The Magic Wand | Impacts of Technology
Architecture and design have rapidly evolved with great exposure due to the advent of technology. Would the construction field have been the same without the existence of technology? Now, that is a subjective question to be answered, because, for some, it would be a yes, and for some a no, since it has done wonders whereas in some cases, a little problematic. Every coin has two sides; so does impacts of technology to architecture.
The Common Thoughts
The like-minded thoughts of people are positive these days, isn’t it? The same applies to the perception of the application of technology to architecture. Every one of us would agree with the fact that with the advent of technology in our lives, things have become less complicated. Quite easy and quite smooth! There had never existed something known as technology in ancient times. Would we have then known that we could perceive our dream to become reality even before it was executed? With the coming of technology during the Industrial Revolution, starting small from elevators, steel, glass, etc. It can be said that architecture and design have further become extremely productive and efficient. It has enhanced the time, cost, and labor, the utmost important deliverables of any project. What is even more important is that technology has made it easier to imagine and visualize, not just for architects, designers, and planners but also for the common man!
Architectural Software | Impacts of Technology
Earlier, a lot of manual work had to be done for the completion of a project. The projects took ages for their completion citing delays in delivering the project. Software, tools, and machinery have all contributed to speeding up the process. Let us consider the case of the software that we use in today’s design. We just have to imagine, think of it, and lo and behold, it’s there in front of our eyes, be it any complex form. Gone are the hand-drafting days, we now have AutoCAD for 2D visuals, Revit, sketch up, and 3DsMax for a three-dimensional perspective, and not just this, we can perceive the actual texture, lighting, and materials that we ought to have on our buildings before the actual construction using rendering techniques like Vray, Lumion, etc. Once the actual structure is perceived, we even have software like BIM that can calculate individual material costs, leading to the overall estimated budget of any project. Apart from the common ones, we are now in the era of 3D printing structures! Work has been made so simple, right?
Material Modifications
There have been a lot of interventions recently in the materials used for construction back from the olden times. Inventions of new materials, modifications of the existing ones, and whatnot! For example, the procurement of materials like lime plaster were procured earlier using lime chakkis and digging up pits that would take up huge space and a lot of time. Of late, the machinery has been of great use, in terms of reduced durations, quality materials, and effective proportions.
The Project Deliverables | Impacts of Technology
Back then, so much planning had to go behind the start of the project, and a lot of considerations had to be taken care of on-site and even after the completion of a project. But now, there has even emerged a construction and project management system where people are employed to ensure that the project is taken care of and managed right from start to end, in terms of time, cost, and other estimates. Compared to the earlier times when strenuous labor was required on-site and now when not many people needed after the discovery of laser techniques, modern marking techniques, etc, the project costs have also eventually gone down.
The Dark Shades
Thus, having said, technology has deviated somewhere from the original roots of what it was supposed to accomplish. With the growth of technology, the good as much as we perceive it, the hidden reality is sadly unknown. These days a good system and necessary software are all we need for the execution of a project. Sadly, the least thought is given to the economically weaker regions that do not possess hefty amounts for procuring the required systems. Another major drawback is that the work atmospheres of the designers are in for a crash. Sitting in front of the systems for hours, they begin to lack the creativity that is much needed at this hour. Traditional knowledge systems have started to disappear in the fear of threats and pressure because of emerging technology. Traditional and vernacular methods practiced by sculptors, painters, masons, and other people have been taken over by new techniques that would yield faster results. Moreover, the pace and volume make the lifecycle of a trend die very soon.
“Exposure to a trend is quickly followed by overexposure.” – Daniel Richards
Conclusion | Impacts of Technology
Every asset is a boon only when used righteously. The same applies to technology too. Technology should assist in the process of development but never seem a hindrance.
References
- 2022. [online] Available at: <https://businessofhome.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-technology-in-design> [Accessed 25 September 2022].
- Medium. 2022. The Role of Technology in the Architecture of the 21st Century. [online] Available at: <https://medium.com/@senibijames/the-role-of-technology-in-the-architecture-of-the-21st-century-3dd301e9dc50> [Accessed 25 September 2022].
