In our last post, we discussed architectural features that add value to a home. Owning a home is an important financial decision that can impact you for years to come, especially if you plan on selling your home down the road. There are certain architectural features that you can add to your home that will increase the property value over time, therefore increasing its appeal and resulting in a higher selling price. We talked about features such as crown molding, fireplaces, gazebos, and more! If you are interested in learning more, check out our last blog!
Today, we’ll be talking about how technology has influenced architecture. Architecture can be traced all the way back to approximately 10,000 B.C., around the time that humans stopped living in caves! Architecture has changed significantly over time, with many styles being influenced by those that came before them. For example, when we took a look at Neoclassical architecture, we found that aspects of the style were borrowed from Classical Greek and Roman architecture. As society has progressed and technology has been introduced and become a constant in our lives, architecture has also evolved. If you are interested in learning about how technology has influenced architecture, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.
Technology has shaped every aspect of our world today, including architecture. For home builders and architects, technology has been a real gamechanger. It impacts the way homes are built these days from start to finish. Let’s take a closer look.
3D Printing
3D printing is a relatively new technology that layers materials based on a digital model to create a physical model. Some have said that 3D printing is the future of construction– And they may be right. 3D printing allows architects to quickly make models of construction products, as well as build actual structures. Since 3D printing is relatively fast, this saves architects time, allowing them to get more done in a shorter period. For example, back in 2018, a French family was the first family to move into a 3D printed home, which took only 54 hours to print. Additionally, 3D printers are fully automated, which eliminates the possibility of human error. As long as everything is programmed into the printer correctly, there should be no issues. Architecture and construction can be a bit wasteful when it comes to materials. In fact, these professions have been said to be responsible for about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. One benefit of 3D printing is that the device uses precisely the amount of material needed; No more, no less. This means that there are less construction materials wasted. Plus, 3D printers are capable of using recycled materials.
SMART Technology
SMART technology relies on smart devices that make use of data to understand how improvements can be made. SMART stands for self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology. You may have heard of SMART homes, which are homes that are equipped with amenities such as lighting, heating, or other electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by a phone or computer. For example, there is SMART technology that can automatically adjust the settings of air conditioning or heat by detecting the temperature inside the home. This can help save energy. These days, many people find it essential to have SMART technology in their homes. For this reason, homes and buildings are often constructed with this technology in mind. SMART technology is quickly changing both commercial and residential buildings.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, or VR, is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that allows people to interact with it. You may be most familiar with the use of virtual reality for video games, but did you know that it is being used in architecture, too? Virtual reality has begun to be used in architecture to create immersive, 3D environments for their clients to experience. Rather than viewing a 2D model or blueprint, clients can now see exactly what their future building or home will look like. This allows them to see scale, depth, and spatial awareness so they know what to expect. Additionally, they can identify areas that they’d like to change before construction starts. This is convenient and cost-effective. Virtual reality allows both clients and architects to be involved in the design process in a whole new way.
Digital Sketchbooks
While some designers and architects still prefer to use paper and pencil, digital sketchbooks are becoming more and more prominent. Usually in the form of software on a device such as a tablet, digital sketchbooks allow architects to create designs anywhere, any time, on the go or in the office. One advantage of this is that a single tablet can store hundreds of sketches, meaning that you don’t have to lug around a heavy sketchbook or continue to buy new sketchbooks. Plus, you never have to worry about sharpening a pencil! Digital sketchbooks are extremely convenient and provide a range of tools that designers can use. For example, many apps will allow you to create perfectly straight lines or boxes of a particular dimension, without the use of a ruler.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the development of computer-based systems that are able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. One type of artificial intelligence that is beginning to be used in architecture is text-to-image software. This software allows a person to type a description of the building or home they are looking for, and the AI creates a unique image based on the words it is given. One of the most well-known AI softwares is called Midjourney, an intelligence imaging tool. Midjourney creates images from prompts, or textual descriptions. For example, one architect used the tool to envision what cities of the future may look like, by typing in phrases such as “futuristic towers” and “utopian technology”. In response, Midjourney produced beautiful and surreal artwork of futuristic cities. Using AI technology can help inspire designers and architects, as well as show us possibilities for cities of the future!
As you can see, these are just a few ways that technology is influencing architecture today. What aspect of technology and architecture do you find most interesting? Let us know! We hope you found this article informative and we hope to see you back on the blog soon as we continue to dive into various topics regarding architecture. Perhaps something might spark inspiration for your next project! For more information on architectural design and building, keep up-to-date with the Architecture Plus blog. If you’re ready to sit down with an experienced team of designers and hash out the elements of your next project, reach out to us! We’re eager to hear from you. Until next time, thank you for reading!