Meet the inspiring Rachele A. Bernardello, a building engineer and research fellow in semantic and digital model process at the University of Padova. She co-leads the LIM.lab Laboratory of Information Modeling and is driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact and advance knowledge and innovation in her field.
“I am driven to continually improve myself and my surroundings, support people and good ideas, and I believe that by striving to do my best, I can positively impact those around me.”
In this interview, Rachele tells us about her role at HumanTech, where she is involved in openBIM standardisation and the implementation of sustainable practices in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
She shares her vision for generating a positive impact through HumanTech, highlights the importance of integrating new technologies in the building process as a whole, and emphasises the need of preparing the construction workforce to seize the opportunities the future offers.
Q: Rachele, what is your purpose, professionally and personally?
A: As an individual, I am driven to continually improve myself and my surrounding. I am passionate about supporting people and good ideas, and I believe that by striving to do my best, I can positively impact those around me. Professionally, my purpose is to contribute in my field to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Q: That is so inspiring! And what is your focus in your current role at your organisation, the University of Padova?
A: At the research group I am part of, we work on research and educational activities, improving best and new practices. We are focusing on four areas:
- Smart geometry
- Interoperable data model for the AEC industry
- Semantic and digital model for historical buildings and infrastructure
Q: Sounds fascinating. Specifically, what do you do at HumanTech?
A: I am involved in the openBIM standardisation process, which aims to establish a uniform approach to information exchange across the organisation’s various activities. Furthermore, we aim to ensure these activities can be implemented sustainably within the AEC industry. Specifically, I am currently focused on analysing the workflows of HumanTech tasks to identify the key requirements for effective information exchange.
Q: A key part of our project. You have told us you are driven by your desire to impact the world positively. What is the positive impact you hope to generate through HumanTech? And the milestones you hope to achieve?
“By adopting a holistic approach to BIM, which involves stakeholders from all project lifecycle phases, we can create more comprehensive and effective models that support better decision-making, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.”
A: While the construction phase is a critical component of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process, it is important to prioritise integrating new digital technologies from the outset of a project. By adopting a holistic approach to BIM, which involves stakeholders from all project lifecycle phases, we can create more comprehensive and effective models that support better decision-making, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
I hope we can have an openBIM workflow of the HumanTech process from a practical point of view that we can implement.
Q: We look forward to learning more about the advances we will make together to improve this industry! On the sector’s sustainability, do you think it is possible for it to be net zero?
A: Yes, I think a net zero future is possible for construction. The biggest challenge to achieving it is to support small companies and actors to be part of the AEC transformation process so that the goals can be achieved at many levels.
Q: And how do you think technology evolve in construction over the next decade? What impact do you think the changes it will bring about will have?
A: I think technology will continue to significantly impact the construction sector over the next decade. With the continued development of tools and software for BIM, as well as the increasing use of automation and robotics on construction sites, we can expect to see more efficient and cost-effective construction processes. In addition, virtual and augmented reality technologies are likely to become more prevalent in planning and phases, allowing for more effective collaboration and communication between stakeholders.
“The successful integration of new technologies in construction will require a collaborative effort between industry, academia, and government to ensure that the workforce is adequately trained and prepared for the future.”
However, these changes will also have an impact on the workforce. Many jobs in the AEC industry may be automated or require new skills and training to adapt to new technologies. It is important for educational organisations, such as universities, to adapt their programs to help prepare the next generation for these changes. The successful integration of new technologies in the construction sector will require a collaborative effort between industry, academia, and government to ensure that the workforce is adequately trained and prepared for the future.
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