Watch the AT webinar, in partnership with Total Synergy and Vectorworks, that looked at the new means and methods being employed to streamline the design and delivery increasingly complex projects.
What are the technical and digital tools that afford practitioners better means of working together and improved ways of delivering low-carbon buildings? Where do the tensions lie between technology and creativity with data-driven design on the journey to net zero? And what can specifiers do to ensure they stay ahead of the technology curve? These were just some of the questions that were explored in this AT webinar, supported by Total Synergy and Vectorworks.
Chaired by Jason Sayer, content and audience development editor at Architecture Today, the speakers comprised Martha Tsigkari, senior partner, head of applied research and development, Foster + Partners; Kalo Baychev, business development manager, Total Synergy; Emilia Cardamone, associate director, real estate and digital, Turner and Townsend; Luka Stefanovic, senior architecture industry specialist, Vectorworks; and Ben Porter, co-founder, RE-MAP.
Speakers (from left to right) Martha Tsigkari, Kalo Baychev, Emilia Cardamone, Luka Stefanovic and Ben Porter.
Martha Tsigkari was quick to dive in to how architects can make the most out of harnessing technological advancements within architecture, ranging from GPU computing to distributed computing, and their applications. Interestingly, GPU acceleration was first used for video games, allowing for real-time virtual interaction, but now, as Tsigkari noted, it can be used for designing in real-time as well. Emphasis was placed on the transformative potential of technologies like real-time feedback systems, virtual and augmented reality, and digital twins – and how these provide designers with incredibly up-to-date and applicable information when working.
Harnessing data from digital twins can be useful during operation and also construction. This data can be fed back into a designer’s workflow to better optimise the design and delivery of spaces and whole projects.
Tsigkari also discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in architecture, particularly in speeding up analytical processes, knowledge dissemination, and predictive modelling. Tsigkari stressed the importance of harnessing data effectively to leverage the power of AI in design and decision-making processes, with AI being able to be used to get designers over an early hurdle with a design stage; AI in some cases is able to produce 1,000s of options for a scheme and able to disseminate information. Made in-house, the AI tool known as ‘Ask Foster + Partners’ is able to feedback information based on the practice’s design guidelines in response to design questions.
A matter of seconds AI and distributed computing can produce city-scale simulations, such as is the case with the Guangming Hub in China which optimised city layouts based on views and performance.
Kalo Baychev presented the Total Synergy’s project management platform. He discussed how to identify process gaps in architecture practices and offering solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability, emphasising the importance of an adaptable and well-integrated system for long-term success.
Highlighted within Synergy’s platform was the use of centralised project information management that facilitates collaboration internally and externally, integrating with standard software to centralise information, reducing work duplication and improving overall efficiency.
‘SynergyPIM’ (Project Information Management) allows for collaboration through an integrated cloud workspace and lets progress of a project and changes to documents be readily visible to those involved.
Baychev also highlighted the challenges architects face, such as lack of control and visibility, reliance on multiple systems, and difficulties in managing project information and stakeholders. In response, Total Synergy introduced Synergy PIM (Project Information Management), a module designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency in managing project documents and information. The module comprises unified workspaces, document control, and email management, aiming to streamline collaboration and ensure regulatory compliance.
Document control, in particular, allows designers to see when new versions of a document have been made, where they are stored and who has access to them – as well as who they have been sent to and why.
The document control aspect of SynergyPIM aims to reduce time wasted locating the latest version of a document and allows stakeholders to see who is making changes.
Emilia Cardamone, meanwhile, discussed the impact of technology on workplace design. “Eighty per cent of buildings that will be occupied in 2050 already exist,” stated Cardamone, who went on to say how the next frontier will be how we can retrofit those buildings so they can deliver the feedback and information we need.
Cardamone stressed the importance of data in shaping workplaces and cites a quote highlighting its significance, outlines various data collection methods such as real-time data, the Internet of Things, and machine learning, emphasising their role in creating smarter, more sustainable buildings. Benefits from making the most of smart sensors include improved energy efficiency and occupant experience with smart lighting, and waste management systems.
What are the key tenants and means of using data in buildings to improve design workflows? With this graphic, Cardamone, touched on how aspects such as machine learning can enhance predictive maintenance – which can be integrated into the design of a building, improving its longevity.
Cardamone also detailed how technology can be used optimise spaces, enhances security, and boosting productivity in smart workplaces. As illustrated (below) space-based energy monitoring can provide real-time feedback for occupants on how a building is being used with this data of course able to be used to feed into the design of future workplaces. The data can also link up with other settings to ensure energy is not wasted, allowing energy, or resources, be used to other aspects of a building at a certain time if need be.
The ‘Smart workplace’ diagram showing where smart sensors can be utilised.
Luka Stefanovic introduced Vectorworks and outlined how the software can facilitate smart working and data-driven design workflows. Luka noted the “data difference” concept, which focuses on efficient data management and automation in handling complex projects. The Vectorworks software provides tools like the Object Info Palette and Data Manager, which streamline data access and management for designers, enhancing their productivity and minimising errors.
The Object Info Palette allows designers to see as much information as possible about a specific aspect of a building, or a product within.
Stefanovic also explored the visualisation of data within BIM models, illustrating how data can be used to create graphic representations of design elements. Examples included colour-coded representations of fire ratings in wall components and dynamic assignment of data based on object parameters.
This led into how data can inform carbon assessments and support sustainable design practices, with Vectorworks’ tools for calculating embodied carbon and interpreting data for sustainable building materials able to be used.
Finally, Ben Porter looked into innovative approaches of building software tools to revolutionise architectural and construction practise. Porter introduced the concept of “building the car rather than just driving it,” highlighting the importance of remapping the ‘engine’ of design software.
Porter focussed on two main approaches: visual programming and text-based app development, illustrated these methods through case studies, such as streamlining facade design iterations and automating complex tasks like BIM model auditing and lease plan generation.
A workflow, supplemented with various Grasshopper scripts was applied to residential scheme in east London that allowed the design team to very quickly test colour iterations across the façade.
The presentation showcased the significant time and cost savings achieved through these customised software solutions, demonstrating the transformative impact of technology on the architecture and construction workflow. Overall, Porter advocated for a shift towards a more progressive digital maker movement, where software is moulded to fit unique project requirements, ultimately enhancing creativity and efficiency in the industry.
Source: Architecture Today