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ISSUE 01
From jobsite innovation to sustainable design, this issue brings you real projects, bold ideas, and what’s just ahead for the AEC world.
Here’s what we’re exploring:
Before We Start... What if you could bring your toughest professional challenge — and have a group of sharp minds help you solve it, while you do the same for them? On August 12 at 12 PM PDT, join us online for The Hot Seat Mastermind — a collaborative session where every participant shares, listens, and co-creates real solutions for real challenges.
The Construction You Can’t Hear (or Breathe)The Chinese Dome That Muffles Machines and Blocks DustCan a construction site be quiet and clean?
In Jinan, China, it already is.
A massive inflatable dome now swallows an entire construction site, muffling the roar of heavy machinery and cutting up to 90% of dust. Rain, snow, strong winds? No problem — the structure holds up and keeps the chaos inside. It’s a glimpse of how cities could build without disturbing life outside the fence.
Standing 50 meters (164 feet) tall and covering 20,000 m² (215,000 ft²), this isn’t just a technical feat — it’s a bold experiment in urban sustainability. With smart systems that monitor air quality and temperature, it creates a sealed environment where machines work full blast while the neighbourhood barely notices.
Is this the future of construction in dense cities? Not quite — the price tag is still steep. But Jinan’s dome hints at what’s possible when innovation meets urban responsibility.
AI Agents Are Coming to the JobsiteWhat Trunk Tools’ $40M Raise Signals About the Future of ConstructionAutonomous AI agents are no longer a distant promise — they’re already reshaping how job sites operate. Trunk Tools, founded by carpenter-turned-PhD Dr. Sarah Buchner, recently raised $40 million to scale its AI-native platform. This milestone highlights a broader shift in the construction industry: moving from static digital tools to intelligent systems that actively support real-time decision-making.
Unlike traditional software that simply stores data, Trunk Tools’ technology can read, interpret, and act on construction documents. Teams can ask questions in plain language, detect risks across schedules and specs, and automate routine tasks such as RFI tracking and submittal reviews. By integrating with tools like Procore, Autodesk, and SharePoint, it becomes a single intelligent access point across the entire project lifecycle.
This signals a turning point in the AEC sector: the rise of AI agents that don’t just digitize workflows — they transform them. From surfacing insights buried in technical documents to flagging compliance issues and streamlining coordination, these sy
stems are enabling teams to move faster, cut risk, and make smarter calls.
In a $13 trillion industry still playing digital catch-up, AI agents like these aren’t just helpful — they’re inevitable.
A Home That Breathes the Forest
By Innovate Design Collective
Built on a densely forested site in North Saanich, British Columbia, this 3,000 sq ft home was designed with minimal site disturbance and maximum performance in mind. The team preserved native vegetation, carefully managed staging, and prioritized energy efficiency — reaching Step Code Four with continuous exterior insulation, under-slab protection, and seismic upgrades.The result: a resilient, low-impact residence that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.EXPLORE THIS PROJECT »»
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