Changing use of technology for architects and designers in practice.
Above: Drone footage taken of residential development site in Helpringham, Lincolnshire
It amazes me how far technology has come in the construction and design industry over the past 50 years. Even during my time in practice things have moved along considerably; from beginning to moving away from drawing boards and early days of CAD (Computer Aided Design) after completing my Undergrad, through to utilising detailed Building Information Modelling (BIM), drone and laser point surveys and rendering software of today. I do like to think back and romanticise what life would be like working within an architects practice during the early to mid 20th Century. I can imagine a room full of drawing boards and ink and graphite paper. Physical models were built and watercolours used. Artistry of various mediums to graphically communicate was key and every line stroke considered.
Above: Photograph taken circa 1960's of a typical architects office.
However, it is surprising how little actual construction detail is contained within many old drawings compared to today. These drawings I study in detail to draw-out (excuse the pun!) presentation techniques and composition, which I try to aspire for my own architectural projects. This includes the use of graphic representation such as effective use of line-weights to material hatching. Today, architects are typically expected to produce full sets of drawings and schedules, detailing and specifying everything from type of door hinges and roof fixings, whilst maneuvering rafts of planning polices and building regulation legislation. During the late 19th and most of the 20th century, most architectural drawings were very simple yet beautiful. This was a time when much of the design detailing and specifics were worked out with the head stonemason or joiner on site.
Above: Example of a Victorian architect’s drawing. Source: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Conversely, in construction today much of the increased need of detailed information by both clients and contractors is primarily risk mitigation, in the form of greater cost certainly and liability. This is where the use of BIM, specially AutoDesk Revit in practice has come to flourish, especially on larger projects. Building information using BIM (Building Information Modelling) allows data to become three-dimensional, entities are complied concurrently, such as structural steel models, Mechanical equipment, sanitary ware, etc., rather than relying of a set of essentially abstract hand drawn lines which requires the reader to have the ability to interpret them into information. Fundamentally BIM takes the form of a collective virtual model, which information can be extracted, such as elevation drawings and schedules when required. In my experience the most useful tool of BIM is consideration of how the multiple construction elements interplay and can more easily identify compatibility issues, such as service pipework penetrations through structural beams.
Above: Example of a building project using Autodesk Revit and utilising BIM
However in my opinion, an over-reliance on BIM can lead to a design complacency through software limitations and working in such detail can make on loose sight of the overall building aesthetic. This is why it is important, especially during the early concept design stages, to sketch with a pen in my hand and allow for creative lateral thinking to emerge. I find when a project hurries too quickly to rigid building detailing, often opportunities are missed and the magic subdued. This is apparent on many contractor-lead design projects using ‘Design and Build’ procurement, where often than not the result a a cheap rendered box, where there is little room for aesthetic quality and long-term consideration within the wider site context.
“Soft ideas, soft lines; hard ideas, hard lines”
Some of the most loved historic buildings which remain today were often originally built with the long-term socio-economic impact of building and robustness of materials in mind. Contrarily more often than not many larger developments of present times prioritize capital profit and short-term political gain, that tends to lead to building obsolescence within 30-40 years which commonly results in it demolition.
What is my predicted future for architects and the use of Technology? In my opinion it is important to embrace new technologies without losing sight of the past. As the design process becomes evermore digitized, like with any computer it is fundamentally a tool that relies on the quality of the information imputed “Garbage in, Garbage out”. Technology when used properly can only enhance the design process and client / building user experience.
Tom Hanks in the film Castaway, as a typical ‘civilized’ ignorant modern man yet he struggles to create fire, yet the creation of fire has been fundamental in the procession of the evolution of our species. In a similar manner, an over reliance and deification technology will likely lead to arrogance and dis-empowerment for designers. Like the analogy of fire, we must not forget and loose respect of fundamental processes which create it.
