University of Huddersfield to partner with one of world’s top 50 construction firms

Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) is set to sign a five-year MoU with the University of Huddersfield to develop the company’s use of new technology.

The university is to seal a close collaboration with BCEG in a deal which will also provide opportunities for research staff and students, including work placements and possible employment.

BCEG, which is ranked as one of the world’s top 50 contractors, employing around 20,000 globally, has launched a UK division.

When the company became part of a consortium investing £800m in Manchester Airport City to develop surrounding business, the news was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in person.

Now a Memorandum of Understanding has been drawn up between BCEG UK and the University of Huddersfield, where staff and students at the School of Art, Design and Architecture have developed expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM).

This is a cutting-edge approach that involves the use of digital technology during the design and construction process, leading to huge gains in efficiency. The UK Government has described it as a “game changer” for the industry and issued an official document on its potential.

Song Wu, who is Professor of Surveying and IT at the University of Huddersfield, said: “BIM improves collaboration at the design stage, reduces changes during construction and also improves facility management at the operational stage.”

The key objectives of the five-year Memorandum of Understanding with BCEG, are to develop the construction giant’s expertise in lean construction, healthcare infrastructure and capacity in BIM. This will be done by holding workshops, live projects and will be boosted by research from University staff and students.

Joint projects will be developed, events will be held and there will be placement opportunities at BCEG for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University, where the School of Art, Design and Architecture has a new MSc course, entitled Design Integration and Building Information Modelling, launched in September 2015.

Another of the areas of co-operation drawn up as part of the Memorandum of Understanding is the possibility of full-time posts with BCEG for graduates of the University.

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