McGarigle states: “Geographical information systems are important tools for defining the social and environmental contexts of urban design, planning, and architecture” (McGarigle, 2011, p. 1) GIS systems can be best explained as software that allows for geographical information to be linked based on a set of coordinates. Information can then be analyzed in 2D or 3D layers that are representative of different types of data such as demographics or crime statistics. In recent years the use of GIS has become a growing part of the way structures are being built. This type of software has enabled developers to see designs in surroundings therefore designers can understand the affects on cities. An example of how this is being applied to real projects can be seen in the Los Angeles’ environmental analysis for the Los Angeles International Airport. Demographic information was used to identify communities close to LAX that might be affected by noise from aircraft and construction. Noise contours were then overlaid on area maps to determine communities that would be directly impacted. “Throughout the design and construction process, the GIS-based context serves as a platform for collaboration among all project participants and provides source data that both informs and is shaped by them” (McGarigle, 2011, p. 6).
Gonchar article discusses how the adoption of BIM is becoming more appealing architects and builders through the discovery of the benefits of using this software. Since the technology of BIM is more advanced than that of CAD systems this technology is proving its ability to perform tasks that were difficult to achieve in CAD. Today there has been a rise in the use of BIM technology, but its use has yet to become widely used in the field; many firms are just waiting for the right opportunity (project) to use this type of technology. In one of the cases architect Miller Hull and contractor BN builders found that the design and construction of five libraries in Washington was the perfect time to implement BIM technology. Similar features used throughout these five different buildings enabled the builder and designer to work with a “kit-of-parts approach” (Gonchar, 2009, p. 2) where the similar parts could be transferred from one model to another. Another benefit of the use of BIM software was the identification of problematic issues with details which could be addressed before construction.
Minutillo notes that in the Middle East, where some of the most innovative structures in the world are built, architects are relying on simulation technology to determine feasibility of designs. Many simulation systems are discussed including cone designs that cool and support a structure, ventilation using FloVENT, airflow patterns, and moonlighting. Moonlighting I found to be the most interesting in the design of Saeed Crossing in Dubai Sheikh Rashid. This bridge that span Dubai Creek will consist of six lanes and an arch that will be considered the longest and tallest spanning arch in the world. Moonlight simulations are configured to determine how as the moon gets brighter so does the bridge. AWA later developed different lighting scenes to simulate the phases of the moons differing illuminations on five settings. Wadhwa clarifies: “Each setting has a different zone of light on it, so when we do the calculations and simulations, we have to do it for all five zones” (Minutillo, 2008, p. 4). Based on which phase of the moon is seen, different zones are turned on which show different illuminations of the bridge.
In McGarigle article discussing the relevance of GIS technology he references Brian McGrath stating: “It is in defining the social, historical, political, and environmental context of architecture that GIS has relevance to architecture” (McGarigle, 2011, p. 4). In terms of interior architecture this is important because with the building of a structure the effects on these contexts are taken into consideration, creating a more conscious structure, both environmentally and socially. In the Model Behavior article Wadhwa states” “Painting a pretty picture is one thing…Being able to deliver it is really what the simulation software is about” (Minutillo, 2008, p. 4). This suggests that the creations of real time simulated images are beneficial to the modeling and creation of structures so that users can see what conditions affect it.
In the future the movement to these types of systems is likely to become industry wide. In Diving into BIM it is stated: “…neither BNB nor Miller Hull has any interest in returning to traditional 2D CAD” (Gonchar, 2009, p. 4), after having the opportunity to use BIM software. I believe that this will become the norm when companies have the exposure to these types of systems.
Gonchar, J. (2009, December). Diving Into BIM. McGraw_Hill Construction: Continuing Education Center. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=625
McGarigle, B. (2011). Mapping Places and Spaces. Architectural Record. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from http://archrecord.construction.com/features/digital/archives/0206feature-4.asp
Minutillo, J. (2008, December). Model Behavior: Anticipating Great Design n Center. McGraw_Hill Construction: Continuing Education Center. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=471
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