The future of design
Today more than ever, technology is disrupting all facets of everyday life, including the long-standing perspectives, practices and principles of architectural design.
by Karl Sorensen, guest contributor
In CAC’s topic area Innovation in Architecture, we forgo the logic and revel in imagination as we consider how technology will change the face of the industry. Let’s explore three key areas where architects, designers, engineers and programmers are innovating in architecture.
1. VISUALIZATION: Changing the way we communicate our design ideas
Until now, the way industry professionals communicate design ideas to clients has been limited to, at best, 2D renderings—and at worst, tongue-tangling explanations. As new technology emerges and computing power strengthens, converting project design models into clear, artistic visualizations is becoming commonplace. Virtual Reality (VR) tools are now used to give pre-construction building tours by placing the client in true-to-life virtual reality building models. Augmented Reality (AR) technologies allow architects to superimpose their design ideas onto real-life backdrops, enabling the client to visualize the building in its physical setting.
See for yourself in this cool video from Trimble about the power of augmented reality technologies and how it gives architects greater confidence in communicating and solving design decisions.
2. AUTOMATION: Changing the way we construct the built environment
Replacing manual fieldwork with automated processes is opening new doors in design. 3D printing is now more widely accessible, economical and practical within the built environment, alleviating the constraints of custom, intricate designs. No longer a novelty item, 3D printers are currently used to fabricate apartments, houses and bridges, not to mention interior design and furniture. If we can 3D-print a five-story apartment building, surely the awe-inspiring capability of 3D printing a city is not too far off in the future.
Advances in robotic technology are also changing the way architects design and build. Robots are replacing field crews to do labor-intensive, dangerous or impossible work. Drones are more-widely employed for deliveries and surveying. Swiss architecture firm Gramazio Kohler Architects is a well-known name in the robotics game. In 2012, they programmed a fleet of drones to build a structure of polystyrene bricks. See the architecture-assembling drones here.
3. NEW MATERIALS: Changing the way our buildings perform and function
Process automation and extensive scientific research now allows previously unutilized, underutilized or undiscovered materials to be used in building construction. The new cost-effectiveness of these unique, non-traditional materials expands architects’ options beyond standard brick-and-mortar designs.
And with our ever-growing emphasis on sustainability, architects can now recommend unprecedented, eco-friendly materials such as:
These process and infrastructure innovations open the doors to brand new possibilities in design. And with that in mind, Daniel Burnham’s words challenge us anew to “Make no small plans.”