Ar. Nirmal Mangal M Moser Associates
Sustainable construction is primed for a paradigm shift in how we view and manage sustainability, which includes wellness and resiliency.
Architects and designers are the agents and leaders of change. The design industry, working with the construction industry, should collaborate more proactively to provide solutions for the environmental crisis, respond effectively to the call for climate action, and help create a net zero, positive built environment. One possible approach would be to increase use of modular fabrication which reduces waste and abortive work in traditional construction.

New building technologies like precast / modular construction offer viable alternatives.
The aim of modular, precast, and prefab technology is to create viable alternates and options for the design and construction industry to explore and experience innovation, new methods, and technologies. This knowledge base will enhance productivity, attract potential projects, and be more profitable.

Although precast construction has been in India for a couple of decades, the focus of the precast industry has been bridges, elevated metro rail systems, electric poles, and limited components of utility building systems. However, the precast industry holds a lot of potential for the construction industry as precast building systems would be ideal for building car garages, long span structures, structural and architectural façade systems for both low- and high-rise structures.

Globally, Computer Aided Manufacturing and BIM technology have reduced fabrication time, provided the ability to scale up production, and produce higher quality structures and façades. Even with unfavourable manufacturing related taxes and transportation costs, the precast building systems are more economical, plus they achieve a higher level of quality, and require little or no maintenance.

Modular construction consists of many parts of building systems like precast structures, façade systems, curtain walls, stone cladding, millwork, and plumbing stacks for hospitality systems. Many of these components and assemblies are fabricated/manufactured by automated/semi-automated machines, resulting in better quality and shorter fabrication time.

M Moser AssociatesM Moser, Citi Workplace of the Future Chennai
Photo courtesy: PHX India

The smart city infrastructure should be based on sustainability and minimize carbon footprint.
The Indian Government has instituted the Smart Cities program for many cities in India with marginal success. The new understanding of Smart Cities includes not only a robust IT infrastructure but also well-designed utility infrastructures like roads and highways, transportation, water, sewer, drainage, and power. Such efforts will reduce loss of productive time in traffic congestions, reduce air pollution by minimizing use of diesel generators, provide incentives for solar and wind power generation, and for recycling and efficient reuse of water.