Empowering the Future Architect: An Interactive Journey
Benjamin Sayers Group: Lab 11 +1 Atelier: CPU Student ID: 18052826
Authors Foreword
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN INTERACTIVE PDF What I have set out to achieve with this individual essay is an interactive document that explores the future of the architectural profession in a game-like scenario. There will be points within this essay where the reader has two options that will lead them down different research avenues off skill-sets, with varying engagement in technology. All of which are grounded in theory. I used this essay piece to explore how I may fit into specific scenarios in my professional career, and although I have not shown this, it was very advantageous. For the main body of the essay there will be action pages that display buttons like the ones below. These are interactive and will take you down a specific research route in aid of empowering the Architect. Make sure you press the buttons. If you feel you may have missed a section please dont scroll back until you have reached the conclusion. This is the end. Please explore the avenues to their fullest, opting to go down each route and not skipping any. If you reach a page without a button, move forward until you reach the next set. Then begin navigating with the buttons again. For reference, 2 pages after this, there is a pseudo code that fully explains each route that can be taken to empowerment.
I Am A Button Please Press Me
I Am A Button Please Press Me
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Contents Authors Foreword
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Contents
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Psuedo Code
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Introduction
1
Current Value of the Architect
3
Your First Decision
5
The ‘Starchitect’
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The Medium Sized Practice
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The Second Decision
Bending the role of the Architect
9 10
Pioneer the DfMA Market
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13
Maintain Client Satisfaction
Pioneering the role of the Architect
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Augmentation or Elimination
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Augmentation
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Elimination
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Conclusion
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Self Review
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My Future Trajectory
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SWOT Analysis
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Bibliography
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List of Figures
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Interactive Essay: Psuedo Code
Important Information This diagram below, a psuedo code, depicts the different paths that this essay follows dependant on your decion input at each key decision point There are four key decision points throughout this essay as outlined on the diagram below.
Introduction
At each of these points you will have the choice of two options, both of which will lead you down a different path to empowering the Architect.
The Value of the Architect
Please understand that this psuedo code is to be read from top to bottom like a family tree.
Start
Decision Point
‘Starchitects’
Medium Practice
Role Bending
Role Pioneer
Decision Point Decision Point
DfMA
AI & Data
Decision Point Pioneer DfMA
Empowerment
Maintain Client Satisfaction
Augmentation
Elimination
Relevance
Empowerment
Transition
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Introduction “Technological advancement has arguably become a survival instinct of employers over the last two decades. However, what does all this mean to the industry in the future, to youth entering the profession and to graduates looking to enter the now regenerating world of work?” (Hossain, 2019)
The Architect has shown resilience over the course of its professional history, having to overcome and adapt to multiple seismic shifts within the industry in order to maintain relevance in the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. These shifts became a tipping point [Fig.1] for the role of the Architect, dictating new methods of design and communication, that in turn forced adaptations in their approach to design. Historically the Architect used drawing boards and drafting tables in their work to realise their building designs up until the mid-1990’s. Hossain (2019) labels this 200 year old practice “the epoch of hand drawing” [Fig.2], which was the first, and longest, reign of an era of professionalism for the Architect. Following this, towards the end of the 20th century “there was a transformation of working practices as computers and computer-aided-design (CAD) inextricably changed the profession” (Hossain, 2019:141). This became the “epoch of technology” (Hossain, 2019) [Fig.2] which essentially became an adapt-ordie situation for the architectural profession. A reluctance to adapt to new technologies resulted in being left behind in the rapidly changing industry and architectural practices nervously invested in a costly new technology that was foreseen as the future of the profession.
This acknowledgement and understanding of future changes are vital for the empowerment of the future architect, as the current title is retreating from its previous position of influence to that of a ‘middle person’ in architectural projects. Ozyetis (No Date), states that “hardly any architectural professional acknowledges their one and only vocation in the building industry, being the middle person between the capitalist and the constructor.” Ozyetis (No Date) further explains that “their autonomy is being lost”, and that the role of the Architect “shifts towards being human resource managers in the building industry” (Ozyetis, No Date). This suggests that there is an urgent need for change in architectural practice, and young professionals entering the industry, in order to empower the architect so that the historical vocation is not lost.
Tipping Point Pressure B)
C) D)
A) F)
E)
Present State New State
[Fig 1] Evolutionary Tipping Point
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Heading Introduction Early 1800’s - Mid 1990’s
Early 1990’s - Mid 2030’s
Early 2030’s - ?
Future
Epoch of Hand Drawing
Epoch of Technology
Epoch of Data
???
[Fig 2] The Epoch of Professsionalism Timeline
To further explore how a practitioner of today may evolve as the industry changes, I present an interactive exploration of disruptive technologies, approaches to construction, future skills sets and the Architect’s position within the ever-changing industry. Below, shows a diagram [Fig.3] that shows a brief overview of certain buzz words and trends currently found within the industry. This gives a brief idea of future technologies and construction solutions that professionals are currently or hoping to engage with, but which is the right direction?
Johar (2019) suggests that “Architecture sits on a tipping point that demands how we work individually and as a profession”, and that the profession demands a systemic redesign as it moves into the near future. This is derived from the next major change in the Architectural profession, “the epoch of data” (Hossain, 2019) [Fig.2]. The epoch of data is presented by Hossain (2019) as the next major seismic shift in the profession projecting that “within 10-20 years, practitioners will emerge as designers of environments and structures formulated by systems of data translation, automated to instruct design decisions” (Hossain, 2019).
BIM
Smart City
As previously suggested, a reluctance to adapt to new technologies results in being left behind in a rapidly changing industry that finds itself exponentially evolving, showing a clear decrease in time found between each of these shifts of professional practice. Therefore, it is vital that the future architect and young professionals are aware of the industry’s position, its future scenarios and how to overcome and thrive the next era of practice.
Parametricism
Virtual Reality
Generative Design
Internet of Things
Vertical Cities
Genetic Algorithms Immersive Architecture
Robotics 3D Printing BIG Data
[Fig 3] Architectural Trends & Buzzwords
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Current Value of the Architect Firstly, what is an Architect? What does the title mean? And where does its value lie?
These findings from the 2016 RIBA Survey, ‘What clients think of Architects’ show that there is a consensus that private domestic and commercial clients are very, or fairly, satisfied with the work of Architects (below) [Fig.4] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] [Fig.7]. The same opinion is not, howveer, shared by contractors. “Contractors agreed that Architects were great at design but not so good at providing the wrapper around the design process, such as design management” (RIBA, 2016). This statement from the survey findings shows areas of improvement required by the contractor and the lack of addressing such issues led to the creation of roles such as Design Managers. Roles like this were created due to the issues surrounding risk, information delivery and accuracies that are typically found within the design team (RIBA, 2016).
It is important to acknowledge the current value of the Architect as a prerequisite to the exploration of its opportunities to increase its value and empower the future Architect. The value of the Architect lies within the eye of the client, and it is imperative that an attempt to increase the value of the Architect is related back to the Architects value to the client. “The best architecture generally derives from the best client-Architect relationship” RIBA (2016) and if Architects can engage in emerging technologies and new ways of practice, improving this relationship and providing efficiencies, it should inevitably drive better architecture.
contractor
commercial
Type of client private domestic
per cent ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied
Overall
76
51
73
66
Technical Deisgn Performance Technical Deisgn Performance Project meets brief Effect project has on funtion of building
78 78 79
64 52 49
78 54 72
73 67 66
75 73
56 29
68 62
66 54
69 66 59 68 61 63 n/a 55 51 55 n/a n/a n/a
46 36 43 36 36 27 30 30 26 18 31 16 17
68 66 65 60 56 60 60 51 54 50 42 49 49
61 56 55 54 50 49 45 44 43 40 36 32 32
highlight in blue where 50 per cent or more are ‘very’ or ‘farily’ satisfied
Other deisgn qualities of project Effect project has on maintenance of building Process Management Developing/interpreting brief Explaining deisgn proposals Communication with client Understanding client needs Collaborating with project team Managing their work Technical design spec Managing the handover process Efficiency of admin Adhering to programme Data management approach Commerical understanding Value adding activities
An unwillingness to adapt and evolve to meet client requirements, led to a reduction in responsibility within the Design and Build procurement route and inevitably the marginalisation of the Architect. A means of overcoming this limitation of the current role would be to directly provide more value to the client with regards to cost, time reduction, increased efficiencies, accuracy and precision.
Private Domestic Contractors Commercial 76% 73%
51%
Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with the project overall [Fig 5] Client Overall Satisfaction
[Fig 4] Client Satisfactory Levels
3
Private Domestic Contractors Commercial 77%
73% 51%
Current Value of the Architect 51%
Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with the project Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ overall or ‘fairly’ satisfied with the project overall
per cent ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied highlight in blue where 50 per cent or more are ‘very’ or ‘farily’ satisfied highlight in blue where 50 per cent Overall or more are ‘very’ or ‘farily’ satisfied
Private Domestic Contractors Private Domestic Commercial Contractors Commercial 77% 77%
Technical Overall Deisgn Performance Technical Deisgn Performance Project meets brief Technical Deisgn Performance Effect project hasPerformance on funtion of Technical Deisgn building Project meets brief Other of project Effectdeisgn projectqualities has on funtion of Effect project has on maintenance building of building Other deisgn qualities of project Process Management Effect project has on maintenance Developing/interpreting brief of building Explaining deisgn proposals Process Management Communication with client Developing/interpreting brief Understanding client needs Explaining deisgn proposals Collaborating with project Communication with clientteam Managing their work Understanding client needs Technical design spec Collaborating with project team Managing Managing the theirhandover work process Efficiency of admin Technical design spec Adhering programme Managingtothe handover process Data management Efficiency of adminapproach Commerical understanding Adhering to programme Value adding activities Data management approach
“If Architects can stay with a project from the early design stage through to opening the front door on the day it is completed, that’s incredibly motivating” Building Design Network (2018)
67% 67% 50% 50%
Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with Architect’s Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ technical design performance or ‘fairly’ satisfied with Architect’s technical design performance
This statement is derived from a lack of just that. The previous master builder now finds itself possessing less and less impact or influence over the projects they are involvedCommerical with (Building understanding Value addingfactor activities of Design Network, 2018). This is a resulting the contractual power the contractor has over the Architect within a design and build procurement model [Fig.8]. Further to this, a lack of trust in an Architect’s competence to deliver a project, as shown in the RIBA (2016) survey findings, is also a massively depleting factor on how the contractor views the Architect professionally.
[Fig 6] Technical Performance Satisfaction
Private Domestic Contractors Private Domestic Commercial Contractors Commercial
30% 56% 30%
61%
per cent ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied
56% 61%
Contractor
Per cent of clients who are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with architects Per centmanagement of clients who are ‘very’ process or ‘fairly’ satisfied with architects performance process management performance [Fig 7] Project Management Satisfaction
Sub
Sub Contractor Sub
In addition to the client-side perspective, “The spirit of the ARB Code of Conduct defines the professional Architect as one that acts with professionalism, integrity, is competent, trustworthy and respects others” (Atanassova, 2019). This statement suggests what people expect of the architect in practice, as a role of significance and importance. Whereas, the reality is often far from such substantial influence on society. Atanassova (2019) contradicts this holistic view of the Architect with a harsh truth that “Architects are marginalised construction-industry professionals, face constant, depressing crises and are slow to grasp the potential of innovations” (Atanassova, 2019).
Architect
But how can the Architect overcome the negative viewpoint of the profession and thrive in a shifting industry?
Sub
Architect
Sub
Sub Sub
Sub
Sub Sub
[Fig 8] Design & Build Contractual Model
Contractor
Architect Contractor
Sub
Sub
Sub
Sub Sub Architect
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[Fig 9] Traditional Building Contractual Model Sub
Sub
Sub
Your First Decision PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DECISION POINT CLICK ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS TO FOLLOW THAT PATH TO ARCHITECTURAL EMPOWERMENT
So, you are a young professional, in the early stages of your career full of excitement and ambition to progress and thrive as an architect in the industry. However, there are many decisions that must be made as you start your career as an Architect. Do you want to: Join a large, award winning, renown, starchitects office? Join a medium sized practice delivering reputable projects?
Medium Sized Design Led Practice
The ‘Starchitect’ Practice
FROM THIS POINT ON, WHERE A BUTTON, LIKE THE TWO ABOVE, ARE ON THE PAGE PLEASE USE THEM TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DOCUMENT THIS IS PART OF THE GAMEIFICATION OF ARCHITECTURAL EMPOWERMENT
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Heading The ‘Starchitect’ An optimistic, forward thinking practice delivering cutting edge innovation, research and design for the built environment is every young Architect’s dream goal. A massive congratulations is in order for achieving an early goal and ambition of reaching the elite straight out of Architecture school, it’s all plain sailing from here, right? Wrong. Although it is very possible for the upper percentile of students to join a Star Architects practice and thrive in an office of innovation, involving themselves in high profile projects and making an early name for themselves. You, unfortunately, aren’t Bjark Ingles and didn’t get the chance to work under Rem Koolhaas. Unfortunately, you have joined a large corporation and found yourself lost in translation as the office ‘CAD Monkey’ [Fig.10], stuck in the “epoch of technology” (Hossain, 2019)
The CAD Monkey: “Somebody who has gone through years of difficult and strenuous education in architecture, only to wind up with a mindless and repetitive job where they do one task on a computer drafting programme over and over again” Want to try again? [Fig.10] The CAD Monkey
Back to your first decision
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The Medium Sized Practice After years of experience working for a reputable firm you understand that there are areas within the profession that need an urgent intervention if your current practice is to front ‘the epoch of data’ (Hossain, 2019) and stay relevant within the industry. Here are your findings...
70%
46%
“To champion great Architecture, one must be seen as competent as well as relevant. Increasingly architecture is not just about design and Global buildings, but Population information: access to it and Growth 2000-2050 how we use it to solve problems 70% will live our society faces. (Atanassova, in urban 2019). 46% areas by 2050
will live in urban areas by 2050
[Fig.12] Percentage of Urban Population
46%
The diagrams below [Fig.11] [Fig.12] [Fig. 13], project the exponentially vast increase in demand for construction asMore projected by the RIBA article, Global Population people, bigger cities, more construction ‘The Future for Architects?’ (Jamieson, 2011). This Growth 2000-2050 increase in urban population density and demand for new infrastructure depicts “more people, bigger cities, more construction…” (Jamieson, Global Population 2011). This huge increase in construction demand, Share of Global Construction Growth 2000-2050 in turn, affects the demand on the architectural profession and offers and opportunities More people, biggerconstraints cities, more construction to existing practices. [Fig.13] Increase in global population
“More people, bigger cities, more construction” (Jamieson, 2011) More people, bigger cities, more con 45%
Share of Global Construction
55% 55%
45%
Share of Global Construction Developed Markets
Emerging Markets Emerging Markets
[Fig.11] Share of the global construction industry
Developed Markets
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Heading The Medium Sized Practice Unfortunately, “the medium sized design-led practices are increasingly under threat” (Jamison, 2011) from other areas of the industry including “practices in emerging economies”, “global interdisciplinary consultancies”, “subcontractors and specialist suppliers” and “creative agencies” (Jamieson, 2011). The medium sized practice in their current state are unfortunately not able to compete with these larger practices who can offer their services at a cheaper rate, more comprehensively and frequently. This is due to their vast comparison in size, where larger company’s area also able to manage and share larger risk and liability on a project with their client (Jamieson, 2011).
The relevance and need for the Architect in a Design and Build led industry is becoming a scarcity, leaving Architect’s fighting for their role within a project, to withhold relevancy. This should not come as a discouragement however, as the Architect should manipulate the changing industry and dissect their disassembled project role and become the opportunist. This is an opportunity to reinvent the role, take on new tasks and extend their responsibilities (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018). But how can this be achieved? How do you want to further yourself as a professional in the construction industry?
The medium sized practitioner is currently found to have more of a focus on design excellence, rather than cost and programme management. This is where they fall short and may become short lived if they do not adapt to the changing landscape which could inevitably shrink their opportunities and market share (Jamieson, 2011). This is already found in current practice, as it is often seen that the diversification of the role and responsibilities that Architects carry is distributed between project partners, contractors and subcontractors. “New forms of co-operation are diversifying the role played by those involved, making negotiations about who does what more commonplace” (Bosde Vos, M. et al, 2018). [Fig.14] Visual Opportunity
Go back and choose the alternative entry practice
Move onto the Second Decision
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The Second Decision
You must decide on how you intend to adapt and change your role to the immediate transitions and changes which are being demanded by the industry. You can either‌
Bend the role of the Architect Bend the current role of the architect to maintain relevance in the industry. The Architectural profession is at a tipping point, so you adapt to the role requirements within a project. This will involve an adaptive, flexible approach to future projects, working to your strengths and maximising them within the project requirements.
Pioneer the role of the Architect Become the pioneer for the Architectural profession. Venture into a new skillset that will set you apart from other practitioners that may not necessarily be Architectural practice in its purist form. This will include taking on new tasks and responsibilities and adding further value to the role of the Architect.
Pioneer the role of the Architect
Bend the role of the Architect
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Bending the role of the Architect The role bending Architect is one that responds to the ongoing market developments by anticipating or accepting changes in their professional roles, in relation to client requirements. (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
What is more interesting, however, is the investment in specific expertise. More specifically, that of off-site construction and DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly).
The decision to adapt and manipulate your professional skillset, as the role bending Architect, is typically defined by two options in order to better meet client demand, injecting value back into your role. These are as follows:
“Overhead. Design contingencies. Risk. Change orders. It’s time for a new vocabulary when we talk about construction projects – early, fast, perfect fit, as-planned” (Autodesk, 2020)
In order to maintain the client-Architect relationship you engage with a DfMA approach to design for the next project, as specified by the client, in order to provide an overall time and cost reduction for the project, as shown in the diagram shown below [Fig.15]
Reframing activities Investing in specific expertise “By reframing their activities in the project, role bending architects aim to serve the client and the project in the best way possible” (Bos-de Vos, M et al, 2018). Thus, meaning their day to day tasks will shift and change from project to project. If, for example, a specific project may need extra help and guidance throughout the planning application process, then the architect would bend its role to suit such activity. This approach applies to most project tasks such as consultancy work or BIM management.
Traditional Construction Feasibility
Funding
Design & Engineering
Site Preparation
Constructiont
Fit-out & Finishingt
Testing & Commissioning
Design for Manufacture and Assembly Feasibility
Funding
Design & Engineering
Time Saved
Site Preparation Manufacture Assembly Fit-out & Finish Testing & Commissioning Time
[Fig.15] Impact of DfMA on design and construction programme
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Bending the role of the Architect DfMA, as a tool for the empowerment of the future Architect, is also extremely relevant in today’s evolving construction industry. As mentioned prior, the value of the architectural profession lies in its value to the client, and DfMA is already a proven success within construction, providing high-level efficiencies. This also opens an opportunity for the Architect to regain its title of the master builder if engagement with this design approach is properly considered.
This technology is already at the forefront of construction at present, which provides even more urgency for the role bending Architect to adapt their expertise to that of offsite construction. As seen in UK government policy, the opportunities outlined for the use of DfMA in the public sector have been outlined in the diagram below (Infrastructure and Projects Authority, 2018). There is room for improvement, however, in the current application of DfMA in construction. It must be acknowledged that many architectural firms will acquire DfMA methods only to stay in business and meet client requirements, yet others will invest heavily in expertise and technologies to drive the future of construction through DfMA. Do you see a chance to pioneer the DfMA market?
One of the major reasons that the Architect lost a considerable share of the market to large contractual firms is due to its unwillingness to manage risk and liability on large-scale projects, especially for the medium sized, 30-100-person practice. Yet, if the Architect was to work with the client, designing for manufacture and assembly, there would be a drastic reduction in risk management required. This is due to modular elements being constructed off-site in controlled conditions, there is a reduction in error due to the intricacy of the BIM model used in the DfMA process, and material wastage would see significant reductions as there is no need for wet trades on site.
Which would you choose to do?
Pioneer the DfMA Market
Lower Assembly Cost Higher quality and sustainability
Speed
Maintain Client Satisfaction
Shorter assembly time
Safety Increased reliability
[Fig.16] Advantage of DfMA
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Pioneer the DfMA Market The closer the Architect can move towards a highly optimised building proposal through DfMA solutions and manufactured components, the greater the professions importance in a new revolution of Architectural practice.
There are a handful of organisations that are attempting to innovate in the world of DfMA and use it as a means of progressing the construction industry. Some notable names include Bryden Wood and Laing O’Rourke as they both have internal innovation teams striving to continually reduce risk, time and costs for the builder.
You have found an area of expertise that offers the potential of true empowerment for the future Architect. The new role should be maximising efficiencies in the construction process, supported by computational optimisation and standardisation of components to provide high-level design solutions that are influential on a macro-scale across the construction industry. You are at the forefront of generating the next construction framework that the future Architect works within.
“The off-site revolution has been discussed for many years, with only marginal increases in adoption. However, the conditions seem right for a fundamental shift in the industry” (Bryden Wood, 2018).
The master builder has regained its title.
There are also ways in which emerging, disruptive, technologies can also improve the DfMA approach to construction. ‘The Epoch of Data’ (Hossain, 2019) is the perfect era for DfMA as BIG data sets, computational optimisation and rationalisation of modular components will further increase the efficiency of off-site, manufactured construction. 3D printing and robotics will also play a major role in the future of DfMA. An example of how a data driven, optimised manufacture process can greatly increase the value of the architect, that manipulates the programme, is cost reduction. Specifically, in relation to how a contractor may value engineer projects to keep costs low. Bryden Wood (2017) explore this idea, stating that “value engineering strategies are in fact exercises in reducing specification or compromising the design vision” (Bryden Wood, 2017). They suggest that the procurement of buildings requires an informed strategy to truly understand value of optimised design solutions that maximise functionality, for the least cost (Bryden Wood, 2017). This is where harnessing the correct data sets can set the Architect apart with regards to quality and cost control. Data driven quality checking is another application showing the culmination of data and manufacture. Data collected from a site may be checked against a BIM model to determine the accuracy and whether the tolerance level has met the requirements outlined in the DfMA process. (Bryden Wood, 2017). But ultimately the overwhelming performance factor of data driven manufacture are its high-level efficiencies.
[Fig.17] DfMA Empowerment
Return to previoius decision points below to see the alternative routes for Architectural Empowerment.
Go back to choose the other route within the bending Architects role
Go back to choose a different method of adaptation
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Maintain Client Satisfaction Forever, the role bending Architect. Shifting and riding the rise and fall of different construction trends to offer best possible design solutions for the client. Yet, always championing great Architecture. You find most of your work, within the world of DfMA, to be either volumetric or panelised construction which provides you with the efficiencies you need to sustain work, maintain cash-flow and stay relevant in the harsh, evolving landscape of construction.
Go back to choose the other route within the bending Architects role
You have not necessarily empowered the Architect to demand change, however, you have regained relevancy, which will provide the Architect with longevity in the industry.
[Fig.18] Relevance in DfMA
Move back to a previous decision point to venture down a seperate route of Architectural Empowerment.
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Pioneering the role of the Architect “They often say that Architects should mainly focus on design activities, but with that kind of attitude we are, in my opinion, going to lose our market position completely” (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
Artificial Intelligence (AI), is unfamiliar territory for the present-day Architect and would appear more appropriate within close reach of computer scientists or software engineers. However, this emerging technology can, and should, be harnessed by the pioneering Architect. “AI’s capabilities of pattern finding, design optimisation and risk identification offers ways to identify and mitigate unforeseen risks and amplify opportunities” (Ryan et al, 2019). Such opportunities that this technology could bring is of a very high value to not only the Architect, but the industry in its entirety.
The pioneering professional in Architectural practice are those that understand the need for the evolution of the Architect and aim high in their approach to tackling current issues surrounding their position in the construction industry. A study carried out by Bos-de Vos, M., et al (2018) showed Architects that engage in external practices outside of the traditional profession were successful in finding opportunities in different fields of practice. “They argued that they could regain control and have more impact by moving beyond their established professional work and adopting a different mindset” (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
“The next wave in the era of computing will be outside the realm of the traditional desktop” (Gubbi, et al, 2013). This statement is referring to the vision of future technologies surround data manifestation, where communication systems are embedded in our urban environments, taking live data readings and managing them within a single network, the Internet of Things (IoT). Further to the manifestation of data, an Artificial Intelligence system can utilize the IoT’s “ability to measure, infer and understand environmental indicators, from delicate ecologies and natural resources to urban environments” (Gubbi, et al, 2013) [Fig.19]. This data driven design can have an incredible impact on the holistic design of our urban environment, yet, this can also be harnessed by the Architect as an extension of their expertise, to improve efficiencies within their workflow.
Management System Air Quality/ Pollution Park Maintenance
Automation
Risk evaluation
Live Data
Connectivity
Electricity Management Mobility Patterns
Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things
Limit values Traffic Management
Information Building Systems Management
[Fig.19] Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things
BIG Data
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Waste Management
Reactive Solutions
Pioneering the role of the Architect Bernstein (2019), declares this “a second machine age” and that we can also expect algorithms to soon learn a lot about the Architectural profession and its tasks. This, however, poses the question, “What does this mean for the future of our work?” (Bernstein, 2019). In a fully automated era of professionalism, will the once regained value of the Architect cross over into the value of the machine?
Looking beyond the immediate needs of clients and towards a future, long term relationship between the Architect and the client, engaging with AI technology is a means of improving the Architect-client relationship and delivering better architecture by providing efficiencies in workflow, concept design and design optimisation. Exploiting access to urban data from IoT sensors, an Architect employed AI system can “complete increasingly complex tasks: quicker, cheaper and better than traditional means” (Ryan, et al, 2019). In turn, a reduction in time for the Architect, a reduction in cost for the client and a macro-level impact on the role of the Architect in the construction industry will take place. This will have a positive effect on project management, planning decisions and will enhance client-user relationships (Ryan et al, 2019). Value will in turn be added to the role of the Architect, should the pioneer Architect breakaway from a traditional role and expand their scope of work into the world of data manipulation in urban design (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
“Two possibilities immediately present themselves: Augmentation, or elimination” (Bernstein, 2019). Which is the best for the future empowerment of the Architect?
vs
Augmentation
Elimination
[Fig.20] Augmentation vs Elimination
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Augmentation or Elimination
Augmentation To augment the Architect’s role with the help of artificial intelligence requires a cohesive understanding of how to properly appropriate machine learning to automate certain aspects of the Architects workflow. Does this appear to be the better future integration of an AI system?
Elimination “Richard and Daniel Susskind argue that once computers can do knowledge work, there is no real reason for professions, as we know them, to exist.” (Bernstein, 2019). Do you want to push AI to its limits which could see a transformation of the role of the future Architect?
Elimination
Augmentation
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Augmentation “What will the future be for our relationships with the client when AI has a significant involvement in the design process?” (Ryan et al, 2019)
Should all this happen the Architect has driven its value incredibly high, as not only will this massively increase efficiencies across all sectors of design, the Architect now has a product, in the AI system, that can be sold and distributed throughout the construction industry. This path projects a fully achieved, fully integrated, fully empowered future Architect.
Client
The integration of the Architect and the artificial intelligence system should be a harmonious, collaboration between the professional and the machine. “Adapting the traditional Architect’s workflow is pivotal in taking advantage of AI” (Ryan et al, 2019). It should also be noted that the humancentric design approach by the Architect, derived from years of professional practice, cannot yet be replaced by an artificial intelligence system. Therefore, one approach to integrating an AI system into an Architect’s workflow is for the AI to carry all the menial tasks that deal with quantitative data.
Building
Drawings
Drawings
Architect
Engineers
Client Building
If you start to look at professions that take advantage of AI, such as the transportation and manufacturing, they are leading the way in professional AI implementation. In these cases, the AI appears to operate as an ecosystem, providing solutions, tools and algorithms to increase accuracy and speed of production (Blanco et al, 2018). The diagram, right, [Fig.21] shows a projection of how an AI development may situate itself within a procurement framework (Ryan et al, 2019).
BIM Model
Architect
Engineers
Client
Adaptive Building
Looking forward as to how this may be realised in the near future, Blanco, et al (2018) have explored the existing use of AI in other industries and outlined certain applications that are directly applicable to construction. These include “robotics for modular or prefabrication construction and 3-D printing”, “supply chain optimisation of materials and inventory management”, “predictive applications for forecasting risk”, “automated project planning and scheduling”, and the possibilities of unsupervised machine learning algorithms.
Consultant
AI Model
Architect
[Fig.21] Artificial Intelligence Procurement Methods
Go back to choose Elimination
Finally, should the Architect be fully inclusive of an AI system to manage these daily, menial, data heavy tasks this augments the capabilities of the Architect. In turn, “creating more time for humans to spend time on the complex, ambiguity aspects of architecture that no computer can address” (Bernstein, 2019).
Move onto the conclusion
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Elimination Unfortunately, engaging with disruptive technologies to empower the Architect and add value to the profession and the construction industry has, in turn, made the title of ‘Architect’ obsolete.
industry, should the role become fully automated. Firstly, this would present yet another seismic shift in the professional industry as the Architect would have another adapt-or-die situation. Some potential options that the future Architect would have is to morph its role into that of a computer scientist, software developer or data analyst and become the driver and innovator of AI technology in construction. “Perhaps this is a future core role for the professional bodies as trusted data custodians” (Ryan et al, 2019). The Architects influence, and hold, over AI technology in the construction industry is one that may well be seen in the foreseeable future.
The rise and fall of the Architect, is derived from the urge to find empowerment in the rapidly changing industry. To adopt, adapt and evolve, inevitably could find the Architect’s title to have little, to no value in the industry of its time. Although this does appear to be highly unfeasible its not improbable that Architect’s role may be fully automated in the future if a design solution can be quantified with data. As a means of determining the possibility of this outcome for the future Architect, Frey (2013), presents a paper that “examines how susceptible jobs are to computerisation” (Frey, 2013). Frey looked at 702 detailed occupations to examine the expected impacts of future computerisation on various markets, including the construction industry.
However, this would also have implications on the Architecture generated by the AI system as “AI is a ‘black box’ process: it gives an output based on inputs, yet hides the decision making-process” (Ryan, et al, 2019). This would inevitably incur major problems on an urban scale, as the lack of human input would result in decreased involvement and understanding of the built environment, social standards and values, qualitative input would be lost. Inevitably this could lead to “privacy issues, job losses and the deterioration of built environment” (Ryan, et al, 2019). But before all of that was to happen, the Architect’s societal values, who sits at the helm of Artificial Intelligence, would ignite and intervene.
Fortunately for the Architect, it ranked 82nd in a list ranking from least to most susceptible, in ascending order, with an extremely low, yet plausible, probability of 1.8% Although the possibility of this scenario coming to fruition in the future for the Architect is highly unlikely, it is interesting to speculate what would happen to the Architect, and the
Correct?
Go back to choose Augmentation
vs
Elimination [Fig.22] Elimination of the Architect
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Conclusion This interactive approach to an exploration of the future Architect was meant to envision specific avenues and directions that a young professional may take throughout their career. Although the 4 (5 if you include the shortlived CAD monkey) end scenarios of the Architect in search of empowerment are by no means the limitation of how an Architect can add value within the construction industry. This limitation was unfortunately due to the nature of a short think piece. The two avenues of DfMA and AI application are both emerging technologies with great potential to unlock even more capabilities of the current practicing Architect. I believe that the manifestation of data, whether that be through either of these approaches to design is the key for the future Architect as every step of the design process can be managed, monitored, improved and optimised.
Finally, what should be taken away from this exploration of disruptive technologies in search of empowerment is that it is not the technology, or approach to design, or application of data is key. It is what they can do for the Architect. Key themes that were ever present in this think-piece were reductions in risk and liability, reductions in cost, reductions in project delivery time, reductions in time wasted in the early design stages. Within these themes, the overriding consensus is providing an efficiency in the Architects role and ensuring that is impactful on all members of the design team, adding value not only to the Architect, but to everyone within the construction industry.
Empowering the Future Architect: An Interactive Journey
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Self Review My individual essay explored the possibilities of the future role of the profession, and why there is an immediate need for change, is mostly derived from the experience and knowledge I have gained through my atelier choice, CPU. Choosing this atelier was me pushing myself to try things that I have never attempted before as a means of widening my skill set and better preparing myself for industry. The research and understanding I have attained from the atelier became the base for my studies in professional studies. Having studied and designed around a niche market of computational design, I was more aware of its relevance in current practice and I have used the professional studies module to push the boundaries of its application, bettered my understanding of its future uses and grounded myself with valuable knowledge and insight as to how this can be applied at industry level.
This also allowed me to engage with this topic that I have been incredibly interested in since the year group symposiums, which were also very stimulating in enabling my thought process regarding my future. The talks from futurists and practices using new technologies as a means of providing efficiencies were especially inspiring for both the collaborative work and the individual essay, and this has even driven me to think about how I can apply such thinking in a landscape of construction where it doesn’t necessarily find any relevance at present. Another way that I believe I have benefitted from the professional practice programme is that I am now open to a different approach towards my chartership. Seeing ex students of Manchester thrive in the industry working for a contractor and understanding the diminishing position of influence the Architect has, I will be looking how I can gain valuable experience that will further benefit my career in the future.
For my individual essay I wanted to cover the topic of the future role of the Architect on a broad scale, in order to cover as many avenues as possible, in which a young professional like myself might situate themselves. And although I have taken a broader approach to the written piece, the research and understanding about the future of the profession, and how my skillset fits in with its projections, have been the most important asset of the essay writing. I wanted to approach the written piece in this way, as it has set me up with a conversation to be had with other professionals during the application process in the next step of my architectural education. I believe this extensive research has allowed me to be able to challenge the norm and question the traditional approach to my Part 3 qualification. I also believe that in an interview situation my understanding of where I will be positioned, what I can offer and how I can sell, and improve, my worth to a prospective employer is invaluable in my journey to becoming a professional.
[Fig.23] Self Evaluation
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My Future Trajectory I have a strong driven passion to become an Architect, however, the professional studies 3 module has opened my mind up to different means of approach to an end goal that may ultimately be different to the one I currently foresee. I have carried out 6 years of Architectural education, including 1 year of professional experience, and I am still yet to fully involve myself in back-end development, construction and project delivery. I truly believe this is a vital skill for what I intend to be doing as a professional and I am keen to attain as much of this experience as I can as young professional. In addition to this, I believe that engaging in procurement from the offset in my career will be crucial for me as I continue to grow as an Architect as I believe that working in RIBA Stage 4 and onwards interests me much more than early brief writing and conceptual design.
When leaving Manchester School of Architecture, I intend on staying within Manchester as I believe the opportunities that are currently here will be incredibly valuable to me, especially with the current boom in construction in Greater Manchester. My only criticism on Manchester practice in comparison to London is the number of practices that use a computational, algorithmic approach to design, however this is a skill set that I will hold highly and begin to introduce into conversations with future colleagues and senior staff, should a specific project benefit from such a design approach.
My reasoning for not wanting to become a design-led architect in construction is that within a design and build lead industry there is little say for the conceptual designer. My goal is to working on projects that have a major impact on the communities that we live within and if I can have a greater influence working on project delivery, within a contractor-led team, then this is something that is of a great interest to me. I have been looking at other roles within construction in order to attain early experience in the later work stages such as consultancy roles, specification and design management. The avenue that interests me the most is that of a design manager working for a contractor, however, I am still unsure on the transition from architecture school to construction management and this is something I would be looking to seek advice on.
[Fig.24] Future Trajectory
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Swot Analysis Strengths
Weaknesses
Software skills & knowledge
Lack of preperation for professional experience whilst in academia
Presentation skills
Lack of experience in the later work stages
Critical design thinking
Time management
Hard working
Lack of networking
Ambitious In my work Collaborative working
I am not confident in my technical detailing
Client facing relations
Dealing with business finance/ finding work
Opportunities
Threats
Apply Computational Thinking
Lack of adaption to emerging technologies in the construction industry
Use skill-set to provide efficiencies in practice
The lack of certainty surrounding the value of the Architect
Engage in other sectors within the construction industry
How factors outside of my control, such as BREXIT, will affect my role as an Architect.
Use my upcoming years to gain experience in later work stages To be able to speak with tutors to help me understand my next steps in th industry
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Bibliography Hossain, D. (2019) ‘Accelerated change’. In Jones, A. Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 140-142 Johar, I. (2019) ‘Architecturing our future’. In Jones, A. Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 155-158 Ozyetis, E. (No Date) ‘Death of the Architect’. Freerange: Dangerous & Wrong. Vol 5, pp. 34-36 Atanassova, A. (2019) ‘Next generation architects – professionalism +’ In Jones, A. Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 9-12 RIBA (2016) What Clients think of Architects. November 2016. London. Design Build Network (2018) ‘The Role of the Architect in 2018’. Design and Build Review. 42 Design Build Network (2018) The Role of the Architect in 2018. 9th February. [Online] [Accessed on 5th March 2020] https://designbuild.nridigital.com/design_ build_review_issue_42_february_2018/the_role_of_the_architect_in_2018 Design Build Network (2018) Architecture in 2018: Expert Predictions for the Year. 9th February. [Online] [Accessed on 5th March 2020] https://designbuild. nridigital.com/design_build_review_issue_42_february_2018/architecture_2018_expert_predictions_coming_year Design Build Network (2018) Tomorrow’s Architect: Arthur Mamour-Mani and the Future of Construction. 9th February. [Online] [Accessed on 5th March 2020] https://designbuild.nridigital.com/design_build_review_issue_42_february_2018/tomorrow_s_architect_arthur_mamou-mani_and_the_future_of_ construction Bos-de Vos, M., Lieftink, B. M., Volker, L., Kraaijeveld, J., Lauche, K., Smits, A. A. J., Tjoa, L. L. L., and Wasmelink, J. W. F (2018) Future Roles for Architects – an academic design guide. Delft: TU Delft Open. ISBN 978-94-6366-024-2. Jamieson, C. (2011) The Future for Architects? RIBA Building Futures. London Bernstein, P. G. (2019) ‘Augmentation or elimination’ In Jones, A. Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 21-24 Gubbi, J., Buyya, R., Marusic, S., Palaniswami, M. (2013) Internet of Things (IoT): A vision, architectural elements, and future directions. Australia, The University of Melbourne Ryan, M., Bland, S. (2019) ‘Aritifical intelligence and professionalism’ In Jones, A., Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 206-209 Frey, B. C., Osborne, M. A. (2013) The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation? Oxford, University of Oxford Laing O’Rourke (2013) ‘The future of DfMA is the future of construction’. Engineering Excellence Journal. Edition 1. Autodesk (2020) The evolution of DfMA: Customer Story // Bryden Wood. [Online] [Accessed 7th March 2020] https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/hub/ bryden-wood-dfma Infrastructure and Projects Authority (2018) Proposal for a New Approach to Building: Call for Evidence. GOV.UK [Online] [Accessed 4th March 2020] https:// assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/758996/CCS207_CCS1118988908-001_New_Approach_to_ Building_WEB_ACCESSIBLE.pdf Bryden Wood (2018) Platforms: Bridging the gap between construction + manufacturing. Book 2 [Online] [Accessed 3rd March 2020] https://www.brydenwood. co.uk/filedownload.php?a=360-5aaf9367d5105 Bryden Wood (2017) Data Driven Infrastructure: From digital tools to manufactured components [Online] [Accessed 6th March 2020] https://www.brydenwood. co.uk/filedownload.php?a=8622-5d3876c7c2b17 Blanco, J. L., Fuchs, S., Parsons, M., Ribeirinho, M. J. (2018) Artificial Intelligence: Construction technology’s next frontier [Online] [Accessed on 8th March 2020] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/artificial-intelligence-construction-technologys-next-frontier
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List of Figures [Fig.1]
Evolutionary Tipping Point: http://www.conservationofchange.org/resilience
[Fig.2]
The Epoch of Professionalism Timeline: Authors Own Illustration
[Fig.3]
Architectural Trends & Buzzwords: Authors Own Illustration
[Fig.4]
Client Satisfactory Levels: RIBA (2016) What Clients think of Architects
[Fig.5]
Client Overall Satisfaction: RIBA (2016) What Clients think of Architects
[Fig.6]
Technical Performance Satisfaction: RIBA (2016) What Clients think of Architects
[Fig.7]
Project Management Satisfactoin: RIBA (2016) What Clients think of Architects
[Fig.8]
Design & Build Contractual Model: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design%E2%80%93build
[Fig.9]
Traditional Building Contractual Model: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design%E2%80%93build
[Fig.10]
The CAD Monkey: http://architortureland.blogspot.com/2011/05/cad-monkey.html
[Fig.11]
Share of the global construction industry: Jamieson (2011) The Future for Architects?
[Fig.12]
Percentage of Urban Population: Jamieson (2011) The Future for Architects?
[Fig.13]
Increase in global population: Jamieson (2011) The Future for Architects?
[Fig.14]
Visual Opportunity: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.15]
Impact of DfMA on design and construction programme: Laing O’Rourke (2013) ‘The future of DfMA is the future of construction’.
[Fig.16]
Advantage of DfMA: Infrastructure and Projects Authority (2018) Proposal for a New Approach to Building: Call for Evidence
[Fig.17]
DfMA Empowerment: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.18]
Relevance in DfMA: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.19]
Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things: Authors Own Illustration
[Fig.20]
Augmentation vs Elimination: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.21]
Artificial Intelligence Procurement Methods: Ryan, M., Bland, S. (2019) ‘Aritifical intelligence and professionalism’ In Jones, A., Hyde, R. (eds.) Defining Contemporary Professionalism. London: RIBA Publishing, pp. 206-209
[Fig.22]
Elimination of the Architect: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.23]
Self Evaluation: https://www.flaticon.com/
[Fig.24]
Future Trajectory: https://www.flaticon.com/
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