The problems facing the built environment are well-known to the professionals in the Architectural, Engineering, and ConstructionThe problems facing the built environment are well-known to the professionals in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. It is a well-known statistic that the building sector consumes the most materials and accounts for 40% of global carbon emissions. Since construction generates a lot of garbage, circular design concepts might be quite helpful. Approximately 75% of building projects run over budget, and over half of the building expenses are attributed to overhead. In a world that moves quickly and presents a variety of complex problems, technology, and digitization aim to provide meaningful answers. The construction sector is well known for its sluggishness in adjusting to the wave of digitalization that is sweeping across many industries. The design and construction sector was ranked last in the industry’s digital advancement by McKinsey’s 2015 digitalization index. Employee productivity is declining, and project demand and complexity are rising, and the construction sector’s workers are getting older. The sector is beset by uncertainty and resistance, yet the drive towards digitalization and its application in various architectural styles is growing.

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Concrete Choreography_ © Benjamin Hofe

Evolving Architectural Styles

The architectural profession has changed due to technology, enabling architects to design and construct previously unimaginable projects. The design process has been eased by digital technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, which have improved accuracy, and productivity, and allow for teamwork. Furthermore, by offering clients and stakeholders immersive experiences, cutting-edge visualization technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) have revolutionized how architects convey design concepts. One of the most important technological developments in architectural style is the use of parametric design. Architects may use computational design tools, and algorithmic thinking to create, dynamic, complicated shapes that were previously hard to produce manually. With parametric design, one may achieve greater design exploration, optimization, and customization leading to distinctive and creative architectural solutions. Architects can now create buildings that accurately, and effectively adapt to site-specific circumstances, and user demands, thanks to this technology-driven approach. 

3D printing and digital fabrication have become revolutionary tools for architectural innovation. These technologies enable architects to push the limits of what is possible to build, as they can produce fine features and complicated shapes. 3D printing is one example of an additive manufacturing technology that opens up new possibilities for resource utilization, construction speed, and cost-effectiveness. Now that unconventional architectural styles, elements, and structures can be tested, architects may use never-seen-before innovation and construction methods. The Internet of Things (IoT) has propelled the emergence of smart buildings, revolutionizing the way structures are created, managed, and experienced. Buildings can now gather, and analyze data in real-time, enhancing performance, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency, thanks to IoT sensors and data analytics. Smart Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), security, lighting, and other technologies combine to create intelligent, networked spaces that adjust to the demands of their users. By using IoT technology, architects are creating sustainable buildings that also increase occupant productivity and well-being. 

Long-term architectural style developments have also been made possible by technological breakthroughs. From energy-efficient building systems to the integration of renewable energy sources, technology plays a significant role in the creation of ecologically responsible structures. Energy modeling software and green building certifications help architects create buildings that use less energy, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and are most sustainably constructed overall. With the aid of these resources, architects may make better-informed choices, and help create a better environment that is more sustainable, and green.

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Significance of AI in architecture_© The New York Times

Conclusion to Evolving Architectural Styles

The bounds of what is feasible in architectural styles, designs, and construction are constantly being reshaped by technology, from digital fabrication, and parametric design to smart buildings, and sustainable technologies. Architectural technology is an emerging topic of study that looks at the relationship between technology, style, and design, recognizing the importance of utilizing technology in the digital age. The relatively young field of study examines the construction, operation, anatomy, and physiology of buildings. Architectural technology operates at the nexus of design, engineering, and science. It is a goal to enhance and automate the design process to expedite construction, facilitate management, and guarantee the high performance of systems, materials, and structures. The digital transformation of the architectural process is associated with economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, performance, and manufacturing.

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Can the construction industry be disrupted_© Harvard Business Review

This change is having an impact on the process as well as the final product of a new wave of creative architecture styles that is upending the market, and taking novel, and fascinating turns. With the use of technology in architecture, form applications to computational design, architects are not involved in more than just building design and construction supervision. They are exploring new design frontiers, chasing algorithms, and experimenting with robots, 3D printing, reality, and adaptability. Today’s architects can optimize performance while concentrating more on creativity than production, thanks to data and analytics access. Put another way, the role of the architect is changing as well. Many, on the other hand, are almost guaranteeing their doom by holding hast to tradition and rejecting the newest technological advancements. Technology will not go unnoticed, and architects who are adept at it will probably succeed more than those who are not. 

Reference list:

Díaz, Álvarez. “How Technology Is Transforming Architectural Design.” AD&v® | Architecture & Interior Design, www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com/blog/how-technology-is-transforming-architectural-design.

Gattupalli, Ankitha . “What Is Architectural Technology? How Innovation Is Changing the Industry.” ArchDaily, 10 May 2023, www.archdaily.com/1000647/what-is-architectural-technology-how-technology-is-changing-the-industry#:~:text=Architectural%20technology%20is%20a%20vast.

Okuwa, Kolade. “The Impact of Technology on Architectural Innovation: Pioneering the Future of Design.” Www.linkedin.com, www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-technology-architectural-innovation-pioneering-kolade-okuwa/.

 

Author

Nikhil Ravindra is a passionate Architect, Urbanist and Academician, based in Bengaluru. His interests and expertise are on the topics of urban governance, climate action, land management, energy efficiency & digital innovations. He has several research publications to his name & also won awards for practicing sustainable architecture and urbanism.