Lessons from the Land of the Rising Sun
What Japan's Construction Industry Can Teach Kiwis
I'm a big believer in finding better ways to do things. Be that design, materials or more efficient processes. I also believe that finding better ways requires looking beyond your own horizons, i.e. see how construction benchmarks are being set overseas.
In May this year, we did that – flying to Japan to attend the CSPI-EXPO 2 in Tokyo.
The (massive) EXPO showcases the next generation of construction machinery, heavy machinery, attachments, construction DX and i-Construction. And the level of technology and the techniques on display was a real eye-opener – and there's a lot the Kiwi construction industry could learn from….
Japan Integrates the Latest Technology
Japan's construction industry embraces new technologies into design and construction projects – Building Information Modelling (BIM), automated construction techniques, robotics and so on. Japanese firms also work closely with technology developers, so innovations are quickly and effectively implemented on construction sites.
Case in point – in Japan a majority of commercial construction is prefabricated in factories using automated technology such as robotics – significantly reducing project timelines, increasing accuracy and reducing the on-site construction costs that inflate project prices in NZ.
Japan Invests Heavily in R&D
Innovate, innovate, innovate! A key driver of Japan's technological advantage is its strong research and development (R&D) culture. Japanese construction companies invest heavily in R&D – i.e., they continuously drive innovation and productivity growth. This investment is also supported by research institutions, universities, and industry partnerships.
Japan's Building Codes Are More Flexible
Japan has performance-based building codes that focus on achieving specific outcomes rather than prescribing detailed methods – this allows for greater flexibility and innovation in construction techniques and materials. The codes are regularly updated to incorporate new technologies and findings from ongoing research.
Case in point – Japan sits on a harsher seismic zone than ours, but the flexibility of building codes allows them to build safe, high-quality buildings faster and cheaper than we ever could – and they aren't bogged down with expensive over-engineered designs.
We do some good work in New Zealand, but our construction industry could be and should be looking at faster, more efficient, more cost-effective ways to build. The examples I saw in Japan prove that it can be done.
