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Representative Image (Photo Courtesy: RICS SBE)

Digital Skills in the Built Environment Sector

Jan 23, 2025

New Delhi [India], January 23 (ANI): The built environment sector, which includes fields like architecture, engineering, construction, urban planning, and facilities management, has traditionally relied on manual processes and physical models.
But times are changing. The rise of digital technologies--such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Digital Twin technologies--has transformed how we design, manage, and optimize spaces. These technologies have not just streamlined processes, they have revolutionized how businesses work and make decisions.
Digital tools are now empowering professionals to make more informed decisions, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance collaboration. Take BIM, for example: architects and engineers can now collaborate effortlessly, visualize designs in 3D, and identify potential issues before construction even begins. Similarly, GIS helps urban planners make data-driven decisions about land use, transportation, and sustainability. AI is stepping in to forecast equipment failures by analyzing sensor data, optimizing HVAC systems in smart buildings, and assessing construction risks. These technologies enable proactive, intelligent decisions that minimize delays and improve overall outcomes.
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, mastering digital skills is no longer optional--it's essential for students aiming to stand out and succeed. Emerging technologies are transforming industries, driving innovation, and fostering sustainability, making them invaluable in fields such as engineering, urban planning, healthcare, and logistics. By gaining proficiency in these areas, students acquire a multidisciplinary skill set that empowers them to tackle complex problems, improve project management, and make data-driven decisions. Beyond providing a competitive edge, these skills open doors to global career opportunities while contributing to a sustainable future.
A school that is working towards this transformation is RICS School of Built Environment (RICS SBE), Amity University.
A spokesperson for the University said, "RICS SBE proudly stands as India's first Built Environment School, established in 2013, by the prestigious professional body of 150 years legacy, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), United Kingdom in affiliation with Amity University. RICS SBE with campuses in Noida and Mumbai offers industry led, internationally accredited programs of MBA in Construction Project Management, Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying, and Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure, as well as BBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure, PG Diploma in Facilities Management and the PhD programme."
"These programs are designed to prepare students for success in this dynamic and ever-changing field. Collaborations with leading companies provide students with exceptional opportunities for internships, placements, and live projects, while international exchange programs enhance their global exposure and career prospects. Programs, internationally accredited by RICS (UK) and Project Management Institute (PMI - US), reflect the commitment of the School to educational excellence and for shaping future leaders in the real estate and construction sector," the spokesperson further elaborated.
By combining a focus on digital proficiency, sustainability, and practical knowledge, RICS SBE equips students to navigate and excel in the challenges of tomorrow, creating meaningful impacts in their careers and the world. (ANI)