Technology in architecture

Presenting at the DAS CPD event in George, Roelof Rabe of Roelof Rabe Argitekte spoke about how architects can be superhumans.

Referring to the boom of technology in the 1970s through to modern-day artificial intelligence (AI), Rabe detailed how perceptions, technology and design have changed.

From 1973 to now

This was the year of the last moon mission. A crippling oil crisis changed capitalism, and working hard was replaced by working smart.

Over the years, the image of architects has moved from a roomful of men working on hand-drawn plans on drawing boards, to computer-aided design (CAD), to one architect, a man or woman, with a laptop using building information modelling (BIM).

Complexity vs simplicity

Today’s architecture is a balance of complexity versus simplicity, where technology is harnessed to achieve the higher goals of the building. These include:

  • Technological advancement of the process inside the building.
  • Human requirements and needs becoming more complex.
  • People’s reaction to the environment, and vice versa.

The client’s higher goals should be centred on decarbonisation and cost-effective, long-term maintenance. The question is, how do you keep things as simple as possible?

The rise of BIM

BIM is the posterchild for digital transformation in architecture, engineering and construction. It is capable of processing vast quantities of data, crash testing and delivering one drawing per room when needed on more complex projects.

Rabe explains that the decision to work with a BIM execution plan should be made upfront, with the client deciding on the level of details required upon completion. This plays a role in the lifespan and maintenance of the building.

However, facilities management teams need an interface between the immense amounts of data available within the BIM files, and what is needed practically. Rabe advocates for the use of integrated workspace management systems (IWMS) and digital twins to fulfil this role.

Architecture

BIM and IWMS can provide the data needed for facilities management, at the required level of detail, once building is complete. Image credit: Roelof Rabe Argitekte

User beware

Rabe explains that to use AI, it is important to bear in mind the downside of it. Frequent use can lead to mediocrity creep, with no new ideas, but merely reiteration of old ones.

“The results are broad sweeping and not targeted enough. Wading through the countless options from AI can be anti-time, much like social media,” he warns.

Can AI be an architect?

AI is text and language based. Prompt text and data are input on the AI platform, which results in a text response. This is then fed into other AI platforms until the final result is produced.

“There are many tools available,” says Rabe. “It’s easy to get lost in it.”

He believes that while AI is very useful for simplifying tasks and saving time, it is not a substitute for good ideas and good design. “Remember that AI cannot register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) – only humans can.”

How to be a superhuman

This doesn’t mean that AI should be avoided. He cites the AI app, Read, for Microsoft Teams as a prime example. This app takes minutes of Teams’ meetings, and it emails a precis and action points to all participants after the meeting.

“Using tools that save time is how we become superhumans. As long as we are the master and AI is the slave,” he concludes.

 

Architects can be superhumans by using AI to simplify and save time, but AI cannot be a substitute for good ideas and good design.

 

To see more architects tackle real issues in architecture or share design challenges and projects, be sure to register for our DAS CPD events.

More info here. https://www.buildinganddecor.co.za/das-cpd-events-buildingdecor/

Architecture

Roelof Rabe, director of Roelof Rabe Argitekte.

For more information, contact Roelof Rabe Argitekte:

Tel: +27 21 914 1690

Email: admin@roelofrabe.co.za

Website: www.roelofrabe.co.za

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