The rise of tech-driven construction in commercial real estate
Commercial real estate is now in the midst of a quiet but powerful transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and a rapidly-evolving global landscape.
Technology is no longer on the sidelines of commercial real estate. It is actively shaping the future.
By Deepak Sethi
When we hear the words “innovation” or “technological disruption,” industries like healthcare, finance, and IT usually take center stage. Rarely does commercial construction come to mind. Traditionally perceived as a slow-to-adapt, labor-intensive sector, commercial real estate is now in the midst of a quiet but powerful transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and a rapidly-evolving global landscape.
From smart cities to sustainable malls, office towers, and mixed-use developments, commercial construction is becoming faster, greener, and smarter. In a post-pandemic world where efficiency, sustainability, and scalability are non-negotiable, technology is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Why Now?
The commercial real estate sector has faced unprecedented disruptions in recent years — fluctuating demand, remote work trends, supply chain issues, and stricter environmental compliance norms. These challenges have pushed developers and planners to seek smarter solutions that ensure speed, cost-efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.
According to some reports, the construction industry saw a more than 25% increase in digital adoption between 2019 and 2022 — the highest among traditional industries (source). For commercial developers, this shift is unlocking entirely new possibilities in design, planning, execution, and post-completion asset management.
1. Drone Tech: Site Mapping to Surveillance
Drones are redefining commercial project monitoring. Once limited to aerial photography, drones now handle everything from topographic mapping to construction progress updates, safety audits, and even marketing visuals.
Drone Deploy reports that drone usage on job sites grew by 239% in a single year
Drones can reduce site survey costs by nearly 95% and boost project safety by over 50%
In large-scale commercial projects like business parks or retail boulevards, drones enable real-time tracking, reducing delays and miscommunication
2. Smart Infrastructure: The Foundation of Intelligent Buildings
Commercial spaces are no longer just brick-and-mortar structures — they are intelligent ecosystems. Smart infrastructure combines IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based systems to:
● Monitor energy usage, air quality, and structural health
● Automate maintenance and building operations
● Enhance tenant safety and reduce utility expenses
This tech-driven approach is especially crucial for commercial hubs that aim for LEED or GRIHA certification, where performance metrics are closely monitored.
Marketsand Markets forecasts the global smart infrastructure market to grow from $98.3 billion in 2023 to over $240 billion by 2028 (source).
3. BIM: Building Information Modeling for Commercial Scale
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the digital brain behind modern commercial construction. This advanced planning tool:
● Creates intelligent 3D models with embedded data for every building component
● Enables accurate quantity take-offs, clash detection, and phasing
● Facilitates collaboration between architects, engineers, and facility managers in real time
According to Dodge Data & Analytics, BIM adoption has led to:
● 25-30% cost savings
● 20% faster project delivery
● A marked reduction in post-construction issues (source)
For commercial developers, BIM is now essential for mega developments, allowing flexible adaptation across tenant types — retail, F&B, or office spaces.
4. Sustainable Materials & Methods: Greener Commercial Spaces
With ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals becoming investor priorities, sustainable construction is taking the lead. Today’s commercial buildings are not only expected to function efficiently but also to reflect the values of their occupants.
Emerging materials include:
● Self-healing concrete that reduces long-term maintenance
● GFX-coated rebars and corrosion-resistant materials, like those by Tata Tiscon
● Translucent wood and solar glass façades — ideal for commercial fronts
These innovations help future-proof commercial assets, reduce lifecycle costs, and elevate project valuations.
5. The Role of Modular Construction & Prefabrication
Time is money in commercial real estate. Developers are increasingly turning to modular construction and offsite prefabrication to accelerate delivery timelines without compromising quality.
● Reduces on-site construction time by up to 50%
● Cuts waste by more than 70%, a key metric for green certifications
● Enhances worker safety and quality control
From corporate campuses to retail hubs and co-working spaces, modular design supports faster turnovers and custom configurations — especially in high-footfall urban centers.
6. Post-Construction Tech: Smart Building Management
The role of technology doesn’t end with construction. Post-delivery, commercial buildings now use AI and machine learning to manage:
● Space utilization
● Energy optimization
● Predictive maintenance
● Tenant engagement
Proptech platforms and smart building systems give developers real-time dashboards to track asset performance — making portfolio management more agile and data-driven than ever before.
The Tech-Forward Future of Commercial Real Estate
Technology is no longer on the sidelines of commercial real estate. It is actively shaping the future — from the drawing board to the ribbon cutting and beyond. Developers who embrace innovation are not just building spaces — they’re creating smarter, safer, and more resilient urban ecosystems.
In an industry where timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations are razor-sharp, adopting these technologies is the key to unlocking value, ensuring sustainability, and standing out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The question is no longer if commercial construction will evolve — it’s how fast you’re willing to build the future.
(The author is Director – Projects, Reach Group. Views are personal)
