The Golden Thread of Information at the London Build Expo 2024
Last week I had the privilege of attending the London Build Expo, a hub for innovation and progress in the construction industry. Among the bustling halls of exhibitors and the insightful discussions, one theme stood out: The critical importance of effective Data Management and maintaining the Golden Thread of Information. It is a topic that resonates deeply with anyone invested in building safety and sustainability.
The Golden Thread is not just a buzzword; it is the backbone of safer and more efficient construction. At the session on How the Golden Thread is Improving Building Fire Safety, the speakers emphasised the meticulous process of fire door certification, from manufacturing and testing to installation and ongoing maintenance. The idea of taking photographs at every stage of a product's lifecycle struck me as a practical way to build a transparent, verifiable history - one that ensures products perform as intended. This accumulation of evidence is not just about compliance; it is about creating trust.
However, a glaring challenge emerged across discussions: the construction sector still lacks a unified standard for information sharing, even a year after the Building Safety Act came into effect. This lack of coherence hampers collaboration and adds to the administrative burden. Yet, as several speakers noted, the urgency to "get our house in order" is driving innovation. Early engagement and collaboration between designers, fire engineers, and consultants are becoming non-negotiable for specifying the right products and ensuring safety standards.
Digital tools also took centre stage. Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and artificial intelligence offer opportunities to manage construction data effectively. As highlighted in the session Digital Construction is from Mars and Digital Operations is from Venus, these technologies are only as good as their users. Without proper training and project team collaboration together with a clear strategy and naming convention established early on, valuable data risks being underutilised, or even lost, once a project transitions to its operational phase.
As someone passionate about the intersection of technology and construction, I found the discussions on data management inspiring. They reminded me that the Golden Thread is not just a technical concept; it is a cultural shift towards accountability and collaboration. To make real progress, we must focus on education, upskilling, and breaking down silos within the industry.
Walking away from the Expo, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and assurance that what we advocate and practise at Airey Miller align with the aspirations of the industry. The tools and strategies to transform our industry are already here and it is up to us to weave them into the fabric of our projects, ensuring that safety, efficiency, and sustainability remain at the forefront. Let’s keep the Golden Thread unbroken.
