Archinect - Features

New Dog, New Tricks: Reflections on Construction, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence

2023-05-29T08:00:00-04:00

What is the current relationship between humans, robotics, and construction? What is its future? To explore these questions in depth, Archinect speaks with both Boston Dynamics and the Applied Research + Development group at Foster + Partners for their experiences and perspectives in designing, building, and applying the latest innovations in robotics on construction sites.

This article is part of the Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series.

Archinect's Guide to Job Titles: Forensic Architect

2022-06-15T17:45:00-04:00

A forensic architect holds many responsibilities within the development of a construction project. Skilled in conducting investigations to identify and mitigate potential dangers or risks associated with building damage, such as construction defects, these professionals offer a bias-free, third-party perspective and solutions to a firm’s most significant construction and design deficiencies.

For our 12th installment of Archinect's Guide to Job Titles, we explore the role of a Forensic Architect and look at some of the qualifications and duties associated with this position. We will also take a closer look at the valuable contributions a Forensic Architect brings to a design team.

Does 3D Printed Architecture Have Real Potential? We Talk With an Architect About His Experience Designing and Building a 3D Printed House

2021-12-15T07:45:00-05:00

3D printing is older than you may think. The term was first coined in a 1984 patent, while the idea of generating 3D objects from 2D drawings dates back to sci-fi visions as early as 1945. Fast forward to today, and 3D printing has become a viable method of producing everything from medical stents to passenger vehicles. For those involved in building design and construction, the advent of 3D printing poses several questions: What is it like to design and build a 3D printed structure? How does an architect approach the process? What does the future hold for 3D printed architecture?

In this article, we seek answers to these questions by speaking with an architect who has gained real-world experience in delivering a 3D printed house as well as one of the world’s leading innovators in 3D printed construction.

From Start-Up to Industry Leader: Enscape Develops A Real-Time 3D Experience That Puts User Experience At the Forefront Of Designer Workflow

2021-03-17T21:05:00-04:00

Enscape, the leading provider of real-time rendering and virtual reality technology for the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) market announces the release of Enscape version 3.0 and its new branding. More than a recent update, 3.0 is a milestone in Enscape's company history. Their latest release and branding reflect its mission to unleash a designer's creativity through continuous innovation in accessible design technology.

Archinect unpacks Enscape's latest software launch and explores how this will impact the architecture industry as it continues to move forward with project planning, client interaction, and architectural visualization.

Unpacking Adaptive Reuse, Professional Practice, and Interior Architecture with RISD's Adaptive Reuse Program

2020-08-11T15:56:00-04:00

Unique to RISD's Interior Architecture Department (INTAR) is its one-year post-professional Master of Arts in Adaptive Reuse program. In this feature we take a closer look at the mission and goals for the students of Archinect’s newest School Partner. According to Interior Architecture Department Head Liliane Wong, "The program emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the context of the existing structure and making design interventions that contribute to the layers of history embedded in our built environment."

To learn more Archinect spoke with Wong, Graduate Program Director Stefano Corbo, and several current students and alumni from the MA Adaptive Reuse program to learn about their experiences and program takeaways. Together we explore the program's mission and how students are prepared to develop expertise in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and architectural interiors.

Exploring Virtual Design Possibilities Through BIM and Modular Construction

2019-12-19T09:00:00-05:00

Demand for individuals with an expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) is increasing throughout the job market. A modeling platform that has changed the the building industry, many firms have transitioned to using BIM over the last decade to take advantage of the inherent potential for collaboration and coordination the technology offers, both in the studio and on the job site. (For a nuts-and-bolts view of what it's like to work as a BIM Specialist, see Archinect's recent story unpacking the ins and outs of the job title)

Due to BIM's multi-disciplinary scope, construction firms like Windover Construction use the BIM framework and other visual design technologies to bring efficiency to complex construction projects, like those that utilize modular and prefab building components.

To learn more about the implementations of BIM and virtual design within this realm, Archinect spoke with Windover Construction Director of Virtual Design and Construction Amr Raafat and Senior Pr...

Drones for Architects: New Capabilities for the Construction Sector, How to Get Started and How to Navigate the Law

2018-04-04T12:01:00-04:00

According to a 2016 Goldman Sachs report, the largest commercial buyer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS’s, more commonly known as drones) in the next five years will be the construction sector, valued at $11.2bn worldwide. What new roles will drones adopt both in the architectural design process and outcomes? If your firm is intending to mobilize a drone, what should you be aware of in terms of its operation and the law? To look closer at these eyes in the sky, I speak to interdisciplinary design office Noumena who are experimenting with cutting-edge drone technology within their integrated design process. I will also check in with Florida-based certified civil trial lawyer and pilot Michael J. Corso esq., a specialist in drone litigation for architecture and design professionals. For an alternate angle, I get some tips from architect and respected architectural photographer Fernando Guerra, who has collaborated with and captured the buildings of many well-known architects, includi...

Removing the Scaffolding of Architecture

2018-01-03T12:36:00-05:00

When I think of architecture I think of the Salk Institute in La Jolla by Louis Kahn, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Florence Cathedral by Brunelleschi, The Yamanashi building in Kofu by Kenzo Tange... there are so many great buildings by so many great architects.

Building 'togetherness' through architecture: an interview with ConstructLab

2017-04-04T09:44:00-04:00

ConstructLab is a collaborative design and construction practice founded by the carpenter-slash-architect Alexander Römer in the early 2000s. Working on both ephemeral and permanent projects, ConstructLab gathers architects, designers, builders, social scientists, curators, graphic designers, photographers, gardeners and cooks around the ideas of bringing sites to life and creating a sense of place. But beyond construction and design, what really binds those individuals is the notion of ‘togetherness’.

C.W. Keller, the Family-Run Fabricators Working with Google and WeWork, Discuss the Art of Streamlining Construction

2016-10-06T13:29:00-04:00

Shawn Keller is the President of C.W. Keller + Associates, an engineering and fabrication company headquartered 45 minutes north of Boston in Plaistow, NH. I’ll sheepishly admit that, despite their long history, until a handful of years ago I was only vaguely aware of the office and their work. I first came across them after spending an afternoon at the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion construction site watching formwork go into place, and since then their name has come up with increasing frequency in discussions about fabrication shops really pushing the capabilities of digital tools.

How 'Chicks with Bricks' finds female solidarity (and humour) in the UK's building industry

2016-05-04T11:06:00-04:00

With an easy to remember name, an inclusive attitude and a pragmatic sense of duty, Chicks with Bricks has been holding networking events in London since 2005 with the aim of inspiring and connecting women in architecture and construction.

Architectural panel tape proves its strength with SPF:architects' Double Stick project

2016-04-09T10:49:00-04:00

The “Double Stick” residence comes by its name honestly. With an impressive anodized aluminum façade held in place by a high performance, two-sided architectural panel tape, this 5,000-square-foot single-family dwelling designed by Studio Pali Fekete architects is a stellar expression of modern design and engineering.

This augmented reality helmet could revolutionize the construction site

2016-01-26T12:46:00-05:00

Decades of sci-fi movies have made it hard to imagine a future without augmented reality. Yet besides the largely fizzled-out promise of Google Glass, little headway seems to have been made integrating digitally-enhanced vision into everyday life. That might be about to change, at least according to the folks over at Daqri, a Los Angeles-based “human-machine interface company.” Their recently-announced “Smart Helmet” is billed as the the “biggest makeover” the construction helmet has had in its history.