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Featured in the Sikla 2024/2025 Magazine, we spotlight a discussion between two influential figures shaping the future of engineering and new technologies: Professor Tom Philipps and Thomas Bernard.
Professor Philipps teaches Industrial Design at the University of Darmstadt, with a focus on conceptual and technical design. He also leads the research group for Innovative Products and Systems (FIPS) at GFTN e.V.
Thomas Bernard serves as the Managing Director of Sikla GmbH and Head of Region for West & Northern Europe, where he leads the company’s strategic direction and innovative solutions that are reshaping the construction industry.
Together, they explore how strategic collaboration between universities and industry is essential for developing innovation in construction through technologies, methodologies and sustainability. Their insights reflect Sikla's commitment to simplifying project implementation while staying ahead of the futures demands.
How quickly is our everyday life changing and what impact is this having on the construction industry?
Tom Philipps: I like to refer to Moore’s Law from 1965 (Gordon Moore, *1929, San Francisco, USA), which states that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles every two years. This exponential growth in computing power is a key driver of technological progress in our era. The challenge is to keep up with these advancements and use available resources efficiently. The rapid technological development and sustainability regulations present a wide range of new opportunities and perspectives.
Thomas: The economy and society are experiencing a profound digital transformation. To shape the future, we need to work together, especially as the framework conditions are rapidly evolving. New buildings are becoming increasingly complex and therefore require a high level of expertise and close cooperation among all stakeholders. Digitalisation can significantly contribute here and promote innovation. It is no surprise that the Internet of Things (IoT) is quickly integrating into the construction industry by providing access to real-time information at every stage of a project through a network of internet-connected devices that centralise data.
Thomas Bernard of Sikla GmbH (left) and Professor Tom Phillips of University of Darmstadt (right)
How do we as individuals, a society and as a company deal with it?
Tom Philipps: Everyone can contribute to creating a more sustainable world. By using our resources responsibly, each person can contribute. When everyone works together, these efforts have a significant impact on protecting our planet as an ecological, economic and social system. Promoting this awareness is a key aspect of my training and my research projects.
Thomas: Sikla works closely with universities and customers internationally in the research and development of new solutions. We are committed to using digitalisation as a tool and a method to create added value for our customers. Our vision is to make the digital construction site a reality. As pioneers in modular pipe support systems, we were and are an essential part of these changes.
How crucial is the collaboration between the industry and universities, and what role does innovation play in the construction industry?
Tom Philipps: Collaboration between the industry and universities is essential when it comes to developing new technologies and solutions. For me, the two main aspects – synergies and economic benefits – take centre stage. Universities contribute in-depth theoretical knowledge and applied research methods. Industry has practical experience and knowledge about the markets requirements. Collaboration accelerates innovation processes and strengthens competitiveness. Cooperation can take many forms: such as joint research and development projects, knowledge transfer and training sessions, or innovation networks and the shared use of resources.
Thomas: We value these collaborations and use the broad spectrum of expertise and the exchange of knowledge for our innovation processes. An example of the importance of innovation is our new siMetrix click system. To compensate for the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry, we focus on systems that are easy to assemble and can be planned digitally. With siMetrix, both the assembly and the complexity of 3D planning is significantly reduced. We focus on developing digitally usable components that have the required product data, approvals and environmental certificates.
The new siMetrix modular system, launched in October 2024
What role does sustainability play in the construction industry and what steps are Sikla taking to promote sustainable practices?
Tom Philipps: Sustainability in the construction industry is essential for addressing environmental, economic and social challenges. Companies like Sikla are pivotal in promoting sustainable practices and developing innovative and environmentally friendly products. These include, for example, modular construction methods that reduce material consumption and use recyclable materials. These measures not only contribute to reducing our environmental impact but strengthens Sikla’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company.
Thomas: In times of sustainability, efficiency and increasing legal requirements, holistic planning and construction are becoming crucial. All aspects of a project from planning and manufacturing to assembly and for industrial projects, even though to the commissioning and the lifecycle phase, must be considered. Our ambitious quality and sustainability goals are reflected in our activities and customer projects. We believe that environmental certifications such as EcoVadis, the ISO 14001 environmental management system and approvals, such as the ETA for siFramo, will be essential for future project execution. Sikla is well positioned to support our customers in meeting these requirements.
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