
CENTRE FOR DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION
About Centre
The local Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry has been comparatively slow to transform its practices into a digitized one and has adopted wait and watch approach. In post Covid era, the forthcoming challenges in front of the AECO industry can be addressed with the help of digital solutions, where innovations at all stages are the need of an hour. Digitalization in the construction sector can go a long way contributing towards efficient information management, time and cost reduction, quality improvement, risk mitigation, safety, and project delivery with enhanced profits.
Over the years, the demand for smart, efficient and sustainable design has raised significantly, which can be met with the adoption of digital technologies for decision-making to provide eco-efficient projects. Worldwide 30% of companies are planning to create a digital adoption roadmap within the next 12 months. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the hopeful prospects of information technology, which can fast-track this digital transformation.
Infusion of Digitalization can be revolutionary in terms of transforming construction businesses; but the journey to digitally transformation of construction activities can be challenging to navigate, especially for those organizations that are just getting started. In this context, the concept of the NICMAR’s Centre for Digital Construction has been formulated, to help working professionals to achieve a smooth digital transition of their practices by providing a roadmap. Further, it will make them eligible for the emerging new work opportunities. Interest has been shown by industry professionals to have such center as a platform for guidance, deliberations and collaboration at various NICMAR forums. This center will also focus on development of Construction 4.0 Lab which enables technologies, softwares such as Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Machine Learning, R&R Studio, Python and Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to solve difficulties.
Genesis
Local construction industry is looking for an open platform to seek guidance, participate in deliberations and collaborate with respect to digital transition of their current construction business practices to reap benefits and achieve optimization of resources.
Vision
To become an academic leader in the domain of digital advances in construction businesses with the help of our deep understanding of processes and advanced technologies to help organizations achieve desired output.
Mission
To respond to challenges related to digital transition and transformation of current business practices by bringing people, processes and technology together and by providing a roadmap of stepwise digital journey.
Objectives of the Cenre
- Engage with industry funding collaborators.
- Play an active role in policy making initiatives related to adoption of digital solutions.
- Prepare organization specific adoption plans of digital solutions.
- Provide certification, approvals to digital tools, solutions etc.
- Support incubation center.
- Establish Interdisciplinary and Inter-institute collaborations.
- Engage with prospective students from all over India.
Short term goal
Setting up of an in house center comprising digital infrastructure relevant to build environment requirements which acts as a site for practical demonstrations.

Focus areas

People
- Balasubramani Mahesh –
- Desai Vijaya – Data warehousing, Management Information System, Block Chain, Cloud Computing.
- Gandi Apparao –
- Goel Amit – Building Information Modeling, BIM adoption, Pavement design and management systems, Automated robotic/drone inspection, NDT&E of pavements etc.
- Jain Sameer – Information Systems; Business Analytics; Machine Learning; and Data Visualization.
- Hindavi Gavali – Digital Twin, OpenBIM etc.
- Malla Vijayeta –
- Malsane Sagar –BIM Execution Plans, BIM Visual Scheduling, BIM Code Compliance etc.
- Ramalingam Shobha –
Contact for information:
NICMAR-Centre for Digital Constrction
- 25/1, Balewadi, N.I.A. Post Office, Pune 411 045, India.
- cdc@nicmar.ac.in