Keynote with Thom Mayne

The CONSTRUCT 2017 General Session and Keynote Presentation features important information about the show and CSI, as well as Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne’s talk. The founding principal at the interdisciplinary architectural firm Morphosis, he will reflect on his work and career, taking attendees on a journey that includes:

• an introduction to fabrication and technical design practices;
• an exploration of project cost management opportunities through planning, design, and construction controls;
• a discussion of opportunities for product development within architectural practices; and
• a review of sustainable building practices to maximize returns in spatial, cultural, and environmental terms.

The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14.

Specifications in the Age of Smart Cities

As the world quickly emerges in the form of large, urban environments, the design/construction industry is being challenged with integrating buildings and infrastructure into the urban fabric of ‘smart city’ initiatives and innovations. Big Data, the Internet of Things, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), kinetic energy, autonomous vehicles, and drones are a few of the rapidly evolving innovations specifiers and other industry players need to understand.

The stewardship of the digital DNA of the built environment through data-centric tools like computer-assisted design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) is no longer valued just for the individual building project, but rather its extended value in the interconnection and interoperability of this data in the context of smart buildings, neighborhoods, and cities.

On Friday, September 15, speaker Paul Doherty leads a ‘Game-changer’ session from 10 to 11 a.m., entitled “Specifications in the Age of Smart Cities: How Specs Are Changing the World.” Its goal is to teach participants how to:

• construct a solution framework to address the holistic opportunities of an interconnected world as a best practice;
• identify emerging technologies, standards, and processes;
• recognize the effects of culture and technology on their work processes and workplaces; and
• implement tools and services that provide practical, measured success.

Let’s Fix Construction: An Interactive Luncheon

From 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, an interactive problem-solving session (and buffet!) will strive to identify multiple prevalent problems within the industry. Led by Cherise Lakeside and Eric Lussier, teams will be allotted time to brainstorm an out-of-the box, collaborative, forward-moving solution to a given architectural/engineering/construction (AEC) problem. The intent is to improve communication, collaboration, unique ideas, and the sharing of perspectives from different disciplines.

CSI Night Out

Close out the week with the best party at CONSTRUCT! Join us at Skyline at Waterplace from 7 to 10 p.m. to network, enjoy live music, and take in the scenic views of Providence. Registration for CSI Night Out (limited to those 21 and older) includes two beverage tickets, appetizers, and entertainment. Skyline is within walking distance of the host hotels. Come casual and ready to party! Event sponsors include BSD (Platinum), Behr (Gold), ATAS International Inc., AWI, Allegion, LP Building Products, PPG Paints, DuPont (Silver), and Tnemec (Bronze).

CSI Honors & Awards ceremony

On Thursday, September 14, a ceremony from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will feature CSI awards including the Outstanding Chapter Commendations, Distinguished Membership, The Construction Specifier Article of the Year, and investiture of new CSI Fellows. It will be followed by the CSI Celebration of Fellows—a preregistration-required cocktail event sponsored by ATAS and Sherwin-Williams.

Click here to view the full schedule.