Over the past decade, the impacts of technology on the construction sector have been profound. This trend presents significant challenges for construction firms in an environment characterised by skilled labor shortages and an aging workforce that tends to struggle to accept new technology. The purpose of this research is to determine the types of technologies that are being used by Auckland construction firms, the challenges that they face as they adopt new technologies, and the impact of technology on the construction workforce.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city which also has the largest concentration of creative sector employment and businesses in the country. This study examines the spatial logic of firms in the design creative subsector in inner Auckland to gain better understanding of the ways in which place, space, and built form determine location choices. Firms' attributes are also analysed with the aim of ascertaining whether firms with shared characteristics have similar spatial behaviour. Despite a high degree of spatial clustering, the unequal distribution of firms across inner Auckland suggests that some areas, such as Parnell, are favoured more than others. Parnell's unique heritage built environment was identified as a location factor that has appealed to architects, designers, and advertisers and has contributed to the formation of the area's creative clusters. The quality of Parnell's built environment was associated with place reputation and image branding which was an important part of creating firm's identity. A central location and the attractiveness of an amenities-rich local environment also played a role in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the results also suggest that firms that possess common characteristics have similar spatial logic and make similar location choices.
Abstract-The conversion of former industrial buildings and identifying heritage as a commodity has become a pervasive trend, especially over the last decade. Adaptive re-use of old industrial buildings is often seen as an alternative to demolition and replacement and as the primary development solution for an existing building when it no longer meets expectations. Building adaptation plays an important role in urban regeneration through the preservation of urban heritage while achieving major economic benefits. The aim of this paper is to examine the key areas of consideration involved in the conversion of former industrial buildings in a new large-scale precinct in Auckland's CBD (central business district). A case study research, which employs multiple sources of empirical evidence, such as fieldwork, documentary research and semi-structured interviews, was considered most appropriate as it offered a multi-faceted approach to the research investigation. The findings of the study indicate that preserving historical character through adequate design approaches was the main area of consideration for all parties -the architect, structural engineer, urban planner, heritage advisor and property developers. However, creating economic value and commercial potential through careful financial considerations was also particularly important for the property developers. Furthermore, this study identified that property developers, responsible for the initial physical upgrading of old buildings, played a leading role in urban redevelopment and were the main initiators of urban transformation. Until recently, adaptive re-use has received limited attention in New Zealand as new builds have been perceived as the sole answer to client demands. However, building adaptation is proving to be an effective alternative in urban regeneration campaigns through the creation of attractive work environments. This research provides the foundations for an overall integrated approach to adaptive re-use which is at the heart of post-industrial real estate development driven by proactive property developers.
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