The coordination of architecture and construction teams is crucial to a project's success. Construction is a highly collaborative process, and without a joint effort, a crew will encounter issues on the job. Fortunately, architects and builders both have a variety of modern technologies to simplify their tasks.
Recent advancements in prefabrication tech, collaborative software and similar solutions have made it easier to work together. Problems that plagued the construction industry in the past are now far more manageable, enabling a company to overcome their productivity issues and meet client expectations.
So what individual technologies are available for architects and builders? And which advancements can increase collaboration between architecture and construction teams? We'll answer those questions and others like them, looking at five innovations with significant potential for the construction process.
1. Prescient's "Digital Thread" Technology
Prescient, a construction engineering company, recently announced its proprietary "digital thread" technology. It integrates the planning and design process with installation and manufacturing, automatically generating BIM models to provide a basis for construction. The software has already seen adoption.
More specifically, industry professionals are using Prescient's system for the largest student housing development underway in the United States. With its data-driven workflow and a razor-thin margin of error, companies have recognized the value in this software. It represents another step forward for "constructuring."
2. Virtual and Augmented Reality Solutions
Virtual reality, augmented reality and real-time rendering have radically transformed the design process. An architect can employ these tools to work at a one-to-one scale, inhabiting a proposed design concept as they evaluate their options. This incredible degree of freedom has transcended traditional practices.
In short, AR and VR have provided a surplus of opportunities for architects and design professionals. They can view their projects with a fresh perspective, addressing any small complications before they worsen. The convergence of simulation, visualization, computation and documentation has made this easier.
3. Construction Project Management Software
Image Credit: Engg317 via Wikimedia Commons
Construction professionals have always shown a small degree of reluctance around digital technology. This attitude is beginning to change, however, as an increasing number of proptech startups enjoy greater investment. Today's architecture and construction teams have adopted a broad spectrum of software solutions.
As an example, companies have started to incorporate software to streamline project management. This technology has a significant impact on productivity and efficiency, helping with communication and collaboration through every phase of a project. It effectively eliminates issues associated with unreliable information.
4. Mobile Apps for Increased Participation
On the subject of project management, mobile apps have shown incredible promise over the past several years. These apps are more than a way to simplify communication. They're an integrated solution that syncs in real time, enabling the stakeholders in a construction project to participate simultaneously.
In other words, stakeholders can change drawings, add notes and respond to RFIs instantly. Everyone involved with the project can see the information, reducing inefficiencies in the construction process as they continue to interact. It's another example of how technology is reshaping the construction industry.
5. Improvements in Prefabricated Modules
Kasita Modular Stack
Compared to conventional methods, modular construction offers a variety of advantages. It allows for faster and safer manufacturing, better predictability, superior quality, less waste and fewer workers on site. Even with these benefits, the private sector still relies heavily on traditional techniques for construction.
This trend is likely to change as technology continues to improve. Companies have pursued offsite construction for various projects, and though it's more common for low-rise buildings, the method may soon support other types of structure. Naturally, this will alleviate the strain on architecture and construction teams.
The Future of Architecture and Construction
Architecture and construction teams have access to a wide array of modern technologies. Whether they see the appeal in "digital thread" software, virtual and augmented reality, project management software or another solution on this list, they can trust these systems to help them make progress. Of course, research is necessary.
With each passing year, the technologies above will only continue to improve. Modular methods will grow increasingly sophisticated, and mobile apps will gain a long list of new features. It's critical to stay current and follow trends, learning more about these innovations before proceeding with an investment.
Ultimately, these investments are necessary to maintain success in the coming decade.
5 Technology Advancements for Architecture and Construction Teams
The coordination of architecture and construction teams is crucial to a project's success. Construction is a highly collaborative process, and without a joint effort, a crew will encounter issues on the job. Fortunately, architects and builders both have a variety of modern technologies to simplify their tasks.
Recent advancements in prefabrication tech, collaborative software and similar solutions have made it easier to work together. Problems that plagued the construction industry in the past are now far more manageable, enabling a company to overcome their productivity issues and meet client expectations.
So what individual technologies are available for architects and builders? And which advancements can increase collaboration between architecture and construction teams? We'll answer those questions and others like them, looking at five innovations with significant potential for the construction process.
1. Prescient's "Digital Thread" Technology
Prescient, a construction engineering company, recently announced its proprietary "digital thread" technology. It integrates the planning and design process with installation and manufacturing, automatically generating BIM models to provide a basis for construction. The software has already seen adoption.
More specifically, industry professionals are using Prescient's system for the largest student housing development underway in the United States. With its data-driven workflow and a razor-thin margin of error, companies have recognized the value in this software. It represents another step forward for "constructuring."
2. Virtual and Augmented Reality Solutions
Virtual reality, augmented reality and real-time rendering have radically transformed the design process. An architect can employ these tools to work at a one-to-one scale, inhabiting a proposed design concept as they evaluate their options. This incredible degree of freedom has transcended traditional practices.
In short, AR and VR have provided a surplus of opportunities for architects and design professionals. They can view their projects with a fresh perspective, addressing any small complications before they worsen. The convergence of simulation, visualization, computation and documentation has made this easier.
3. Construction Project Management Software
Image Credit: Engg317 via Wikimedia Commons
Construction professionals have always shown a small degree of reluctance around digital technology. This attitude is beginning to change, however, as an increasing number of proptech startups enjoy greater investment. Today's architecture and construction teams have adopted a broad spectrum of software solutions.
As an example, companies have started to incorporate software to streamline project management. This technology has a significant impact on productivity and efficiency, helping with communication and collaboration through every phase of a project. It effectively eliminates issues associated with unreliable information.
4. Mobile Apps for Increased Participation
On the subject of project management, mobile apps have shown incredible promise over the past several years. These apps are more than a way to simplify communication. They're an integrated solution that syncs in real time, enabling the stakeholders in a construction project to participate simultaneously.
In other words, stakeholders can change drawings, add notes and respond to RFIs instantly. Everyone involved with the project can see the information, reducing inefficiencies in the construction process as they continue to interact. It's another example of how technology is reshaping the construction industry.
5. Improvements in Prefabricated Modules
Kasita Modular Stack
Compared to conventional methods, modular construction offers a variety of advantages. It allows for faster and safer manufacturing, better predictability, superior quality, less waste and fewer workers on site. Even with these benefits, the private sector still relies heavily on traditional techniques for construction.
This trend is likely to change as technology continues to improve. Companies have pursued offsite construction for various projects, and though it's more common for low-rise buildings, the method may soon support other types of structure. Naturally, this will alleviate the strain on architecture and construction teams.
The Future of Architecture and Construction
Architecture and construction teams have access to a wide array of modern technologies. Whether they see the appeal in "digital thread" software, virtual and augmented reality, project management software or another solution on this list, they can trust these systems to help them make progress. Of course, research is necessary.
With each passing year, the technologies above will only continue to improve. Modular methods will grow increasingly sophisticated, and mobile apps will gain a long list of new features. It's critical to stay current and follow trends, learning more about these innovations before proceeding with an investment.
Ultimately, these investments are necessary to maintain success in the coming decade.
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