Industry&Talks

As the industrial ecosystem of the European construction sector, Metabuilding promotes innovation and the emergence of new technologies for a sustainable, connected, resilient, scalable, competitive, durable, and inclusive Built Environment.

Metabuilding Labs is an Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB) for the Built environment, providing over 100 testing infrastructures, capabilities, and services essential for developing, testing, certificating, and scaling-up new construction components.

This architectural project addresses the renovation and modernization of the headquarters building of the Department of Vocational Training in Rabat, with a focus on biohabitability and energy efficiency. The intervention proposes both an aesthetic and functional update of the building, incorporating a green façade and a double stone skin to improve thermal and acoustic performance. In addition, the interior layout is optimized to promote transparency and flexibility, incorporating universal accessibility standards. The sustainability strategy includes the use of renewable energy, efficient water management, and reduced environmental impact during the construction process. This project aims not only to modernize the building’s institutional image but also to enhance the comfort and well-being of its occupants through innovative and ecological architectural solutions.

Trends, processes, and challenges faced by Portuguese architects in a context of housing crisis, moderate economic growth, and a paradigm shift in the construction sector, marked by the emergence of artificial intelligence and the urgent need to reverse climate change.

As architects, we shape the future, but what if AI could supercharge our creativity and efficiency? In this session, we showcase how Dewan Architects + Engineers is developing proprietary AI Assistants to streamline workflows, enhance design precision, and free up time for innovation and creativity. Join us to explore how AI is not a gimmick and not just a tool but a creative ally in transforming the way we design.

This keynote will explore the commitment of the Ordine degli Ingegneri di Bologna to promoting a technical culture focused on sustainability in construction. It will examine the real impact of nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB) from both environmental and social perspectives, including how they are perceived by residents and real estate professionals. The presentation will also highlight key data from the Nomisma – OIBO 2023 report and emphasize the strategic role of engineering in sustainable design and renovation.

We explore how Salas and Molins are redefining the landscape of industrialized social housing. Through real cases and concrete solutions, we will demonstrate how to tackle any construction challenge with efficient, sustainable, and high-impact systems: from industrialized building systems to low-carbon flooring or structural rehabilitation. Because building better also means building for everyone.

In line with the requirements of the new European directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD), which will set Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits for buildings over their life cycle—making this a mandatory criterion in new construction projects—this talk will present low-environmental-impact concrete solutions already available in the market, based on lower-carbon-footprint cements. It will also introduce a design guide developed by IECA to help achieve concrete buildings with minimized environmental impact.

Europe aims for a decarbonized building stock by 2050, with key milestones in the short and medium term. Spain is targeting the rehabilitation of over 350,000 homes annually. This session will present CGATE’s perspective on the future of rehabilitation in Spain.

Public authorities play a key role in generating energy savings in the building sector.

Directly, through the management of public real estate assets, which can undergo energy renovation actions.

And indirectly, by promoting subsidy schemes for energy-efficient renovation.

Following the severe flooding episode in Valencia caused by the DANA storm on October 29, the College of Civil Engineers, in collaboration with the College of Technical Engineering in Public and Civil Works, is organizing this roundtable to analyze climate mitigation and resilience policies in response to extreme weather events.

"Storms and Droughts" addresses the importance of water management in urban design, a key aspect in today’s climate change context. It explores how sustainable design principles can help mitigate the effects of extreme weather events through solutions that enhance city resilience and the well-being of residents. Using representative examples from Batlleiroig, the session presents innovative strategies to integrate water as a fundamental element in urban planning.

Jose Luis Santa Isabel de Castro will analyse the causes, effects and solutions of the Spanish floods that recently affected the Valencian Community, reflecting on their impact on the city and the strategies needed to strenghten urban resilience. A session organised by the Spanish Construction Confederation (or CNC, as per its Spanish initials) and FECOVAL in the framework of Construmat.

A unique "rehabilitation" by b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos: On top of a base created after the partial demolition of the pre-existing building, a new efficient, representative, and functional structure is built, featuring a modular prefabricated façade made of elements adapted to different climate and lighting conditions.

The core concept of SNUG is to develop an innovative methodology to support builders and architects during the design and planning phases of renovation works or new construction. It helps select the optimal combination of materials, solutions, and thermal insulation layout to maximize the reduction of GHG emissions over the building’s lifetime. In this sense, the project aims to develop and demonstrate a methodology that assists planners in maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Can you imagine a world where the construction sector has come to a standstill? CIONITIA invites young people to take part in an escape box, solving challenges while having fun and learning the core values of the construction sector. Gamification and innovation at the service of a sector that must renew itself to connect with younger audiences.

Despite the strong performance of the construction sector in recent years, it faces major challenges in finding workers to carry out construction projects—particularly among young people. This issue is exacerbated by the underrepresentation of women in construction and the aging workforce, for which there is no generational replacement. Projects like PACT4YOUTH and Foundations for Employment are launching a range of training and employment initiatives aimed at reversing this situation.

How can corporate social impact initiatives unlock talent, build more inclusive industries, and create long-term value for communities? This session explores the key insights gained from Limak Holding's experience on social impact initiatives, with a focus on the Global Engineer Girls program– supporting young women to pursue careers in STEM. It highlights how businesses can move beyond traditional CSR to create lasting change in the construction and engineering sectors, proving that genuine impact and business success are not mutually exclusive.