Unveiling the future of design - Modena AEC and Infrastructure - Architecture | Engineering

UNVEILING
THE FUTURE
OF DESIGN:

architects embrace cutting-edge software and technologies for visualization

In recent years, technology has significantly impacted architectural design and visualization. SA BUILDING REVIEW spoke to Thabelo Netshivhungululu of Modena AEC & Infrastructure, about the latest tech trends architects are using to enhance their design process.

Can you share some insights into the latest software tools or platforms that architects are using?

Architects are using various software tools and platforms to enhance their design processes. They incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies to generate photorealistic images, illustrating conceptual thinking.

Some early AI tools are being used more in formal platforms like Autodesk Forma (early design analysis) to other software like MidJourney and LeonardoAI to generate images from text inputs.

Some of the more prominent among these are Revit, Rhino 3D, SketchUp, and 3D Studio Max, empowering architects to create intricate designs, fostering innovation and precision.

Another notable shift in the industry is the more formal adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a process and its associated tools like Revit for Model Authoring and Autodesk Construction Cloud for cloud collaboration between the construction stakeholders.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have gained popularity in architecture. How are these technologies being used for design and visualization, and what advantages do they offer to architects?

VR and AR are being used to enhance the design and visualization processes, creating immersive environments for architects to experience their designs in a simulated environment. AR is used to overlay digital information onto the physical world.

These technologies enable architects to identify design flaws in 3D, make changes before construction, and create interactive models for client presentations. VR and AR reduce the risk of costly design changes during construction, providing effective tools for communication and coordination.

" Architects are using various software tools and platforms to enhance their design processes.
"

BIM has become a fundamental tool in the industry. Can you explain how BIM software is being used by architects for design, collaboration, and project management, and what benefits it provides?

BIM software is a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics.

Architects use it for design, collaboration, and project management, creating virtual 3D models to visualize buildings, identify flaws, and make real-time changes. BIM fosters collaboration with professionals like engineers and contractors, ensuring everyone works with the same data, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Additionally, BIM aids project management, ensuring timely and budget-friendly project completion.

3D modelling and rendering software have advanced considerably. What are some of the cutting-edge 3D modelling and rendering tools that architects are using to create realistic visualizations of their projects?

Architects use tools like Enscape, TwinMotion, VRay, SketchUp, and 3ds Max for creating realistic visualizations. These tools help in presenting immersive environments to clients and stakeholders, reducing the risk of costly design changes during construction.

Cloud-based collaboration and project management tools have become essential for the building industry. How are these tools improving communication and coordination among architects, designers, and other stakeholders during the design phase?

Cloud-based collaboration and project management tools improve communication and coordination among architects, designers, and other stakeholders during the design-build phase in several ways.

Cloud-based tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud enable architects to collaboratively work on projects from anywhere globally. This facilitates collaboration across locations and time zones, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

Cloud-based tools also allow architects to manage projects more effectively providing a centralized platform (common data environment) for or sharing design changes, managing project timelines, tasks, and budgets, and ensuring projects stay on time and within budget, while real-time communication with clients and stakeholders is improved.

AI and machine learning are emerging in various fields. Are there applications of AI in architectural design or visualization that you find particularly promising or innovative?

Generative design is a process that uses algorithms to generate numerous design options based on a set of constraints and goals. This process helps architects explore a wide range of design options quickly and efficiently, improving the quality of the final design.

Machine learning algorithms are used for analysing data from sensors and other sources to identify patterns and optimise building performance, helping architects design buildings that are more energy-efficient and sustainable.

AI-powered rendering tools such as Midjourney are being used to generate photorealistic images that can be used to illustrate conceptual thinking.

AI and machine learning have enormous potential and consultants are exploring the use cases in diverse ways. Some of the first ways that designers explored was with the image-generating platform, MidJourney, to create conceptual images of the potential designs of buildings and spaces.

There is also a subset of tools, called Generative Design, which allows the users to generate the set of rules and guiding principles of what the potential building would require and run multiple design iterations. These options can be weighed against the outcomes specified to determine which design option gives the best approach to design further.

As AI and machine learning evolve, more innovative use cases are expected to emerge.

How are architects using advanced data analytics and simulation tools to optimise building designs for factors such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and user experience?

Architects use building simulation, generative design, and machine learning to optimise building designs for factors such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.

Building simulation uses algorithms to test how different spaces and building elements will perform under real world conditions.

Generative design generates many design options based on a set of constraints and goals.

Machine learning analyses data from sensors and other sources to identify patterns and optimise building performance.

Architects use building simulation, generative design, and machine learning to optimise building designs. These tools test different elements under real-world conditions, generate design options, and analyse data for enhanced energy efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.

Considering the global trend toward sustainability, what software or technologies are architects using to model and assess the environmental impact of their designs, including energy consumption and carbon emissions?

With the current climate crisis, a key focus area is how sustainably we are designing our buildings, from material selection, simulating the potential building operations, and the owner/operator of the building’s performance.

To assess environmental impact, architects use software like Revit’s Carbon simulation, conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) in the early design stages. This helps in selecting sustainable materials and construction methods, reducing the carbon footprint.

" Recent projects like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and Green Point Athletics Stadium showcase the efficiency and success of incorporating innovative software and technologies.
"

Mobile apps and tablets have become more prevalent on construction sites. Can you discuss any specific apps or software that architects are using for on-site design changes, inspections, and problem-solving?

Architects use various apps like PlanGrid, Site Audit Pro, AutoCAD Mobile App, BIMx, and Sun Locator, allowing for on-site design changes, inspections, and problem-solving. Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Build facilitates real-time communication on project requirements, delivering in a demanding environment.

By leveraging these tools, architects can streamline their workflows and improve communication with team members and clients.

Are there any specific examples of recent architectural projects where the use of innovative software or technologies for design and visualization played a crucial role in the project's success or efficiency?

The industry is full of examples, especially in recent years, from delivering residential projects where the entire consulting team is collaborating in the cloud to construction projects sharing project information in real-time through ACC Build, and even as-built projects where Matterport and Faro (LiDAR technologies) were used to capture the existing buildings for the client and design teams.

Recent projects like Netcare Alberton, Fourways Mall, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Bosjes Chapel, and Green Point Athletics Stadium in South Africa showcase the efficiency and success of incorporating innovative software and technologies.

As technology continues to advance, what do you see as the most significant challenges or considerations for architects and the building industry in adopting and adapting to these new tools and methods?

Architects and the building industry do face several challenges when considering implementing new methodologies, one of the most significant being cost – often new technologies require significant investment in hardware, software, and training, which can be a barrier to adoption, especially for smaller firms.

Another challenge is the complexity of new tech that requires specialised knowledge and training to be used effectively, creating a barrier to adoption for architects who are not familiar with the technology or who do not have the necessary skills to use it effectively.

Finally, there is the challenge of interoperability; some technologies are not compatible with existing systems, which can make it difficult to integrate them into the design process.

Despite these challenges, architects and the building industry must continue to evolve to remain competitive and meet the demands of clients and stakeholders.

Mitigation involves having reliable technology partners, continued learning, and investing in new technologies to improve workflows, reduce errors, and create more efficient and sustainable designs.

Lee Finch

Marketing Manager - Modena AEC & Infrastructure