• Arkizet
  • Posts
  • Architecture: From Tracing Paper to Terabytes

Architecture: From Tracing Paper to Terabytes

From Drafting Tables to Digital Dreamscapes (in 125 Years)

INDEX:

  • 🕶️ Key Terms

  • 📰 Introduction

  • 🎥 Spotlight Video

  • ✍️ Featured Article

  • 🌐 Spotlight Web

  • 📚Three Books to Consider

  • 🏛️ Conclusion

  • 🖌️ Sketch Study

  • ✨ Outro

🕶️ Key Terms:

Arkhitekton (αρχιτέκτων) is an ancient Greek word that literally translates to "master builder" or "chief of works." It was originally used to describe the leading stone mason responsible for the construction of the magnificent temples of Ancient Greece around 500 BC.

Gazette It's a platform for exploring the future, where you can learn about the latest technologies and meet the visionaries who are shaping it.

The Pennsylvania Gazette: First published in 1728. Benjamin Franklin and his partner purchased the paper in 1729 and quickly turned it into a successful publication, becoming a leading source of news and information in the colonies. Franklin served as the editor and publisher of the Gazette for 25 years, until 1757.

📰 Introduction:

Welcome to the latest edition of Arkizet, in this issue we explore the dynamic transformations taking place within the world of architecture.

As architects and designers continue to push the boundaries of creativity and efficiency, the integration of new tech into the design process will emerge as a disruptor to the designer. When was the last time you looked at a set of blue prints. Invented during the civil war it wasn’t till the 1890’s until it appeared in architects offices for the first time. At one time being able to reproduce a set of drawings was so labor intensive in an office adding a blueprint machine was 1/10 the cost. Today we are stepping into a virtual realm that transcends traditional limitations, offering a new perspective on design exploration.

From concept to construction, Arkizet will be looking at how VR/AR along with other new technologies like AI and 3d printing will disrupt the construction industry for architects and designers.

The following contains a few video and book links, along with a little dialogue on the transition of architects, designers, and architectural offices embracing new tech to revolutionize their design methodologies. Be sure to check the latest from 🌐 Spotlight Web where three great examples are discussed.

Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings are sculptures.

Mies van der Rohe

Spotlight Video

🎥 Three Videos to explore:

1. Virtual Reality (VR):

Summary

This video explores Yulio, a software and service for transforming 3D models into virtual tours for presentations and meetings. An architectural technology enthusiast highlights Yulio's ability to host diverse 360° images and renderings from various software like Revit, SketchUp, and Catia. Yulio Jump, its cloud rendering engine, automatically generates hotspots within 360° views, making it a good choice for quickly creating immersive experiences from 3D models, especially when time is tight, despite some imperfections in rendering.

Highlights

  • Yulio is a 360 image and rendering hosting service that lets you create virtual tours of your 3D models.

  • Share virtual tours with others via a simple link; viewable on any device, including phones, tablets, computers, and VR headsets.

  • Yulio has its own cloud rendering engine called Julio Jump, which automatically generates 360° tours from your 3D models.

2. Augmented Reality (AR):

Summary

This conceptual video from a few years back is about a couple looking for a one bedroom resale in Vancouver using AR technology. The video starts with the scenario of a couple finding residential listings in the area and then checking out a specific loft. The video shows the potential for AR glasses which are beginning to ship and are in their infancy.

Positive aspects for AR Glasses

  • Enhanced Information Access: Imagine having instant access to real-time information overlaid on your surroundings. AR glasses could provide directions, restaurant reviews, historical information, and more, simply by looking at what you're interested in. Think of it like a heads-up display for the real world.

  • Improved Productivity and Learning: AR glasses could revolutionize workplaces by providing hands-free access to data, instructions, and training materials.

  • Greater Accessibility and Connection: AR glasses can translate languages in real-time, helping people overcome communication barriers. They can also provide audio descriptions for the visually impaired, or even project subtitles for the hearing impaired.

Potential negative aspects for AR Glasses

  • Privacy Concerns: AR glasses raise serious privacy concerns. Who has access to the data you're seeing and interacting with? How is that data stored and used?

  • Distraction and Safety Issues: Wearing AR glasses constantly could lead to distraction and safety problems.

  • Social and Ethical Implications: AR glasses could exacerbate social inequalities and create new forms of discrimination. How will this technology be used? Who will have access to it?

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Highlights

  • Using AI as a Design Tool in Architecture

  • Architect experimenting with a new tool called Mid-Journey

  • Process involves generating, blending, and remixing images

  • AI allows for exploration of more design options and serves as a waypoint in the design process

Don't just read about the future, become a part of it. Subscribe to our gazette and join our vibrant community exploring new tools and technology at the cutting edge of Architecture. Together, let's unveil the frontiers and build a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.

🎭 Time for a joke:

Q: How many architects does it take to change a light bulb?

A: No one knows, they'll just hire a contractor to do it, redesign the fixture, and install a skylight while they're at it.

✍️ Featured Article

The New Renaissance

In the newly-evolving realm of architecture, the integration of new design tools stands as a potential disruptor, promising a new era of creativity, collaboration, and efficiency. This technological leap not only will transform the design process but also reshape the way architects and clients interact with their visions. In this article, we will embark on a quest through the positives of collaboration and time savings facilitated by new tech, while also pondering the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology in the pursuit of human-centric design.

Collaboration Unleashed:

Virtual Reality breaks down the barriers of traditional collaboration in architecture. Architects and clients will find themselves donning headsets and talking to bots if not so already, virtually walking through spaces yet to exist or discussing potential design modifications with a computer. This shared experience fosters a deeper understanding, turning collaboration into a dynamic and inclusive dance of ideas. No longer confined to blueprints and static presentations, the collaborative process becomes a living, breathing entity, ensuring that every stakeholder is on the same page. I wonder if smells will be included one day in this tech?

Time as an Ally:

The ticking clock has always been a formidable adversary in the world of architecture. The ability to visualize, modify, and refine designs in real-time may significantly accelerate the repetitive and monotonous processes designers have to endure. The more on focuses on design and not mundane tasks. Did blue prints at the turn of the last century free up the young draftsman allowing more time to learn about design than redrawing a set?

The Tech Dilemma:

However, amidst the awe-inspiring potential capabilities, the designer must navigate the fine line between innovation and over-reliance. The initial investment in this new technology may be substantial, potentially excluding smaller firms or individual designers from accessing its benefits at first. The learning curve involved in mastering these tools may lead to a divide between those well-versed in technology and those left grappling with more traditional methods. This will most likely be a generational gap. This is also evident when computers became common place in offices and a few architects choosing not to learn CAD due to age, slow process of expressing an idea on a computer or the gap in not understanding technology

Designing for Humanity, Not Just Pixels:

In the pursuit of efficiency, there's a risk of losing the essence of human-centric design. Architecture is more than pixels on a screen; it's about understanding the intricacies of the human experience and translating them into spaces that resonate with the human condition. Over-dependence on tech will potentially strip away the touch of craftsmanship, raising concerns about designs losing the soulful connection to the human condition.

📚Three Books to Consider:

🌐 Spotlight Web

Three sites to explore:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

REimagineHome is an AI-powered design tool. Some of the basic functions are redesigning furnished room, generated images, ability to download upscaled images up to 4x and the benefit of private storage. REimagineHome is easy to use, it can help you visualize design ideas, and it can potentially save you time and money. It is a solid site with many future upgrades in the work.

2. Virtual Reality (VR):

Fuzor translates technical models (Revit, SketchUp) into intuitive VR experiences, bridging the communication gap between designers, contractors, and clients. Walk through virtual spaces, understand scale and materiality, and identify potential constructability issues before ground is broken. Early VR immersion promotes proactive design changes, minimizing costly rework and streamlining project delivery.

3. Augmented Reality (AR):

Morpholio Founded by four architects, Morpholio envisioned a software renaissance for design and creativity through the iPad, Pencil and iPhone. The goal was to take the many challenges designers faced every day and solve them with innovative technologies. Morpholio software has now become essential for architects, designers and creatives across the world.

A new design tool for architects and designers.

Architecture is not just about shelter; it's about creating spaces that inspire and uplift us.

I.M. Pei

🏛️ Conclusion

Embracing the Future: A Radiant Horizon for Architects

In this technologically infused renaissance, the path ahead is illuminated with the promise of efficiency, creativity, and unprecedented collaboration. Architects will find themselves with a variety of new tools that not only enhance their craft but also redefine the very essence of human-centric design. New technology may act as a beacon, guiding architects through a ne unseen landscape where innovation and empathy harmonize, creating spaces that not only exist but thrive.

The future is not just bright; it's a potential of boundless possibilities waiting to be explored by architects, designers and engineers daring enough to embrace the transformative potential of new technology. Here's to a future where architecture continues to captivate, inspire, and shape the world in ways yet unimagined.

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center - Zaha Hadid

✨ Outro

Thanks for spending a few minutes to read and and visit with us. Most of the content and information was assisted with new AI tools. This newsletter is about exploring and incorporating new technology to help and assist.

Next issue will be looking at future tools that could have a major impact on how we design and put together BIM models. One exciting avenue that will be discussed in AI arena is Text to CAD. We are excited and working on the next issue.

Please share this issue to a friend or colleague if you think they would like to join us in exploring form, function and technology in our new world.

Don't just read about the future, become a part of it. Subscribe to our gazette and join our newly emerging community exploring the cutting edge of Architecture with a little help from some new technology.