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This paper presents results of a research project investigating challenges related to user involvement in complex construction projects. Building upon specific experiences from the development project of the NTNU Campus in Trondheim, Norway, we focus on how the involvement of a broadly heterogeneous user groups has been tackled and how it was perceived by them. By mapping the experiences and processes within the Campus Project and analyzing them according to the placemaking theoretical framework, we identify the critical factors for successful user involvement processes. This provides a basis for establishing more effective user involvement processes and methods and contributes to a better involvement of NTNU’s heterogeneous user groups. User Involvement in the Development of Campus Project in the COVID-19 Period

Blue-collar workers are generally more susceptible to specific health conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, among which back pain is a significant problem for older workers. This study presents the design of a smart insole system developed as a part of the research and the practicality of its use in the construction industry, including an evaluation of its benefits and limitations. Pressure sensors in the soles generate heatmaps that allow us to identify incorrect posture using an adaptable Artificial Intelligence lifting engine. The data is used to evaluate the lifting actions in real-time and preemptively warn the individuals. Using the principles of participatory design as a starting point, the pilot phase, and testing of the solution, the pre-use survey was conducted among construction workers to understand their experience while interacting with the solution. The user testing period was followed by the feedback and evaluation period, which included getting informal feedback on the system. While it has shown the promise of a new solution, it still needs improved robustness and simpler instructions. Some minor technical challenges must be addressed before moving to the commercial stage. The results are used to evaluate further, improve the system, and make decisions in the product design. Developing an AI-powered smart insole system to reduce the possibility of back pain among older workers: lessons from the Norwegian construction industry

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how citizen participation as part of Urban Facility Management both as a consideration and practical application can contribute to the positive development of human-centred Smart Neighbourhoods. Through a combination of desk research and data from an ongoing research project in Norway, this paper will use literature to provide a theoretical link between these concepts whilst also showing how this link can be demonstrated in real work projects in the Norwegian Municipality of Lier. The findings illustrate that Facilities Management-focused urban planning processes allow for citizenoptimized communities, well planned and easy-to-implement maintenance strategies that ensure the long-term viability of Smart and Sustainable Cities. The results of this paper can be important for the development of Urban FM as a field, the reorientation of FM as not just a building level concept, but community level and has applicability to the fields of FM, architecture, urban planning, and Smart Cities. Get smart: the importance of urban facilities management to smart neighbourhoods and their citizens in a project’s early stages The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how citizen participation as part of Urban Facility Management both as a consideration and practical application can contribute to the positive development of human-centred Smart Neighbourhoods. Through a combination of desk research and data from an ongoing research project in Norway, this paper will use literature to provide a theoretical link between these concepts whilst also showing how this link can be demonstrated in real work projects in the Norwegian Municipality of Lier. The findings illustrate that Facilities Management-focused urban planning processes allow for citizen-optimized communities, well planned and easy-to-implement maintenance strategies that ensure the long-term viability of Smart and Sustainable Cities. The results of this paper can be important for the development of Urban FM as a field, the reorientation of FM as not just a building level concept, but community level and has applicability to the fields of FM, architecture, urban planning, and Smart Cities.

In Turkey, facility management (FM) appears to be developing at high rate in last two decades. Unlike in Europe, this situation stems from the delays in the development of standards and the acceptance of FM as a profession in the field by private and public institutions. However, the current FM market in Turkey has been developing gradually with the significant increase in the share of employment. This study aims to gain a qualitative understanding of the complexities in the FM sector and developing a mature FM market across Turkey. Various data has been collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and official records from the relevant institutions. The research results represent the perceptions of various stakeholders employed in several businesses and research institutions, regarding its key challenges and opportunities of the business environment in FM organizations, FM supply market, professional bodies, FM education, and FM research. The main findings of the study revealed that institutionalization of FM business in both public and private sector should be developed as well as outsourcing of services, agreement design and determination performance indicators. The market analysis provides valuable information for decision makers and FM organizations.