How Technology is Bridging the Gap Between Architectural Design and Construction

Normally, architects have made designs for structures while construction companies and contractors attempted to decipher them in order to construct physical structures. This has often resulted in disconnections between the design concept and the final built form, right from the planning stage.

But there is a long-standing divide between design and construction that is prevalent in the architecture industry and that is currently being filled by the latest technology. Technological advancements such as parametric modelling; virtual reality, and building information modeling are creating tighter link between design and construction than ever before.

Mathematical Modeling Allows for Variable Structures

Automated generative design is the process in which the subsequent design iterations are created using algorithms and relationships by the architect to meet predefined parameters. Where earlier architects could only draw out a flat layout on a piece of paper or in a computer program, they can now design parametrically where a 3D model is created of the building and the changes are made to this model and it immediately provides a feedback.

These parametric models can be changed quickly and therefore it is possible to incorporate the constructive criticism of contractors and engineers. Before, whenever there was a need to design a change, it would have to be done through the actual drawings and sometimes the process was cumbersome. A parametric model is calculated based on a given set of input parameters and linked with a central database and changes to the input parameters will cause all model outputs to be updated. This allows for the rapid cycles and improvements in efficiency and quality of the product with minimal variance between different instances of the output.

It would be impossible to previsualize spaces in the same real way that VR allows.

Construction estimating companies Clients and architects or designers can navigate through photorealistic constructions instead of physically built models before the real construction takes place. This strong visualisation technology re-creates two-dimensional illustrations into a 3-D perspective, allowing one to feel the rooms.

Rather than clients having to make their design decisions based on a set of drawings which are often somewhat abstract representations of architecture, clients can now virtually walk through the spaces from their own perspective. It is possible to adjust the design with the help of VR in case some changes are desirable, or based on the client’s input, which can help to eliminate misunderstandings and reach a mutual understanding of the final look of the building. The gains that are evident in the use of VR also include the fact that architects and contractors can be assured of the designs that they are undertaking before the start of construction.

BIM connects design data with construction planning

BIM, also known as Building Information Modeling, is an innovative process based around the use of a parametric 3D model to depict physical characteristics of a building and its function. This model also facilitates storage and sharing of design and construction knowledge by the various stakeholders involved in the project at different stages.

Thus, the key concept of BIM’s value is how it provides a single source model that holds vast amount of information related to design data and can be retrieved or extracted to support construction. For instance, the same 3D model built by architects to check spatial alignments in the early stages can generate precise material reports for the contractors’ procurement and quantity takeoffs.

The integration of BIM in design ideation and construction planning reduces medium and interfacing information gaps and therefore, results in constructability improvements as fewer RFIs, change orders, and rework are required during construction. This results in reduced time as well as cost of development and it’s also effective in attaining design correctness.

Laser scanning in construction allows as built modeling

Other innovations such as laser scanning help construction estimators achieve as-built modeling, through 3D scanning of current structures. This data can then be integrated into the architect’s BIM model for renovations or expansion projects as needed.

An as-built model of existing conditions is a must to accurately visualize design layers and adjustments on the construction site. It also helps contractors develop better value and work quantities estimates. Plan inexistence of variance in the actual site and that of architectural diagrams can help in identifying potential issues before engaging in renovation work thus cutting on time and costs which may arise from construction problems.

At different developing phases, many architects build scale models to help them understand and assess spatial characteristics. But model making has relied on manual interventions which are cumbersome in the past and this has made them to take a lot of time. Architecture has benefited from 3D printing especially in making models whereby the process of turning digital designs into tangible models is made so efficient with ease of getting accurate models.

Objects with intricate shapes that would have been almost unachievable through traditional model making can now be produced through 3D printing. It enables construction of design concepts and initial overviews of options to be created at a faster pace to be useful for decision making. Even better, 3D printing minimizes the time/hour and cost constraints for architects when it comes to producing physical design models. The faster cycle is beneficial for architects in that they can incorporate comments into the final construction drawings.

Conclusion

Technologies such as BIM, VR and 3D printing are now defining the new era over conventional divisions between architectural design and building construction. While the parametric modeling facilitates an interactive environment for design and collaboration, the VR provides a realistic view of design and its integration. BIM is the application of design data with construction planning as a key to improved project outcomes.Among them, laser scanning and 3D printing are also used to improve model building in the design concept and physical construction stages.

With such technologies underpinning, construction estimating service architecture, as a discipline, is moving towards a more connected, effective and cyclic design and construction project cycle. Innovative shocks within this industry indicate a progressively refined construction method – in converting architectural ideas into structures. The closing gaps facilitate new opportunities for the forms of construction, the effectiveness of systems, and the alignment of stakeholders. Lastly, this leads to the potential for more innovation to serve the various user needs while improving the construction industry’s standards for buildability.