By changing the way buildings are made and by changing the functionality of buildings and homes, technology can positively affect civilization, one building at a time.
Greg Geilman
Architecture is an industry driven by evolution. Technology is a driver for innovation that pushes evolution. From hand-written notes to near real-time mobile applications, project site visits are now more efficient in the provision of information leading to quick action.
Today, mobile applications capture location and measurements to within a centimetre accuracy. Renovations are made easier with 3D scanners that capture minute details.
In the past all this would be written down on paper to later be updated but we continue to see better coordination when all the information obtained is immediately available to anyone with a network connected device. Let’s explore how we maximize this captured data.
Data Integration
Design developed exponentially in the twentieth century with the use of computer aided design (CAD) becoming mainstream, allowing for highly accurate drawings to be shared across the board of consultants. Currently, this process has birthed the widespread use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) which uses a three-dimensional model of the building, created with input from all the disciplines to build up an integrated design.
Technology has seeped into so far as manufacturing. Its adoption in construction has allowed for new ground to be broken in architectural concepts that were nearly impossible in the age of hammer and chisel.
Software and visualisation
High-end computers running augmented reality software have revolutionised the drafting table as seen above. One could argue for the loss of authenticity of the creative process but looking back over the last 20 years the advancements in technology in terms of software sophistication, computer processing speed and data storage capacity is staggering.
Design software allows for the creation of more precise plans with the ability to automate many repetitive actions.
Augmented and virtual reality (VR) software platforms are enabling the consultants and the client to visualize a life-like experience of walking through an apartment long before the build is complete.
The client has been enlightened thus requiring more of the architect in their exploration. The skills of this generation of architects are now on full display through the use of technology. The sky is the limit in what is possible as showcased by the late Zaha Hadid.
Architects have gone further to use VR and augmented reality to get immediate feedback for design changes at little to no cost. That’s a long way from the design boards of the past!
Business Case
Undoubtedly, the adoption of technology in architectural practice has allowed this creativity to be more easily achieved. It has also enabled the industry to extend its business proposition far beyond its traditional remit of design and construction.
Fighting over plan-chests as students and combating boxes full of paper in the workplace to servers full of digital files has presented one with cloud storage services. An option that has created ease to reference past project information for long term clients or maintenance projects. Being able to go back to the original as-built design can provide valuable insight to the project team.
A rise of demand on smart buildings over recent years has encouraged tech companies to work with design firms in integrating smart solutions that they supply. From biometrics to ease in chores, tech has generated a niche market on which to profit. Thus, creating smart tool solutions even on a small scale such as the tabs and drones being used on site.
In conclusion, technology has opened the borders of information access. Whereas centuries ago you would rely on the practical to grasp what architecture really is, we are now a petri dish of enlightenment. From libraries to the internet, which is one giant library, we have morphed into content creation thus sharing refined information directly to the users' needs.
Through blogs, social media, TV episodes and podcasts, to name a few, you are constantly exposed to information. Ultimately, whichever tool you decide to use, master it; for it’s how you use it that truly matters.
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