Architecture: Top 5 Innovative Technologies in the Field
Nothing drives innovation in architecture and building design like new technologies. In fact, in our digital age, innovative technologies are always emerging and changing the way architects and designers work. And while some of the technologies are newer, some are a little bit older. Lately, these technologies have been constantly developing and are only bound to change a few things around in the architecture field. This is why architects and designers are already embracing these technologies and trying to make the most of them, especially since they can make their lives a little bit easier.
Here are 5 of the best innovative technologies that can change the face of architecture as we know it:
1- Generative Design:
Generative Design is still a relatively new technology that is providing a lot of help in the industry. It is a process that allows architects and designers to create different design options after they set their designing goals and problems. Generative Design enables the architects to set basic information regarding the building, such as height, weight, size, strength, and cost limits, providing them as well with different material options. Because of its ability to provide fast and effective solutions to different construction problems, many architects have already started using this technology in their work. The technology provides them with a wide range of ideas and design options and lets them explore the possibilities and think outside the box by choosing the best option that meets their needs and the clients needs at the same time. For example, when constructing a building, convenience and practicality are two main factors that architects and designers need to take into consideration. This is where the technology comes in handy, as it allows them to input the necessary parameters to the software which gives them the best possible solution and alternatives quickly.
2- Virtual Reality:
In recent years, architects and designers have found that the Virtual Reality (VR) technology has a lot of potential. In fact, Virtual Reality has become today an integral part of the architecture and design process, as it has allowed architects and designers to immerse themselves into a virtual unbuilt design or building, letting them roam around the space and understand how their designs would work if they were to be built. This, in turn, allows them to detect problems and flaws early in the design process, which would also save them money, decrease their unnecessary use of materials in real life, and save time. VR also lets architects and designers immerse their clients in the building process, allowing them to give immediate feedback and request changes without having to wait for the final product. The technology has also been playing a big role in convincing clients that the finished project will look just as the 2D or 3D representation shown by architects and designers.
3- Shapespark:
Shapespark is a software that can create web-based visualizations of the space the architects and designers are working on with accurate light mapping. The software also supports virtual reality as it allows the architects and designers to turn their designs into immersive spaces, creating interactive walkthroughs of interiors and buildings. The visualizations can then be shared online for other people to see them, including the clients who can make remote video calls inside the walkthroughs, which means that they can freely walk around the space while asking questions, giving immediate feedback, and requesting changes.
4- 3D printing:
3D printing is rapidly changing the architecture industry. Because architecture involves complex designs and large structures, clients often prefer to see the architect’s or designer’s idea to understand what the building will look like when done. And today, this has become possible because the 3D printing technology allows the architect or designer to create a printed 3D model of the project. However, architecture has been benefiting from 3D printing even more today, as the technology now lets architects and designers 3D print actual buildings and structures. This could also provide a green solution to modern architecture, as it also reduces the amount of waste that traditional construction produces and helps save money and reduce the number of materials used in buildings.
5- Touchable holograms:
Touchable holograms are also a relatively new innovative technology. This technology allows architects and designers to not only see the project they are working on, but also feel it, allowing them to select different materials such as wood, wall textures, and fabrics for furniture. This technology lets the architects and designers touch a 3D image, after which a hologram of the image appears and emits ultrasonic radiation pressure that gives the person using the technology the illusion of touching the space for real. This means that instead of looking around in books and choosing samples online, clients can also use the technology to look into and feel the space as well.
Technology Improves Efficiency
Technology has completely revolutionized our world as we know it. And as the architecture industry adopts more and more technological innovations, architects and designers need to constantly improve, learn, and develop their skills and stay up to date with new inventions, especially since they are now becoming more accessible than ever before. Architects and designers are aware that the future is even more exciting, as all new technologies are becoming an integral part of the design and construction process, improving the efficiency of architects and designers as well as their communication and relationship with their clients.
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