First public lecture topic Tuesday 28th April : Facilitating Sustainability through Modern Methods of Construction
Abstract
This lecture explores the transformative potential of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Offsite Manufacturing (OSM) in advancing sustainability in the built environment. Associate Professor Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar will discuss how these innovative approaches can deliver more efficient, customised, and resilient construction solutions, while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The session will examine how digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, and AI-enabled systems are being integrated with MMC to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance quality, and strengthen the sustainability and resilience of construction projects. It will also reflect on the wider opportunities and challenges of adopting MMC and offsite approaches across the sector. Drawing on current research and industry perspectives, the lecture will highlight how innovation in construction methods can help shape a smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready built environment. The presentation is informed by research undertaken within the Modern Methods of Construction and Automation in Built Environment (MOCABE) Research Group at the School of Built Environment, Massey University, led by Associate Professor Jelodar.
Second public lecture topic Thursday 30th April: BIM integration in Modern Methods of Construction and the Built Environment
Abstract
This talk explores the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and its growing significance for the built environment. It highlights how BIM can support the planning, design, coordination, manufacture, and assembly of MMC systems, enabling more efficient, accurate, and collaborative project delivery.
Associate Professor Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar will discuss how BIM supports the planning, design, coordination, manufacture, and assembly of MMC systems, enabling more efficient, accurate, and collaborative project delivery. The talk will highlight the role of BIM in improving constructability, reducing waste and errors, enhancing communication among project stakeholders, and supporting higher productivity, quality, and sustainability in construction. The session will be grounded in research undertaken within the Modern Methods of Construction and Automation in Built Environment (MOCABE) Research Group at the School of Built Environment, Massey University, where Associate Professor Jelodar serves as the research group lead.，
A/Prof. Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar is the Academic Lead and an Associate Professor in Construction Engineering and Management at Massey University’s School of Built Environment, Auckland. A civil engineer by training, his research focuses on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), offsite construction, automation, and AI-enabled digitalisation, with particular expertise in DfMA, BIM, constructability, productivity, and sustainability. He leads the Modern Methods of Construction and Automation in Built Environment (MOCABE) research group within the School of Built Environment.
He is also one of the coordinators of CIB W121 Offsite Construction, a highly regarded commission of the prestigious International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), and serves as a Council Member of the Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA), another significant international organisation advancing scholarship, collaboration, and leadership in the built environment and construction education sectors. Through these roles, he actively contributes to international collaborations in construction innovation, offsite construction, and digital transformation.
A/Prof. Jelodar has authored or co-authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications, with more than 80% of his journal outputs published in Q1 journals. He has successfully supervised eight PhD completions and is currently supervising 12 PhD candidates, reflecting his strong and sustained contribution to research training and postgraduate supervision.
In addition, Dr Jelodar serves as the research team leader for CanConstructNZ, a NZ$10 million MBIE Endeavour Research Programme. In this role, he applies advanced modelling and AI-enabled analytics to assess trends in sector capacity and capability, helping to inform robust, future-ready solutions for New Zealand’s construction industry. His other successful funded research includes projects supported by the BRANZ Levy (NZ$200k), Auckland Council (NZ$50k), HERA Cost Estimation Research Fund (NZ$35k), and Massey University Research Fund and REaDI (NZ$35k+ across four awards).
