My Digital Life this week turns its spotlight on Dr Marzia Bolpagni, head of BIM international and associate director at Mace. She highlights the importance of environmental criteria when reviewing technology and her preference for an old-fashioned alarm clock over a mobile phone alarm.
What new built environment digital innovation that you’ve seen recently really excites you?
Mace is currently working on a demonstrator project for a control room system, built on live data feeds that will be capable of making predictions. The solution can radically improve the management and delivery of complex projects and programmes. It is an Innovate UK project called “AEC Production Control Room”, where Mace is working alongside several partners, UCL, Imperial College London, 3D Repo, Mission Room and Evifile.
What single thing would help accelerate construction’s digital adoption?
Incentives with well-established quality assurance procedures.
Who do you follow on social media about BIM and digital construction – and why?
Alain Waha (@AlainWanderings) and Angelo Ciribini (@Ciribini) are two of my favourites as they usually share international news on both academia and industry and they start critical debates on digital transformation in the round.
What was the last app you downloaded and why?
Ecosia. It is a search engine that plants trees while you search the web. In the last two months I contributed to the planting of 23 trees. I like when technology is contributing to higher purposes such as biodiversity.
What’s the tech bane of your life?
Mobiles, but especially the morning alarm feature. I recently bought an old-fashioned alarm clock for my bedroom as I hated having the mobile next to me all time, especially when waking up!
Mac or PC/iOS or Android?
PC and Android. I used to have a Mac but it has been stolen. After that, I decided not to invest on expensive tech devices for personal usage.
Do you have any smart home features or other digital gadgets?
I have a smart meter, but to be honest I am not a big fan of personal digital gadgets. First, I am quite sceptical on any virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa: we really need to fight for our data rights to make sure our data is protected, something that unfortunately not so many people realise. Second, to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, I ask myself the impact/benefit of any digital gadgets before buying them, and most of them are not really needed! I am quite selective.
