The construction industry in Qatar has been expanding at a rapid pace in recent years, but a regional diplomatic crisis could greatly undermine the industry’s growth prospects.
The general economic outlook for the Eastern Europe region is improving, with growth momentum building. In terms of construction output, many countries in the region posted strong growth figures over the first five months of 2017, following sharp declines over 2016. These markets rely heavily on funds from the European Union (EU) to finance ongoing major infrastructure and other public projects. In 2016, such funds stalled, and many projects in the region were put on hold. Indeed, there was a halt in investment spending across much of Europe, as the 2014-2020 funding period was delayed significantly, and, generally, the release of funds was delayed until early 2017. The stoppage in public funds had a much wider impact; private construction projects were also delayed, and it weighed on the broader economy over the year.
Olti Gjomema, construction industry analyst at Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center, presents Donald Trump, the builder along with some of his property investments.
An ongoing and potentially revolutionary innovation within construction is the growth of modular buildings. Modular buildings are defined as prefabricated structures consisting of multiple sections termed modules. Modular construction differs from traditional forms of construction due to the fact that module sections are completed offsite before being transported to the construction site, where they are then positioned into place.
Danny Richards, lead economist at Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center, examines the potential positive effect Donald Trump’s surprise victory could have on the US construction sector.
Darren Hook, managing director of English Heritage Buildings, discusses Green Oak as the superior building material and why it is good for the environment.
The analysts at Timetric's Construction Intelligence Center report on the current state of the UK housing market, and what's to come.
There’s no doubt that for the idea of the Northern Powerhouse to become a reality we need better infrastructure in the North, and we need it fast. But how do we build the schools, houses, hospitals, rail stations and other buildings we need across the region quicker and cheaper, without sacrificing quality? John Edwards at Atkins Group looks at solutions.
One critically important, but perhaps under discussed, area of the Northern Powerhouse is energy. In particular, where will it be generated, what technologies will be used now and in the future and how will it be decarbonised? And most importantly, how will it be distributed effectively and efficiently across the Northern Powerhouse. Paul Yates at Atkins Group discusses.