since the Carnegie model, the library remains a place to help everyone reach their full potential.

Designing 21st-Century Libraries: Community-Centered Spaces for Innovation and Connection

Three libraries of similar size in the same county, designed for the same client by the same firms but with distinctly different building expressions. That’s how it should be, Hoover said. “I think that’s how we get libraries right for the 21st century—to make them uniquely local, so they couldn’t possibly have happened anywhere else.”

Photo credit: Chris Cunningham Photography

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Interior designers do amazing work—here’s how Bluebeam can make their jobs easier

As you sit in your office, look out over the different workstations, cubicles, communal areas and conference rooms. Do you ever think about where all the furniture and fixtures came from? It’s no small stroke of luck that all the correct colors, textures and quantities showed up when delivered.

The interior designers responsible for this magic not only work to capture the look and feel of the indoor built environment, but they also consider traffic flow, occupancy restrictions and other code compliancy. If you’re interested in the how-to technical side of the tools below, check out my blog, “Bluebeam Revu for Interior Design.”

So, which Bluebeam features are most important for interior designers?

  • Groups
  • Layers
  • Spaces
  • VisualSearch
  • Legends
  • Digital Dashboards

Groups

Laying out large office spaces can have standard configurations multiplied several times throughout the space. Tagging each chair, desk and file cabinet can take a long time depending on the number of workstations. To help speed this up, several markups can be Grouped, allowing the user to copy/paste the entire workstation with all its components, thus reducing the number of picks and clicks significantly.

Layers

Sometimes office layouts can get busy and cluttered when you add power poles, data connections, ceiling-mounted projectors and wall-mounted screens. By creating a layer system in Bluebeam, you can hide or isolate each of these individually, making the plans much more comprehensive.

Spaces

Differentiating distinct areas on layout plans is another way to keep everything organized. Using Spaces in Bluebeam allows you to sketch out specific rooms, sections, departments or entire floors. As a result, you can sort fixtures by room number or department. If you have eight employees on the finance team, for instance, your counts for chairs and desks should report eight of each. You can have a breakdown of fixtures per department and quickly get totals per floor or entire layout.


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VisualSearch

With many of the equipment and fixtures being labeled on the plans, a visual search is extremely powerful for finding all instances of a particular chair, desk or power pole. Bluebeam has the ability to search for a specific layout of pixels forming a symbol. The ability to count all the office chairs in one search saves considerable time over shifting through drawings clicking on each one individually.

Legends

Having the ability to display fixture counts directly on a printed sheet helps everyone downstream. From delivery to installation, it’s important to know what goes where and how many. Legends in Bluebeam provide accurate counts directly on the layout sheet along with other important specifications. Customized data can be sorted, filtered and displayed, putting the most valuable information at the forefront.

Digital Dashboards

Often a client may not be familiar with drawings or specifications and may need a more visual representation of the package they’re purchasing. A Digital Dashboard using Bluebeam is a powerful way to convey industry data to the design team while being extremely visual for the client. The design quickly comes to life with a look and performance of a common website. Digital Dashboards show different views, product images and use hyperlinks in a universally understood language.

These are just a few of the essential tools and functions in Bluebeam helping interior designers efficiently lay out and accurately count fixtures while communicating with the client.

Learn more ways Bluebeam can change your life.

The progression of the Howard Frankland Bridge reflects a commitment to sustainability, resilience and connectivity

The Howard Frankland Bridge, often referred to as “Tampa Bay’s Main Street,” has been a vital artery connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg since its opening in 1960. Over the decades, it has witnessed Florida’s rapid growth and the accompanying surge in traffic, necessitating significant upgrades to meet contemporary demands.

The current $865.3 million renovation, slated to be completed in early 2026, is not merely a structural enhancement but a testament to modern engineering, environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Named after Howard Frankland, a prominent Tampa businessman who championed its construction, the original two-lane bridge revolutionized connectivity across Tampa Bay. By the late 20th century, escalating traffic volumes underscored the need for expansion, leading to the addition of a parallel span in 1990.

Today, more than six decades later, the bridge is undergoing its most ambitious transformation: the construction of a new eight-lane northbound structure designed to accommodate 21st-century transportation needs.

Overcoming Florida’s Climate Challenges: Managing Construction Amid Storms

Florida’s climate is synonymous with unpredictability, particularly during hurricane season. The Howard Frankland Bridge project has faced significant challenges from major storms since starting construction in 2020, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These hurricanes brought record-breaking storm surges and extensive flooding to the Tampa Bay area, testing the resilience of ongoing construction efforts.

“We look at weather as often as a meteorologist,” said Ricky Grogan, project manager for Walsh Construction & Archer Western, who spoke with Built about the project prior to the hurricanes. Grogan’s team relies on real-time weather data to make critical decisions, often halting construction three to four days ahead of anticipated storms to safeguard assets and personnel. This proactive approach ensures minimal disruptions and maintains the project’s momentum.

Once storms pass, the recovery process is swift. “It’s much harder to prepare for a storm than it is to get everything back in position,” Grogan explained. This meticulous planning and rapid response underscore the team’s adaptability and commitment to meeting project timelines.

The new bridge is set to feature 113 spans, 44 hammerhead piers and 180 multi-column piers, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s infrastructure. Constructing such a monumental structure necessitates a vast array of equipment: 23 cranes, seven tugboats and 74 barges are deployed in a coordinated effort. With five crews operating daily, the project’s scale and complexity are akin to those of major port operations.

Protecting Tampa Bay Marine Life: Achieving Environmental Harmony in Construction

In an era where environmental considerations are paramount, the construction team has diligently adhered to stringent regulations aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. One notable measure is the implementation of “sound windows,” 1,000-foot-wide corridors designed to minimize underwater noise pollution that could affect species such as manatees and sea turtles.

Studies conducted by the University of North Florida revealed that the noise impact was less than anticipated, allowing the team to proceed with bulkhead wall installations with minimal ecological disruption.

Beneath the surface of Tampa Bay lies a geological challenge: jagged layers of collapsed limestone. This uneven seabed means that pile-driving depths vary significantly—some piles extend only 60 feet, while others must reach depths of up to 200 feet to secure a stable foundation.

In total, the project required driving 3,014 piles, which, if laid end to end, would stretch 65 miles. This aspect of the project showcases the precision and adaptability required to overcome such geological complexities.

Innovating Under Pressure: Cutting-Edge Solutions for Construction Challenges

Necessity often breeds innovation, a principle evident in the techniques employed on this project. Drawing lessons from Hurricane Ian’s impact on the Sanibel Causeway, the team developed a conveyor system to transport concrete across the bay. This method minimized delays and enhanced quality control, ensuring materials maintained their integrity while reducing environmental impact. Grogan credits this innovation with preventing delays of up to nine months, highlighting the project’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.

In addition to physical innovations, the project has leveraged cutting-edge technology to streamline operations.

Bluebeam Studio Sessions has been instrumental in coordinating schedules, reviewing designs and managing logistics. Initially adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains an integral tool for daily planning and problem-solving, facilitating seamless communication among team members.

The Howard Frankland Bridge project is not just about constructing a physical structure; it’s about building resilience. Hurricanes Helene and Milton underscored the importance of adaptability and proactive problem-solving. In response, the team redesigned mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to fortify the bridge against future storms, reflecting a commitment to long-term durability and safety.

Building a Legacy: The Future of the Howard Frankland Bridge

As the Howard Frankland Bridge project approaches completion, it stands as a symbol of innovation, environmental stewardship and resilience. This new chapter in the bridge’s history is poised to enhance Tampa Bay’s connectivity and quality of life for generations to come, embodying the spirit of progress and the power of human ingenuity.

For commuters traversing Tampa Bay, the Howard Frankland Bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a lifeline, a legacy and a testament to what can be achieved when vision and determination converge.

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