Archinect - News

Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America launch media library to boost diversity in the construction industry

2021-06-29T18:16:00-04:00

Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) have launched the Construction Diversity Image Library, a joint initiative that aims to increase representation and attract a more diverse AEC workforce.

The library is a collection of photographs, for use by media outlets, featuring diverse individuals in the construction workforce. Photos are of real construction teams on real job sites. The library launched with an established collection of photos provided by several AGC member firms. Autodesk and AGC hope to attract and encourage more organizations across the design and building industry to submit their own workforce photos.

This photo was sourced from the Construction Diversity Image Library. Photo: James Kim Photography + PC Construction in Accokeek, Maryland.

As noted in a press announcement, in 2019 and 2020, the annual workforce survey conducted by the AGC and Autodesk highlighted a growing demand for more talent. Eighty percent of contractors reported that th...

Social Media: Architecture's double-edged sword

2019-12-24T12:00:00-05:00

Before the internet and social media, architecture projects and the work of architects were viewed and documented differently. Similar to other professions like the culinary arts and fashion, the public's understanding and exposure to these industries has changed as new technologies have proliferated. The public's experience of the built environment, for example, is no longer reliant on physically visiting a space. Instead, anyone at any time can see iconic architectural feats in the palm of their hand.

For architects, this accessibility can be a good thing, as it enables their projects to travel faster and, even, into the hands of potential clients. However, how are design professionals shaping their work in response to the influx and demand for online sharing? How have architects adapted their designs and marketing models to satisfy online platforms like Instagram and Twitter? Have architects and designers succumbed to "Instagrammable Architecture" and finding ways to "design Ins...

How to paint an architect

2016-09-28T17:32:00-04:00

[Ralph Simons'] portrait is the earliest known example of what became the conventional manner of depicting an architect by having him holding one of these instruments of his profession. [...] Needless to say, this tradition is dying – and not just because architects don’t use compasses, or draw, any more (how do you represent computer-aided design software in a painting?).