DIA News 12.2017

Digitization in architecture – our statement on the German Architect’s Congress

Digitization in architecture is expressed with buzz words such as BIM, augmented reality and smart architecture: strong words that can realise great visions – with new possibilities of creation, realisation and efficiency. The role of the architect is changing, we are evolving. Below are our take-aways from the German Architect’s Congress in Berlin.

eye-2040986, pixabay

new ways of working

The architect determines structure & form early on. The way of working and communication between all project participants is fundamentally changed by the BIM (Building Information Modelling) method. Work that traditionally has taken place in sequence is replaced by joint hand-in-hand work right from the beginning of the project. Most of the effort shifts to the pre-planning phase. This is accompanied by early definition of structure and form, which should lead to a better streamlined planning process. At the same time, this contrasts with the «previous» planning from a rough outline to fine details with the possibility of subsequent changes.

The «natural creative flow» will find a new way.

New options for presentation by architects. Today, we already have the opportunity to create our projects virtually down to the smallest detail and to present our visions. What used to be sketches and models of what would become a real building in the future can now be presented very early on in a very concrete way. With virtual and augmented reality, the design can be taken to a new level. The challenge lies in the reference to reality. Where filmmakers can work on the fantastic to the immeasurable, the architect needs to apply the environmental, functional and usage analysis to clearly show the customer what is possible and necessary.

A virtual tour of our «Bar Eduard’s» project

The architect can put buildings through their paces virtually (design vs. user experience). With Virtual and Augmented Reality, buildings cannot only be created, but also filled with life in the virtual space. The simulation of specific scenarios puts the project to the test. When «avatars» mimic human behaviour in spaces, discords between design and user experience can be detected early on and removed in optimisation loops.

The role of the architect

The architect takes the lead in planning and building. Over the past few years, project developers have increasingly been presenting the almost impossible conundrum of «cost-efficient, purposeful – and yet aesthetic planning and building» to the architects. That can change again with BIM. As an established, coordinating authority in planning in general and as the controlling authority of the new BIM tool, the architect has now regained the opportunity to lead a project through the factors of cost, time and aesthetic design in the desired direction and thus to success at an early stage.

Architects assert their position against new competitors. (1) IT companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon find contact points in foreign markets through professional structures and logistics – as also happens in architecture. (2) Prefabricated house manufacturer. Online home configuration already makes home ordering at the click of a mouse possible for every private customer.

Standardisation that makes customisation possible competes with classic, individual planning by the architect.

The architect is a psychoanalyst and all-round consultant. New technologies offer virtually unlimited new possibilities and, for the customer, create euphoria and desire for something new on the one hand, on the other hand bewilderment and over-stimulation by the sheer choice of products. For the architect, the analysis and consulting task becomes essential: «What type of person or user (circle) is behind the construction project?» The design question «Which architectural means (structure, colour, shape, material) should I use?» is expanded by the enormous field of digital innovations. It is important to select and coordinate possible technologies and planning partners. This expertise on the part of the architect is an increasing quality and selection criterion and basis for the customer’s trust.

The architect is and remains one thing: the creative engine. From hand-sketched plans and self-built models to computer-aided design (CAD) to BIM intelligent construction and communications software and VR/AR virtual simulations. The technical achievements serve as tools to optimise the work processes and provide space for new developments.

The decisive factor here is that the human being remains the source of ideas, the instigator of new creations and the quality setter.

Because architecture is the creation of living spaces for people. It requires sensitivity and understanding in order to live up to the living standards and habits of human life and to preserve this dignity in the future as well.

Conclusion

We use the new technologies as an opportunity for completely new creation, realisation and efficiency possibilities.
We are preparing for the digital revolution with expert knowledge and continuous broadening of horizons.
We know about the constant value of human experience, judgement and creative creativity.
We reinvent ourselves – on solid ground.