[EXPERT INSIGHTS] Smart Construction : Leading Innovation in Mauritius’ Built Environment

Mauritius is entering a new era in its built environment. As the country modernises its infrastructure and diversifies its economy, smart construction has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping the future of urban development. Combining advanced technology, sustainable design and data-driven decision-making, smart construction is redefining how buildings are planned, built, operated and maintained across the island.

The Rise of Smart Construction

Over the past decade, Mauritius has moved steadily toward smarter and more sustainable development models. With growing urbanisation, rising energy costs, climate-resilience priorities and the need for world-class infrastructure, developers and policymakers have begun embracing:

• Energy-efficient building design
• Digital construction tools—BIM, drones, laser scanning, digital twins
• Green and sustainable materials
• Automation and prefabrication technologies

The shift is particularly evident in the island’s smart city developments, commercial districts and high-performance office buildings designed to international standards.

Technology as a Driver of Change

Smart construction relies on three pillars:

Digital Design & Planning:

(i) Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables 3D modelling, clash detection and real-time collaboration among engineers, architects and contractors; (ii) Digital twins support continuous monitoring of building performance after completion.

Efficient Construction Methods:

(i) Modular and prefabricated elements shorten construction cycles and reduce material waste; (ii) drones support land surveying, site inspection and progress tracking; (iii) AI-driven project management improves accuracy, costing and schedule reliability.

Connected & Intelligent Buildings

Smart buildings integrate: (i) automated lighting and HVAC; (ii) occupancy sensors; (iii) advanced water-management and recycling systems; (iv) renewable energy integration (solar PV, battery storage); (v) smart meters and energy dashboards.

These systems lower operating costs while improving comfort, health and sustainability.

Sustainability at the Heart of Innovation

Mauritius is highly vulnerable to climate change—sea-level rise, cyclones and increasing temperatures. Smart construction responds by promoting:

• Green building certification standards
• Thermally efficient materials and passive cooling design
• Solar-powered public lighting and rooftop PV solutions
• Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling

This approach aligns with the country’s broader climate commitments and long-term decarbonisation goals.

Smart Cities as Innovation Ecosystems

The rollout of smart city developments has accelerated the adoption of smart construction in Mauritius. These integrated developments are envisioned as:

• mixed-use communities
• tech-enabled environments
• sustainable, walkable, energy-efficient neighbourhoods

Through features such as environmental sensors, smart waste management, green mobility options and enhanced connectivity, they demonstrate how digital planning and sustainability can shape modern living.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite significant progress, the adoption of smart construction technologies in Mauritius still faces obstacles:

• High initial cost of digital tools and sustainable materials
• Skills gaps in BIM, IoT integration and advanced engineering
• Limited local manufacturing of green construction materials
• Evolving regulatory frameworks
• Need for broader awareness among contractors and clients

Addressing these challenges will require investment in training, policy modernisation and strong public-private collaboration.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities for Mauritius

The future of smart construction in Mauritius is promising. As the country invests in resilient infrastructure, technology integration and sustainability, several opportunities emerge:

• Economic Growth & Competitiveness
• Digital construction makes projects faster, more cost-effective and globally competitive.
• Climate Resilience
• Intelligent design reduces disaster vulnerability and resource consumption.
• Job Creation in High-Tech Fields

New roles are emerging in BIM modelling, automation, green engineering and smart-systems maintenance, supporting a new generation of talent equipped for a technologically advanced construction sector. At the same time, smart buildings are enhancing comfort, safety, air quality and overall energy performance, contributing to a significantly higher quality of life for occupants. Building on these strengths, Mauritius has the potential to become a regional leader in smart construction, setting standards in the Indian Ocean region for innovation, efficiency and sustainability.

Smart Construction as a National Catalyst

Smart construction is reshaping Mauritius’ built environment—from the way buildings are designed and constructed to how people live and work within them. By embracing digital tools, sustainable practices and integrated urban planning, the nation is building a future that is more resilient, energy-efficient and technologically advanced.

With continued innovation, collaboration and strategic investment, smart construction will remain a cornerstone of Mauritius’ development trajectory — driving economic growth and elevating the island’s global reputation as a modern, forward-looking nation.

WHO’S YASSIN DOOLAUR

Yassin Doolaur is a Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Chartered Building Engineer and International Professional Mediator with over 20 years’ experience across major infrastructure and building projects. Renowned for his expertise in FIDIC contracts and multidisciplinary project delivery, he brings a rare ability to bridge technical, managerial and legal dimensions. He serves as Vice Chair of the FIDIC Membership Committee and is recognised for his integrity, professionalism and collaborative leadership within the global engineering community.