What is the Aim
Challenge
We researched the effects of advanced digital technologies on the architectural design, delivery and construction process. Challenges to implementation of technological advancements include: establishing a digital culture, understanding the economic benefits of digital advancements, establishing protocols for digital collaboration, loss of information and design intent under current processes, and streamlining design to fabrication.
Aim
Improve how architects work with engineers, consultants and contractors at each stage of the design process by integrating new methodologies that exploit digital techniques and manufacturing methods.
What We Did
Approach
What do other industries (aerospace, automotive, naval, infrastructure, manufacturing, transportation, robotics) that deal with design, engineering and manufacturing challenges have in common? How can we bring interdisciplinary knowledge together?
How can we bring interdisciplinary knowledge together?
Method
We performed an extensive literature review of computational and analytical methods. We analyzed existing proven approaches that exemplify architectural innovation. We designed the Pavillon de l’eau, a pilot project of a metro station canopy in Washington, D.C. (Done in collaboration with SG+H to research cross-disciplinary integration of design and engineering analysis.)
What We Found
The use of next-generation platforms and tools had a significant impact on the design of our case study project. Collaboration with our engineering partners was optimized through our workflow.
Deliverable
We created a report on our research and findings including case study projects and our pilot project that we used to test interdisciplinary collaboration techniques. View project summary.
What the Findings Mean
Application
Apply these techniques and methods to projects where the greatest potential for this workflow can be achieved.
Future
This research did not focus on determining a prescribed workflow for use in future projects. The workflow used should be developed for a project with the goal of achieving the most efficient cross-disciplinary collaboration from the earliest stages of design through construction.
Acknowledgments
Team Members:
Kevin Vandeman
Daniel Inocente
Research Partners:
HKS
Simpson Gumpertz + Heger – Structural Engineering
Win
Funding:
2016 HKS Idea Fellowship