Construcciones Yamaro: Introducing the finalists of the 2024 Autodesk Challenge Cup

The 2024 Autodesk Challenge Cup finalists have been announced. (Image: Autodesk)

This year’s 2024 Autodesk Challenge Cup featured 11 cross-disciplinary teams from Australian universities, all tackling the theme of Smart Building; Connected Communities. The event, facilitated by prefabAUS, a peak body for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, showcased innovative solutions from across the nation.

In the first half of 2024, students – Australia’s future leaders in built design – worked on solutions to address the challenge: “How can ‘Smart Building’ connect communities, deliver social capital and foster positive health and wellbeing outcomes?”

The teams were asked to explore how “smart” building practices could be used to create an architectural intervention that supports real intergenerational connections in built environment programs. They were then tasked with designing a medium-rise accommodation typology of between three to six storeys, co-located with intergenerational shared education and/or community health services. Their efforts were in pursuit of winning the Challenge Cup, with the finalists now announced.

The finalists

Hexa – Deakin University (Victoria)

The Living Bridge, an innovative six-storey structure, showcases cost-effective and eco-friendly design. Utilising advanced prefabrication and modular offsite construction technologies, this project exemplifies the principles of Industry 4.0 and emerging construction strategies. It demonstrates how new technologies can enhance mobility, adaptability and agile design results for living spaces.

Intersected Generations – Curtin University (Western Australia)

‘Intersected Generations’ is a four-storey mixed-use residential complex located at an entry point of Curtin University, specialising in multigenerational and student accommodation. It benefits from modular construction due to the site’s dynamism and the time-saving aspects associated with prefabricated buildings.

Modular Makers – Western Sydney University (New South Wales)

The FlexiGrid Pavilion, located within the Georges River Council area in NSW, represents a pioneering approach in modular and prefabricated construction. It is designed to address the evolving needs of urban communities by providing versatile and adaptable spaces for residential and communal functions. This innovative concept integrates advanced building information modelling (BIM) and sustainability principles to create a smart, efficient and environmentally conscious structure.

The Challenge Cup

Now in its fifth year and sponsored by Autodesk, the Challenge Cup offers teams the chance to showcase the value and versatility of prefabrication and modern construction methods (smart building). The competition encourages creative solutions that surpass traditional construction approaches.

Damien Crough, executive chair of prefabAUS, expressed enthusiasm for partnering in a competition that involves the next generation of Australia’s built environment professionals.

“This year’s challenge is incredibly timely as we grapple with housing scarcity and affordability, and we know that the usual way of building is no longer cutting it,” said Crough.

“These teams have embraced digital design and advanced manufacturing techniques that demonstrate time and waste savings and enhanced building performance through embracing prefabrication and modular building techniques.”

Allan Chalmers, senior business development executive at Autodesk, noted his excitement about unveiling another group of innovative finalists for the Challenge Cup.

“The way the AEC industry works today is not sustainable or scalable,” said Chalmers. “For the industry to keep pace, it needs to build more projects in a faster and more sustainable way.”

“The answer is industrialised construction, being able to connect design and make from day one – resulting in faster, high-quality projects with less waste.

“The quality and level of innovation amongst teams has been incredible and we congratulate the finalists, Australia’s next generation of built design professionals, on their exceptional efforts and innovation.”

The winning team and place getters will be named at the annual prefabAUS conference, Offsite, on 28 August 2024 in Sydney.

The post Introducing the finalists of the 2024 Autodesk Challenge Cup appeared first on Inside Construction.

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