Biggest Construction Industry Trends to Look Out For in 2022

Biggest Construction Industry Trends to Look Out For in 2022 | While 2020 was quite a difficult year for the construction industry, presenting a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and labor shortages, 2021 has seen a remarkable recovery. This year presented new materials and equipment, new technological advancements, and new aspirations to strive towards in the near future. As contractors begin embracing the modern, digital, and tech-savvy world, new opportunities for growth and success will quickly arise. Looking forward, here are some of the biggest trends in construction 2022 will bring, most of which will have quite a significant impact on the industry as a whole:

Smarter and more connected cities

Smart urban developments aim to connect people, relevant data, and other city elements in an effort to promote sustainability, improve the economy, and enhance the overall quality of life. As these interconnected cities become more widespread, the essence of construction projects will likely be more complex as well come 2022. From WiFi-enabled lighting solutions to pedestrian sensors, smart cities will require contractors to improve their technical knowledge in order to keep up with new changes. And as the need for more eco-friendly solutions rises across the globe, these modern cities will need to incorporate sustainability as well, whether that means roads that reduce emissions, a bigger emphasis on public transport, or improved waste management systems.

Improved construction materials

In an effort to demonstrate sustainability, while still attempting to maximize their profits, construction companies needed to find more affordable eco-friendly solutions. As a result, new and improved building materials emerged, ones that aim to reduce material costs and show environmental consciousness. From engineered timber and cementitious composite (ECC) to recycled materials and even more innovative solutions such as eco-bricks, novel construction materials are set out to be one of the largest industry trends in the following years.

The rise of modular construction

Involving the construction of building modules off-site, and then transporting and assembling them at the chosen destination, modular construction is quite an efficient solution that often lowers the overall costs and building times. Although some estimates indicate that the worth of the modular construction market will peak in 2023, this trend has already shown staying power. For instance, modular classrooms are now the most popular choice in terms of educational spaces, including everything from libraries and specialist rooms to covered outdoor learning areas. As modular construction allows projects to be finished faster than ever before, while not producing the noise and obstruction of a typical building site, it seems like the perfect solution for busy periods and changes in industry demands.

3D printing growing in popularity

3D printing works by constructing pre-designed items or buildings one layer at a time, and tends to be considerably quicker and more affordable than traditional construction methods. This type of construction has gained a significant amount of attention in recent years, and is likely to increase in popularity come 2022. In fact, 3D printers are already being used for creating homes in several countries around the world, being able to produce approximately one house a day, and there’s even discussion about 3D construction presenting a viable solution to the housing crisis in the near future.

Increased interest in used equipment

Like most other industries, construction was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Whether it’s due to the economic hardships many companies have experienced, or even the increased focus on sustainability, a growing number of construction firms are now deciding to rent their equipment or even buy used machines instead of investing in new ones. As this allows businesses to experiment with different types of machines and their efficiency, and stay on top of technological advancements, all at a lower price point, rented and used equipment will likely remain a big industry trend in 2022 as well.

Redesigned protective gear for women

Until very recently, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hardhats, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing was made primarily for men. Unfortunately, that meant that many women in the construction industry were forced to wear uncomfortable and ill-fitting men’s clothing, which presented a serious safety hazard due to their often large and loose nature. But as more and more women are becoming valuable members of the industry, customized attire and more specific clothing made for female bodies are becoming readily available. Women in the industry deserve to be safe and protected, which is why this trend might gain even more popularity in the upcoming years.

With an emphasis on smart cities, modular and sustainable buildings, and new technological advancements, the construction trends for 2022 are shaping to be quite impactful on the industry as a whole. Whether these trends lead to significant changes or not, staying on top of them is, without a doubt, vital for the growth and success of every ambitious construction company.