Architecture has come a long way from drawing by hand or using a drafting board! We’ve moved into the world of technology with the slow integration in 1960 of CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) into our industry, and now we enter a new era taking us out of the 2D drawings and into the 3D models. 

CAD revolutionised the way our industry works, it allowed both us and the client to better visualise the projects, create renders and models. It also allowed us to see and fix problems quickly and easily and has resulted in fewer mistakes and therefore lower costs. 

Although CAD has had some upgrades from the basic system it is still based on the version from the 1960s, when it was first used in architecture. 

Some architecture practices are now moving towards the BIM system (Building Information Modeling), this system is like CAD but with more advanced features. The main advantage of using the BIM over the CAD is its time-saving capabilities.

BIM allows you to focus on building a model which can then be used to generate the technical drawings, whereas in CAD you create the drawing then create the different sections of the model. This new way allows the architect to have all of a project in one place, such as the drawing, modelling, cost management, construction and project management.

Having all these calculations in one place could result in fewer mistakes, more effective working and easier project management. BIM is still relatively new to our industry and therefore not everyone has switched over, but just like the move from CAD, there is no doubt it will be a few more years till it’s fully adopted. 

Another new technology to start being used in our industry is virtual reality (VR). VR is wowing some clients while others in the industry are sceptical at investing in the new technology to show a client a render. 

VR could become an everyday tool in a few years as clients expect to see more than a standard 3D render of their dream project, allowing them to easily see and envision the final product of their building with a walk through tour. VR could also mean less final changes on-site with the client, meaning reduced costs and time in the final stages, as the client could see everything easily in the virtual tour and ask for any changes then. VR is being adopted in other industries and is not an entirely new concept for today’s clients and consumers.

Just like VR, Augmented reality (AR) could become commonplace in our industry very soon, although at the moment this technology is created more for interior designers it’s on its way into architecture. AR could be used in the future with clients on-site, to be able to show them what each area of the building will look like when it’s complete. Although this technology will certainly take many more years until it becomes mainstream in architecture. 

Although all the techniques and materials used have advanced greatly in the past 60 years the way architects work has mostly stayed the same, but we believe that this will change very soon. 

Here at JDW architects, we look to stay ahead of new technology implementing it when and where we can across all our projects. Contact us today to see how we can help your project become a reality.