Technological Innovations Shaping the Future of Architecture

Does technology belong in architecture? 

We’re talking more than just the use of software to design straight angles. Use a quick look at a Google search. It brings up thousands of architectural construction planning technologies options. It’s quite dizzying.

Good or bad, the architectural industry continues to see rapid transformation. For designers who love to build from simplicity, this can seem like an unnecessary challenge. It’s good enough, right?

Like a building with an extra feature or an added floor, it’s always better to go big or just go home. The good news is these tools actually offer some fantastic value. They can make a profound impact on project design, productivity, costs, and the environment.

The Future of Architecture Relies on Technology

Bigger buildings are not always the focus of today's architectural design challenges. More efficient, better use of raw materials, and multi-functional spaces are. These innovative technologies are fostering opportunities for architects and designers. These help improve efficiency, become more productive, and design with improved outcomes.

Let’s talk about what’s working today. What are you using to create structures that meet today’s designs?

3D Modeling and Rendering

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy

Taking ideas and creating actual three-dimensional, hands-on diagrams is nothing short of impressive. It was when 3D modelling and rendering became a reality. 

Today's rendering software is more accurate and easier to use. If you remember the first versions, you couldn’t help but wonder why this was better. Today’s options enable architects to create very realistic models of their designs. This enables visualization of a project for all stakeholders (from the designer to the end user). 

By seeing spaces from every angle, it's possible to spot opportunities or create more accurate designs. It also makes communicating with clients more effective and efficient. They can “see” what you’re talking about much easier.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Enter the world of video games coming to life. Both VR and AR continue to become valuable tools in architecture. They take the 3D modeling aspect of reality and enhance it even further. 

Instead of just seeing the layout of a space, people can engage with a virtual world. This lets them walk through and interact with the building. VR and AR technology digitizes the design process. This is done in a way that enables clients to see and use a space long before any project development starts. 

Another nice benefit of this technology relates to training (and safety by relation). Organizations can take VR and AR technology to trans designers or construction teams. They then tackle delicate or complex projects with less risk of complications. They learn within the "real world environment" of VR and then apply those skills to truly real-world projects. 

Let’s face it. Falling off the edge of a 10-storey building is much safer to do in a VR environment. Learning how not to is even more important. 

AR and VR help to turn structures into working spaces. This enables better oversight of safety risks and may even help to streamline the design process. 

From a simplistic point, it helps show the layout of the area and how people interact with it. On a more complex level, these tools can stress test structures in changing environmental conditions.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Two additional strategies moving into the architectural industry are AI and ML. Everywhere you look, you'll notice talk about AI and ML. It's poised to change every facet of the industry. What is the reality?

Design optimization becomes possible. That includes improved project management and risk assessment improvements. A paradigm shift in how architects, designers, construction managers, and other stakeholders do their work is changing. 

AI algorithms can take complex data and streamline it, making it more usable. This helps architects accomplish a wide array of tasks. Use that data to:

• Make decisions

• Test out some pretty amazing strategies

• Incorporate an “edge”

• Add in some stability

• Build with better insights 

AI works on historical data. That is, it takes data from a wide range of resources and applies user preferences and standards. It then generates designs that meet those goals. Architects can then manipulate those designs to meet better objectives or improve aesthetics as needed, if at all.

Don't overlook machine learning. It’s the silent partner that’s much needed in this AI-infused world. It provides predictive maintenance, for example, that allows for improved management of structures. WML algorithms help provide information about "what if" situations. That could aid in preventing project failures or reduce the risks of building infrastructure. 

ML can drastically reduce downtime of operations due to mistakes and failures. It also enhances safety for all on the job. Structures improve in reliability and longevity, saving stakeholders money and time. 

Building Information Modeling 

BMI is another core component of a rapidly changing design architectural industry. This type of technology has become the cornerstone of the industry. Yet, there is much more for it to accomplish (and it is poised to do just that within the next year or so).

BMI allows architects to transform static models into more usable, hands-on tools. By integrating real-time data along with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, designers have enhanced ability to elevate projects to new levels.

The direct result is multi-faceted. 

A smart building with IoT devices, for example, always collects valuable data. This could include energy consumption or occupancy patterns for that space. This real-time information integrates directly into a BIM model. The result is that stakeholders can make data-driven decisions for the management of that building.

It’s like gathering details of a project, shuffling them around, getting some more insight, and then deciding. 

The use of improved BIM improves operational efficiency. It can also directly impact the longevity and management of buildings. This enhances project sustainability goals. For organizations, that means less money spent repairing buildings.

Automation in Architecture

Automation is a fear for some. Robots taking over the world…syndrome. In architecture, there’s a lot to benefit from here.

Automation is the process of having a computer tackle tasks that humans typically do. Automation in architecture can apply to a wide range of subsets in this industry. These include optimization of the design, planning, and construction of buildings and homes. 

One high-level example is the use of 3D printers. Full buildings can be built using these printers. This reduces the need for any human involvement and fills the gap in much-needed housing. 

Other strategies are more hands-on in today's design environment. For example, the use of assembly robots ensures tasks are complete, done well, and done quickly. These robots can handle the assembly of intricate elements with speed and precision. That eliminates human risk factors. Laser cutters can enhance this as well.

Automation also enables people to do better work using more sustainable methods. It can add accurate drawings and renderings. It can ensure governance and compliance objectives are met without fail. It can enhance security and accountability on projects.

Real-Time Collaboration Platforms

A collaboration platform. A way to connect people with shared information. It makes sense.

Old-school architects will remember the days when complex documents were couriered from one person to the next for additions and changes. Computer technology refined that process.

Yet, collaborative software goes one step further. It is leading the construction and design aspects of the industry to improve communication. One way it's achieving this is by keeping all stakeholders on a project working towards the same objectives on the same timeline. Teams can plan, access, and update information in real-time. 

Another benefit? It can do more than one thing at a time. It can, for example, calculate and automate numerous iterations at the same time. That means better transparency, decision-making, and speed.

Additive Design 

Photo by Andrea G

Additive design, including the use of 3D and 4D printing, deserves to stand on its own. It is one of the best technological innovations of the architectural industry. Additive design uses both human intelligence and AI to design and build. 

In other words, it creates a way for people to work with robots to achieve better results. Imagine the creation of an intricate design element for a project using 3D printing. 

Though 3D and 4D home and commercial buildings remain to be tapped into fully as of yet, this type of technology is on the horizon in the industry. Imagine a machine replicating simple home designs. Designs that are fully functional spaces in third-world countries. 

Sustainability Innovations

While not directly a technology itself, sustainability initiatives rely heavily on technology developments to come to fruition. 

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for this year. It's what every facet of architecture and design will likely stand behind.

The focus will continue to be on using materials more efficiently. Using less energy without limiting functionality. Building impressive structures with less impact on the world around them.

To achieve this, architects can use all the technologies previously mentioned to make better decisions. Consider how this could work:

• Data insights can help to analyze the best materials for the planet based on not only environmental impact but factors like cost and availability.

• AI tools can help to facilitate design options and provide architects with new ideas on how to incorporate green building technology.

• AR and VR allow architects to take these new concepts and ideas to determine how they would work, feel, and look in a life-like environment. 

• Automation can make it possible to create the materials needed without the need for as many people, reducing labor costs on projects. 

• Automation also improves operational efficiency and helps achieve project goals more fully.

The incorporation of new technology in architecture will continue for years to come. Such investments can seem intimidating and costly. The organizations that employ them can count on seeing marked improvement. Improvements in operational goals and project objectives. At the same time, they can often do more with less material and less investment while also protecting the environment in the process.

Explore the wide range of technologies in architecture to determine which fits your objectives more effectively. You don't want to just watch on the sidelines.