Design, engineering, and construction consulting firm Aecom has launched an interactive web-based tool to help its clients consult stakeholders via computers and mobile devices.
The tool will allow Aecom clients to engage with stakeholders who cannot attend in-person consultation meetings – which is the reality in today’s pandemic context.
“In the face of unprecedented challenges, it was critical that we create a seamless digital environment to visualize projects, meet virtually and bring communities together in partnership with our clients around the world,” said Kevin Carlson, Aecom’s global lead for digital transformation.
The platform’s virtual events can provide materials to participants, including virtual reality demos, videos, maps, and plans. Users can give instant feedback that can be saved and analyzed, and there is also a chat function where experts can answer questions as visitors peruse the materials.
“The use of digital engagement tools enables stakeholders and communities to understand proposals, allowing them to provide an informed response and participate in the consultation process. This tool will allow that process to reach a wider audience, allowing more widespread buy-in for major infrastructure projects,” Andy Thomas, Aecom’s head of visualisation & VR in EMEA, said.
Aecom clients such as Public Health England and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have already signed up to use the consultation tool.
The firm also announced that it is supporting USACE with work on a temporary medical facility in Long Island. Aecom is delivering design and construction management services to convert a university facility at SUNY, College at Old Westbury into a medical facility with more than 1,000 beds.
The FEMA project – driven by the pandemic’s strain on New York health care resources – is expected to be completed by April 20, 2020.