MET Construction Symposium Series: Construction at BU

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twin technologies is reshaping design, procurement, construction, operations and other aspects of the built environment. This half-day symposium will bring together industry practitioners, academics, and students to explore emerging technologies and their implications for project delivery, workforce skills, safety, and sustainability.

Hosted by BU Metropolitan College's Construction Management and Technology program, the event aims to:

• Strengthen industry–university collaboration and create networking opportunities for students, alumni and professionals.
• Showcase applied research and practice at the interface of AI, robotics and digital twins.
• Stimulate interdisciplinary discussion on the transformation of the construction industry with core project management principles.
  

Intended Audience

• Construction and architecture professionals (project managers, engineers, contractors)
• Technology providers and start-ups (AI, robotics, digital twin platforms)
• Academics and researchers in construction, architecture, engineering and computer science
• BU students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and alumni
  

Outcomes and Deliverables

• A shared understanding of current and near-term applications of AI, robotics, and digital twins in construction
• Practical insights into how BU applies emerging technologies in capital planning and project delivery
• Clearer pathways for students pursuing careers in Construction Technology, with strengthened alumni–student engagement
• Identification of research and industry collaboration opportunities, along with recommendations for curriculum enhancement and skills development
• Agreed follow-up actions, including a potential workshop series, student-led projects, industry placements, and joint research proposals

Info: The AI Paradox in the Built Environment: Innovation, Impact, and Responsibility – Mike Cipriano, Vijay Kanabar, Rich Maltzman, Mary Willis

Info: Tanya Zlateva,
Dean, Metropolitan College & Extended Education,
Boston University

Info: Vijay Kanabar,
Director, Project Management Programs, BU
Metropolitan College

Info: Anil Sawhney, Visiting Professor, Boston University

Info: Aleksey Chuprov,
Senior Vice President, Data & IT, Suffolk

Info: Mahesh Daas, DPACSA,
President, ACSA Distinguished Professor, Boston
Architectural College

Info: Michelle Maheu,
Associate Vice President, Planning, Design &
Construction, Boston University

Info: Topics: Current State, Outlook, and Pathways into the Profession | Panelists: Chris Halliday, Shawmut Design and Construction; Andrew Woodward, Suffolk; Ryan Cleverdon, Turner Construction Company; Paul J. Tyrell, HDR; Kristine C. Gorman, Parsons | Moderator: Anil Sawhney

Info: DBIA Overview – Paul J. Tyrell, HDR; Kristine C. Gorman, Parsons

Info: Debra Pothier, Principal, AECO Strategy, Autodesk

Info: James Chambers,
Director, Global Industry Development, Bluebeam

Info: Ernesto Rivera (Boston University ’26); Estiven Lezama (Harvard ’27); David Santana (MIT ’27); Mohamed Mohamed (UMass Boston ’27)

Info: Rich Maltzman, BU Metropolitan College

Info: Informal networking and discussions

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Host or Publisher Boston University Metropolitan College