American Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Special Formworks
Architecture
Chicago
Odico, in collaboration with SOM and the Chicago-based high-rise contractor McHugh Construction, embarked on a journey to prove that robots could not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to the creation of more aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly high-rise structures. Their innovation lay in a unique technique developed by Odico, allowing for the creation of molds in Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). By implementing this technology, they achieved a remarkable 20% reduction in concrete usage compared to traditional construction methods.
This achievement holds tremendous significance in an industry where concrete production alone accounts for a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions—four times higher than emissions from the entire global aviation sector. In American skyscrapers, a substantial portion of emissions, estimated between 40-60%, is attributed to the construction of high-rise floors. Reducing emissions by 20% in floor deck construction signifies a monumental stride toward sustainability with the potential for substantial global impact.
Challenges solved
Value-creating factors