Architecture is a craft that will never stop evolving. It started as complex drawings on paper to plan a design, but architects now rely on 3D and drawing software to create any new structure. Architects depend on technology and architect-specific software to assimilate the progression and development of their designs.
The technology of architecture itself has advanced to such a degree that professionals can use their smartphones or tablets to put their creations together. It is no longer just about a pencil and technical drawing tools. The following pieces of technology have made the art of designing buildings and structures much easier for those who have pursued a career in architecture.
Technology That Every Architect Can Benefit From
Color Digitiser
This simple device will fit into a pocket so it can be taken anywhere. A portable color digitiser is a great addition to an architect’s arsenal of tools. Imagine seeing a building with an interesting color that needs to be identified. Simply point the device to the fabric, paint, or surface in question and it will tell the architect everything they need to know. This handy piece of technology will display the Pantonecolor and whether it is CMYK, LAB, HEX, or RGB.
The reason why a color digitiser is a great tool for architects is that some colours use a range of different shades to reach a specific hue. Ever tried to match up paint for a home, but couldn’t quite get the measurements right? A colour digitiser will show if there is more than one colour in the mix so that the right quantities of each can be used.
3D Printing and Virtual Reality
Many architects studied using 2D representations to design their prospective structures and then had to build a 3D rendered model. Nowadays, 3D capability has come to the forefront, offering these professionals an easier and more streamlined solution to designing different architecture. The beauty of 3D and virtual reality technology is that, as an architect works with the software to create their design, they can take a virtual simulation tour to understand how different environments are affected by it.
For example, during a virtual simulation, the architect will be able to tell if the ceiling is high enough, or if the low-bearing walls are sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weight of a building.The architect can take much closer looks at the corners of each room, including the wall texture, and any revisions needed to be made to a building or structure are done instantaneously before any construction takes place. To use this technology, architects need to invest in a robust Desktop Computer for Architects similar tothe ones from Lenovo. They will need a high-powered desktop computer with sufficient CPU capacity and a high-end graphics card.
Digital Tools for Measurement
Digital measuring tools have been around since the early 90s. The difference is that now they are much cheaper and offer way better technology and features than ever before. Architects heavily rely on different measurement tools to accurately design a multiple-story building, for instance.From the size of the door to the length of a window, absolutely everything needs to be measured, and this can take a lot of unnecessary time out of an architect’s day.
Most of the time, if an architect needs to measure something theyhave to use a standard tape and sometimes someone else has to hold one end in place. Not anymore. Digital measuring devices use a laser that automatically measures the distance of any surface in a matter of seconds. There is no longer a need to carry a heavy toolbag around, and this is only one of many hundreds of handy technologies that architects can benefit from.
Also Read:Architecture vs Civil Engineering – A better choice
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM architectural software has only just started to become popular, and understandably so. BIM software was specifically designed to manage the full process from planning and design to implementation of architectural designs. Working with 3D modeling tools, BIM software allows architects to create a workflow of the entire process while managing things like space planning and energy analysis.
This might sound a bit complicated, but BIM software significantly assists architectural businesses with designing structures that are strong, sturdy, and will last for decades. Tons more features are available with this technology. One of the best is that the software will automatically calculate the costs involved each time a change is made to the design. This greatly helps businesses with cost-benefit analysis. Some versions of this software even come with virtual reality functionality.
These four main tools are only just touching the surface of how technology can benefit an architect in the planning, design, and development of buildings and structures.
