Keeping up with changing technologies: The nexus between architecture and engineering

¹ Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 10105, Nigeria
² School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK

^* Corresponding author: chukwuemerie.achara@unn.edu.ng

Abstract

Advancements in technology are fundamentally transforming architectural and engineering domains within the building and construction sector. This study investigates the intersection of both fields in assimilating emerging innovations by eliciting empirical perspectives from practitioners. Embracing a quantitative approach, a survey was conducted among 203 architects and 392 engineers within Enugu metropolis, Nigeria using proportionate random sampling. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, revealing insights into awareness, perception, and collaboration concerning emerging technologies. Findings revealed high awareness but uneven adoption of building information modeling tools, with 97.3% of architects employing them versus only 25.4% of engineers. Although virtual reality and cloud-based platforms showed promise for enhancing project coordination, actual usage lagged significantly, likely owing to systemic and attitudinal barriers. However, respondents strongly endorsed tighter, technologically unified partnerships to smooth industry transformation, necessitating digital literacy interventions, supportive policy and binding protocols bridging persistent digital divides stalling seamless innovation diffusion along construction value chains.