Construction, once dominated by manual labour and traditional practices, has undergone a profound transformation with the rise of advanced technologies. Gone are the days of relying solely on physical blueprints and segmented planning. Today, innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have revolutionised the industry, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Husseini Musa Kehinde, an award-winning digital construction specialist, recently shared insights into his journey and vision for the sector in an interview with TechCabal. He emphasised his belief in the untapped potential of construction to drive global change.
“For me, advanced technology is not just a tool; it’s a means to build smarter, more resilient communities,” Husseini stated. His approach centres on merging innovation with sustainability, ensuring that projects benefit the environment and society.
With a background in quantity surveying and construction project management, Husseini’s career has been marked by a drive to challenge the traditional norms of the industry. His work on the UK’s High Speed 2 (HS2) project, one of Europe’s largest infrastructure undertakings, showcases his expertise. HS2, designed to connect London with major UK cities, aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times. Working with Bouygues Construction, Husseini helped modernise cost management practices using digital tools, significantly boosting project performance and accountability.
Husseini played a key role in digitalising contract administration, streamlining the management of multiple work packages. By leveraging cloud-based platforms, he improved communication, enhanced efficiency, and provided real-time data access. His use of digital tools enabled precise cost control and reporting, contributing to value assessments that strengthened financial audits and transparency.
One of Husseini’s most impactful contributions was to the HS2 project’s Carbon Reduction Initiative. By employing BIM technology, he conducted a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis, which informed strategies to lower emissions. His work in optimiszing haul routes, reducing machinery idle time, and conducting cut-and-fill balance assessments helped decrease reliance on carbon-heavy transport and significantly cut down truck journeys. These efforts supported the project’s ambitious goal of saving 80,000 tons of carbon emissions.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Husseini has received recognition at national and international levels, including the African Icon of Our Generation Award and the National Outstanding Leadership Award, celebrating his dedication to sustainable construction practices and his growing influence within the industry.
Looking ahead, Husseini is optimistic about the future of construction. He believes the integration of advanced technologies will redefine not just how structures are built, but how entire communities can be developed to be future-ready and sustainable.
“I believe we’re at a pivotal moment in construction,” he reflected. “The integration of AI, BIM, and IoT holds the power to redefine how we build, creating smart infrastructures and communities that are not only sustainable but also prepared for the future.”
Through his vision and innovative approach, Husseini Musa Kehinde continues to shape the construction sector, leveraging technology to build a better, more sustainable world.
