Digital Tools Revolutionise Architecture
By Melissa Truscott ( PrArch MSAIA ) Director of Architecture ( Africa ), AECOM
Traditionally , architecture practices operate with architects in a standalone studio environment , engaging engineers once the design achieves client approval . In a multidisciplinary environment like AECOM , our architects and engineers work side by side . It ’ s a very collaborative approach and creates a lot of value in the early stages of a project , while saving time and intervention further down the road .
There is also a lot more understanding between engineers and architects in such a space . The former learn that architects are not just designers ; we add huge value from the outset , pulling the team together and helping the client to visualise the various options available . Another client benefit is having a single interface , which they really appreciate . There are definite cost- and time-saving benefits for the client , too , especially when we utilise cloud-based design and construction management software to work together in real-time to solve design challenges and deliver projects .
Covid-19 has accelerated the uptake of digital technologies in our industry . For us , it was a seamless transition , as we had been operating in that space for a while . However , what we are seeing now , which is really gratifying , is that many of our clients , contactors and other consulting engineering firms are joining the digital revolution .
Technological change in this area has been exponential , with the end result being that the entry level is now much lower . This is the path that most innovative technologies follow , which makes for an exciting and innovative journey . An important part of our role is to encourage those traditional clients who are still hesitant about digital tools to take that initial leap . We need to ensure they appreciate the benefits it can offer in terms of cost , time and risk management .
A trend that we are seeing is an uptake in the use of 3D scanning of existing buildings using portable point-based cloud scanners . This data can then be transferred into a Revit model , allowing us to provide an array of options by using CGI or virtual reality , so that the clients can see for themselves what the space or project looks like , and all of the options for changes that are therefore available to them . Today this kind of technology is both commonplace and affordable .
What is critical about these models is that they can be made as smart as you need them to be by the amount of information they contain . The smarter the model , the more user-friendly and
intuitive it is . It also means that , from the jumping-off point of planning when no as-built drawings are available , for example , you can even use such models for facilities management once the building or project is operational .
Digital tools have allowed us to work anywhere and anytime , which has been an ideal approach during Covid-19 . A lot of South African projects were stalled , put on hold or cancelled outright . This resulted in some imbalances in the various project teams , but because we can now all work remotely , it also means everyone can operate as a unified team across the board .
The 15-strong architecture team sits across three different offices and forms part of Buildings + Places , alongside Programme and Cost Consultancy ( PCC ), which are the quantity surveyors and project managers , along with the civil and infrastructure engineers . Many might find it surprising , but our team find it fascinating to get involved with industrial and infrastructure projects , which are essentially the bread and butter of the architecture team . A manufacturing plant may not seem that exciting from a design point of view , but these are generally massive and complex structures that involve extensive collaboration , problem-solving and new technologies .
New technologies such as drones provide a unique aerial perspective of project sites , but are not used daily . The digital tool that we probably deploy the most is the HoloBuilder enterprise-grade construction progress management platform , which is powered by 360 ° photo capture .
This tool gives our entire team access to current and historic 360 ° images of all parts of the site from wherever they are , and really assists in helping the team solve problems quickly without extra visits to the site . There is a lot of talk in the industry about machine learning and augmented reality , but we have yet to see the real benefits of such technologies . Obviously , as the space continues to open up , there will be more and more exciting developments .
We are in the strong position that we are in because we have so much international work experience , which has meant strong exposure to the stringent standards adopted in the Middle East and Europe with regard to digital technologies and the higher level of detail required globally . South Africa still has a long way to go . The uptake will increase as the understanding of the benefits that digital technologies brings deepens . It will definitely continue to shape the future of our industry for a long time still to come .
Digital Tools 11