The way we design our buildings has been advancing and evolving throughout the centuries. This progress was sped up even more with the emergence of new technological advancements. The technology we know of today has had a huge impact on virtually every industry we can imagine, and the architectural industry is no exception.
And it is not only the architectural design process that has been undergoing some radical changes lately. The transformative role of technological change is also evident in the end results of modern architectural design. All this has changed the job of an architect quite significantly. In this article, we will be looking at some of the most important ways technology is transforming the architectural industry and how these changes will impact modern architects’ working lives.
3D printing
Crafting physical models is an essential part of creating something new and realizing an architect’s design. It serves to translate the designer’s vision and helps them communicate their creative ideas clearly to their peers and clients. The thing is, the traditional approach to crafting tangible models isn’t exactly time-efficient. That’s where 3D printing comes into play, and it’s slowly revolutionizing construction as we know it.
Instead of using conventional methods that are both time and labor-intensive, modern architects can rely on 3D printers to do the job for them. With the help of 3D printers, tech-savvy architects are able to create custom, high-quality models. This doesn’t only accelerate the design process, but also allows for printing highly detailed designs and complex shapes. In case there’s a mistake, architects can easily fix it by updating the software program and simply reprinting the model.
3D animation and virtual tours
Speaking of communicating your vision to your clients, another way technology is transforming the architectural industry is by immersing the clients in alternate scenarios. When it comes to marketing to potential customers, outstanding visual representation is slowly but surely becoming a standard. To respond to these ever-evolving customer needs, architects are making immersive technology an integral part of the design process.
Nowadays, we have designers using 3D architectural animation and virtual tours to showcase properties before they even exist. As a result, clients are able to envision themselves and create a bond with their future living spaces. Not only does using different forms of 3D visualization increase clients’ interest in the project significantly compared to a simple 2D image, but it also lets them identify any potential alterations that need to be made before project launch.
Architectural apps
Other than making it easier for both clients and architects to envision future projects while they’re still at the design stage, technology has also changed the way everyone involved in the project approaches the entire process. The emergence of architectural apps has had a particular impact here. For instance, an increasing number of architects are now using touchscreen technology to translate software in 3D modeling apps. Scripting tools are making it easier for them to deliver solutions and streamline certain processes while certain servers help them improve the quality of their renderings.
On the other hand, technologies like BIM (Building Information Modeling) allow for easier collaborations between architects, suppliers, clients, and builders. Cloud-based BIM, in particular, makes accessing project information much simpler, and it’s the driving force behind the increased demand for cloud-based services and products.
Hybrid reality
Last but not least, another major impact of technology on the architectural industry is through the adoption of hybrid reality. A mix of virtual and real world, hybrid reality merges digital and physical objects in order to create new environments. By allowing such objects to interact in real time, architects can bring designs to life before the construction phase starts. They can also “walk” their clients through the entire project, which allows for client and building engagement.
Furthermore, using such cutting-edge technology can aid architects in different project stages. For instance, it can help them when it comes to permit approvals and can be used for marketing purposes. They also support information sharing, ideation, and building management. Finally, such technologies can support property sales since outstanding visualizations are known to ensure quick sales.
Wrapping up
It goes without saying – keeping pace with modern technology is a crucial part of staying afloat in today’s competitive world. As the technology progresses, so does the architectural craft. Rather than ignoring them, designers should embrace the technological changes that came with modern times since that is the only way for their work to truly evolve and for them to keep up with the times.
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
