As the world continues further into the future, building information modeling (BIM) is becoming more important. The internet of things (IoT), which is basically a large network that connects different devices together and gather/share data, is vastly being incorporated into homes and buildings. Examples are smart thermostats, talking fridges and reactive lighting units [3]. While BIM is already involved in home/building comfort, it is slowly taking effect in construction phase. Hilti, a tool company, invented adaptive tools that are networked together to provide data and communication between one another. These smart tools would also allow easier tool management and maintenance.
Because of the increasing complexity of BIM and its effects on buildings, softwares started integrating a cloud-based collaboration, like Panzura, which is a data storage service. Using a cloud-based storage allows a better intergration of information, archiving, and security. Because many different disciplines can access a cloud data storage, people can get information and questions answered much quicker than the normal RFIs or phone calls or emails.
The Future of 3D Printing
3D printing has advanced very quickly on its technology from starting as only printing in plastic to specialized printers that may print a wide variety of materials that can be used for biology to construction. 3D printed structures and buildings are rapidly becoming a thing. A 3D printer used for construction may not look like the generic printers that are shaped as boxes. They could be "a giant robotic arm that looms over a platform" [2]. Depending on the structure, different materials will be used. In the article, their building, TERA, was created using a "concoction of basalt and biopolymers" [2]. The design of the structure was inspired by a prototype of a Martian habitat building named "MARSHA".
Printed houses has a advantage in the speed of construction, which will lower the cost of manual labor. Ideas of using this type of construction are forming around emergency housing or homeless shelters, however, the technology is still new. With every advantage, comes a disadvantage. Concrete designed buildings allow fire protection and strength at the cost of the environment due to the amount of CO2 released.
ICON, a construction technology company, is working with a nonprofit, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, to plan a 50 printed house village for the poor community in Latin America [2]. They produced a 500 sq. ft. welcom center over a time of 27 hours over several days.
The future of 3D printing will allow construction to be much quicker and less costly. It will also reduce the worker casualty rate.
The Future of Structures
As mentioned above, the the future of BIM and 3D printing is allowing structures and buildings to be much more innovative and have a better construction phase, but what does that actually mean about the structure? "There’s little point in designing a structure that you can’t build" [1]. Having new technology and processes being incorporated into the AEC field allows more complex ideas. BIM is used to make more interesting designs and interpret it into the physical environment. This new era in innovative design would become more practical more into the future when the AEC field uses more of the technology present, like 3D printing.
Comments
Abdul: I am amazed to find out that AIs can fully design the routing of electrical and plumbing systems in modern buildings. From my experience, that work is normally done by a designer. I understand that AIs would reduce the human workforce and prevent work site injuries, however, to play devil's advocate, would this cause the workers to lose their job? If not, would they lessen their responsibilities and take more of a managerial/maintenance role on the AI system?
Amanda: I find cobots to be a very important and necessary part of the world. They are able to do the repetitious and monotonous work in production and manufacturing as you mentioned. This will allow the workers to focus on more important matters. The advancement to delivery robots is a fascinating subject. As a starter, this would allow the deliveries to be quicker. I am excited to see the progression of this type of delivery system.
Reece: It is an interesting concept to have an integrated network of devices where it would work for anyone and everyone, however, I believe that the main concern is privacy, or the thought of privacy. In my mindset, having my own device allows me to have what I want on it and disregard what I don't need. In a way, it is similar to having all apple products and everything being networked together, although you would not be able to share these devices.
[1] “Architecture in the Age of Automation.” Evernote, 30 Nov. 2019, https://www.evernote.com/pub/view/aengineer/ae- 510/64c49362-4bb7-43f9-ae09-6fc03af1385d?locale=en#st=p&n=64c49362-4bb7-43f9-ae09-6fc03af1385d.
[2] Lasky, Julie. “A 3D Print-Out You Could Call Home.” Evernote, 8 Nov. 2019, https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&n=0e18e88a-862b-42f9-b28a-e5419939c919&t=3db95129-c0cf-48a9-9fbb-4a68f8bd32ba.
[3] Williams, Dennis. “Three Tech Trends Shifting the BIM Industry in 2016.” Evernote, AECbytes Viewpoint, 21 July 2016, https://www.evernote.com/pub/view/aengineer/ae-510/da590e33-9e5c-4f32-a75b-5320ac4e2841?locale=en#st=p&n=da590e33-9e5c-4f32-a75b-5320ac4e2841.
3 comments:
When talking about BIM I never thought of it from an RFI standpoint and I think that was an interesting point. Having a central database would increase access to the information. Learning about this is very important because we will see this happen during our careers. It is a very insightful post.
I find the 3d printer construction method to be very useful as its efficient as you can build a 500 sq feet house in 12 hours and its very cost-effective as it just cost under 10k to build a house. Seeing the future it could be the most popular way of the construction method.
Any Architect and or professional in construction management should love the idea of 3d Printing buildings. It has the potential to create new shapes, materials, and textures at a level or precision that was previously impossible. The limitations of manufacturing materials will be drastically decreased and that is very exciting.
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