Influences of Technology on Architecture and Design
Reading Time: 5 minutes Throughout the history, technological advancements have been the drivers of new architectural currents. From aiding the design and construction processes to setting new trends in the market that will meet the demand of the new era – most notable during the height of the industrial revolution when technological innovation quite literally reshaped the architectural doctrines of the time.
Not only is technology an inextricable part of every process in the architectural and design realms of the modern age, but it is also enabling the construction of interesting, ecologically responsible, and useful buildings and products the modern society desperately needs.
For years now, the trend of weaving technology into every aspect of human existence has been rising steadily, leading to an augmented, smart, and seemingly otherworldly future of fully autonomous construction and design, interior decorating, smart homes, and fully sustainable buildings.
With that in mind, let’s take a deeper look at how technology is reshaping the ways of architecture and design, and what clients and contractors can expect to see in the near future.
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3D printing and high-res modeling
3D printing is rapidly becoming the norm around the world, its usefulness unrivaled across all industries and vocations. Unlike its humble, low-res beginnings, in recent years 3D printing has progressed immensely, with designers now able to use rapid prototyping to quickly transform ideas into accurate full-scale 3D models.
Needless to say, this not only expedites the planning, designing, and construction processes down the line, but it also signifies the inception of a new era in architecture – personalized designs and infinite possibilities.
Before long, contractors will be able to erect entire buildings and installations as products of giant 3D printers – as attested by the innovative team at Contour Crafting that use a giant automated extruder to construct structurally sound-bearing walls in almost any shape in a matter of hours. But this is only the beginning.
The scope of uses for 3D printing is vast and in the near future, we can expect everything from sneakers to fine medical instruments to be crafted with unparalleled precision and a unique design to fit every occasion and every customer preference out there.
Needless to say, designers and architects are making all of this possible with the use of modern 3D rendering software and 3D modeling technology in order to re-create objects that the customer can fully experience with VR technology.
3D rendering and architectural visualization
Before we delve into the augmented customer experience that is architectural VR, let’s first take a look at 3D rendering and architectural visualization, and how these futuristic methods are shaping the world of exterior and interior design.
With 3D rendering artists becoming insanely skilled in their craft, clients can now experience the product (be it a house or its accompanying furniture) in a digital realm that is completely indistinguishable from a real-life photograph.
Imagine skimming through an online interior design catalog where every piece of furniture is meticulously organized in an aesthetically appealing setting, designed to evoke the right emotional response.
Well, it might look like a well-orchestrated photograph, but in reality, the entire image was crafted in a 3D rendering tool, made to save precious resources and give you, the customer, the power to tailor-make your ideal interior.
Being able to pan around and observe a home and its interior from your computer screen is made possible by 3D artists working in architecture and interior design studios.
They are striving to provide the most comprehensive experience to customers, thus effectively paving the road to an augmented future we are bound to inherit. This is where virtual reality will push the boundaries of modeling into a completely new era.
Virtual reality in exterior and interior design
Virtual reality is by no means an innovative concept, as it has been around since the early 1990s. While its first and most popular use was to redefine the gaming industry – which is actually happening – virtual reality has been used in a myriad of industries.
VR has the power to boost effectiveness, simplify countless processes, and engage a customer with a brand in a completely innovative way. Virtual reality is inescapable, and it is set to revolutionize the human experience itself, benefiting humankind from multiple perspectives.
When it comes to architecture and design, VR aims to completely immerse the client in the design and decorating process. For instance, the creatives behind Superdraft use virtual reality to give their users the freedom to hand-pick features, interact with a virtual setting, and share their favorite designs with others via mobile, PC, or VR headset.
This is truly game-changing in the field of architecture, as designers are now able to construct complete 3D representations of their work, and put their clients into the virtual setting before the construction process even begins.
Not only does the application of VR mean minimized resource spending and maximized returns, but it also means that the entire design process can be sped up tenfold, resulting in higher ROI for both the customer and the contractor.
What was once a science fair project in the 20th century has now become the future the entire world is already experiencing.
Automating the construction process with drones
Yes, drones. Literally bringing materials to the construction site with drone power and even aiding the actual construction process with glorified flying tin cans.
Since their daring venture into the open marketplace, drones have proven useful to the public, but they have also had their share of flops, ultimately dividing opinion.
No matter where you stand on the matter, drones are becoming increasingly popular with online retail giants and tech firms that want to exploit this efficient and affordable method of transportation.
While Amazon is experimenting with its same-day drone delivery system and Google investing in air burrito delivery in Australia, architects and designers that drive the innovation process are coming up with ways to erect buildings with this type of technology.
The idea is for drones to drop housing modules into place, completing a building in a matter of days with little human oversight.
Creating the smart interior of the future
Technological progress seems to have limitless applications in the modern world, including creating a beautiful synergy of interior decor and smart software.
Yes, the sofa of tomorrow is going to be much more than a mere sofa – it’s going to be a fully interactive piece of smart furniture that you can control with sound and touch.
Connected to the rest of your smart home, these tech innovations will redefine modern living, turning what was once a mere science fiction dream into the augmented reality everyone is waiting for.
These innovations are not just designed to bring comfort into your home, but they also serve the purpose of creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and multifunctional spaces to meet the needs of the modern homeowner.
Technology has become an inextricable part of the modern lifestyle, permeating the residential and commercial spheres and literally taking humanity to the next step in the evolutionary process.
With smart tech and intuitive software becoming the go-to tools for modern designers, architecture is rapidly becoming yet another industry where customers will enjoy a completely immersive and bespoke experience.
Author Bio: Cooper is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing. He’s interested in real estate and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger for SmoothDecorator and several other sites. You can find him on Twitter.
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