The View from Another Side of the World

Recently, I had the privilege of participating as a judge in the Big 5 Global Impact Awards, a prestigious event created to inspire the construction industry across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. 

The categories I judged — Impact Leadership Team of the Year Award and Modular Construction Project of the Year — offered insights into how governments and businesses are rising to meet today’s pressing demands for sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. 

The Impact Leadership Team of the Year Award showcases companies that are not only leading projects but also leading movements. These organizations are rethinking leadership in ways that emphasize inclusion, diversity, and team collaboration. It was inspiring to see how these teams are breaking new ground, not just in building structures, but in building a culture that fosters innovation and progress.

The Modular Construction Project of the Year highlights the growing trend of modularity in construction. Modular projects are gaining momentum worldwide, but what struck me was how companies in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are leveraging modular construction to tackle unique environmental, economic, and societal challenges. The projects included large residential development, a hotel, and even the central building for a Global Reserve – the King Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. These projects demonstrate how modular construction can not only save time and resources but also provide flexible, scalable solutions for rapidly growing urban areas.

The Big 5 Global Impact Awards categories as a whole delve into a wide array of significant topics--from livable cities of the future and sustainable construction practices to inclusion, heritage conservation, and circular economy principles. The organizations and individuals leading these efforts are making remarkable strides in technology and digitization, enabling construction processes that are both smarter and greener.

As judges, we were tasked with evaluating how these projects align with the industry’s evolving needs—such as creating more sustainable, livable cities and addressing long-term environmental challenges. Seeing how each entry embraced these goals was both eye-opening and motivating. From this vantage point, I witnessed the powerful influence that regional innovation is having on the global construction industry. The leadership and modular projects I reviewed offered lessons and ideas that could benefit regions beyond the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It's clear that while the challenges might differ by region, the passion for creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking industry is shared globally.

All of the projects are impressive. One was sheer joy. Pictured above is Teamlab a project of the The Ministry of Culture - Saudi Arabia located in the Jeddah historical district, one of the finalists. It is a remarkable project that blurs the lines between architecture, art, technology, and nature in an immersive experience. This project doesn't just create a building or a space — it creates an experience that seamlessly integrates natural elements with cutting-edge technology and artistic expression. The result is a breathtaking example of how our built environments can transcend traditional boundaries and offer something truly unique. Click on the video above to enjoy the experience. Winners will be announced on November 27, 2024.

The winners of the Big 5 Global Impact Awards will be announced on November 27, 2024.