IDoBE International Conference

There are so many uncertainties in our world today with COVID-19 being the biggest challenge, but definitely not the only one. In the UK, we have the added uncertainty of BREXIT, which has the potential to disrupt livesand the way we conduct businesses around the world.The scale of the challenge is compounded by increasing urbanisation and a growingglobal population,which is expected to exceed 8 billion by 2030 (United Nations, 2015), meaning massive needs for construction and infrastructure projects necessary for adequate living.

In this uncertain time, Architecture EngineeringConstruction Operational (AECO) industry matters more than ever, from building hospitals in just a few days for COVID-19 patients to the other extremes of skill shortage that BREXIT will bring the United Kingdom, as well as the migrationissues that this will exacerbatein many developed and developing countries.While the AECO industry is likely to be heavily impacted by the economic downturn generated by the COVID-19 crisis, it can eventually be critical for recovery, asthe industry is usually an entrance point for economic growth plans.Finding a solution to the current crises could help drive recovery while addressing the industry’s well–known pressing issues such as carbon reduction, supply chain integration, etc.

These uncertainties and challenges are likely to change the dynamics of the AECO industry on even largerscale than the previous financial crisis in 2008, highlighting potential stark divergences between other industriessuch asretail, food, etc. that have taken steps to adapt to and thrive in the new normal and the AECO industry that is stagnating. It is imperative that AECO industry must think through the move they can make today to stay ahead of the game in the post-pandemic. A faster return to business as usual seems unlikely for the industry: leaders and managers must first define and prepare for what the industry will look like in the new normal as we recover from this biggest challenge of our time.

The impacts of all these uncertainties on the built environment call for a strong coordinated effort from all disciplines within the AECO industry to play a critical role as we recover and build a sustainable and resilient future for our world.AECO industry has a vital role to play in a post-pandemic recovery of our society and economies at large. From a research point of view, it is appropriate and timely to explore and deliberate upon the state of AECO industry in the new normal around the world and consider actions for improving the situation and buildingaresilient built environment.

The IDoBE International Conference is unique in the sense that it facilitates discussion around the current crisis that are specific subject areas in the built environment field, with the goal of generating new knowledge and understanding, as well as forging and expanding new international, intercultural and interdisciplinary research network and partnerships. The organisers have no doubt that the Conference will offer a remarkable opportunity for sharing of research and best practice and for the meeting of people and ideas.