My first Publication Arup_BuildingDesign2020_v2 | Page 50

The open-source paradigm may allow
designers to rethink the way that the design
of buildings has traditionally been attributed
to singular designers or firms, and transition
into an environment that places less value
on brand recognition for high-end projects.
The industry’s place may evolve into more of
an advisory role in open-sourced projects,
providing expertise to establish mechanisms
for ensuring the relative originality of the
ultimate design and accuracy of calculations.
Case Study: Open Architecture Network
Case Study: Wiki House
WikiHouse is an open-source construction
platform from which people can freely
download and modify building plans, send
files to a local CNC router, and then assemble
the pieces to build a house without any prior
construction knowledge. Location / Business: London, UK.
00 / WikiHouse for public use. The Open Architecture Network is a free,
open-source online community where
designers, architects and engineers share
ideas, designs and plans, commenting,
building upon, and refining one another’s work
to improve living conditions around the world.
Open-Source Design
Location / Business: San Francisco, CA.
Architecture for Humanity for public use.
The challenges facing open-source design for building
projects include issues of standardisation, originality
and accuracy. The the open-source paradigm requires
a reexamination of traditional brand strategy, systems
attribution, and teambuilding. The role of the engineer in an
open-source context may evolve into more of an advisory
capability, providing expertise to non-traditional or non-
technical aggregators of open-source components. The
AEC sector stands to realise efficiencies from the internal
use of open-source processes, but must remain aware of
the competitive advantages open source approaches lend to
nontraditional firms.
Open-source design, or the practice of making design
elements freely available for use or adaptation by others, has
rapidly transitioned from a curiosity to a valuable component
of professional practice. A concept originating in software
development, open-source practices have made considerable
inroads in the AEC sector, with significant implications for
building design in the coming decades.
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Using an open-source model, the
OAN makes the world-shaping power of
architecture and design available for free,
raising the standard of the built environment
in new markets. Initially conceived by
Architecture for Humanity, the project is a
collaboration, dissemination and project
management platform that is open to all.
OAN makes it easier for individuals and
firms to collaboratively contribute to global
development, but may also pose challenges
to firms who currently compete for work in
this area.
Building Design 2020
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