VDC AND THE DIGITAL DOMAIN IN CONSTRUCTION

The traditional drawing set has had a good, long run. But the future points elsewhere. While the recent emergence of ‘Building Information Modeling’ (BIM) in architecture has reformed the coordination of systems from various trades in a federated 3D environment, little has been done to challenge the primacy of the 2D deliverable as a means to communicate with the client as well as most construction trades. Even as the increasing availability and sophistication of laser scanning, CNC, and direct-to-Fabrication processes make it possible to truly manufacture buildings—skipping altogether older forms of documentation—all too often, the static drawing remains the primary method of communication between parties. Tomorrow’s architects will work in a virtual, cloud-based environment, encouraging owners, architects and contractors alike to form strategic relationships and deliver built work. The reason to do this is simple. By demystifying the process of construction, by presenting complex processes in a manner that even non-specialists can immediately comprehend, architects can access the knowledge of every stakeholder in real-time. The result is broader, more fruitful, more fluid, and far more equitable collaborations. And that means better-performing buildings. At the heart of the process is set of evolving tools and techniques that have come to be known as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). In a multi-dimensional environment, VDC is the process of digitally simulating the complexities of a design project. This can include geometric rationalization, systems development/fabrication, logistics analysis and cost estimation, from concept through construction (or fabrication through assembly). This seminar will demonstrate the principles of VDC and other key technical processes, focusing on how architects utilize emerging technologies to promote collaboration throughout all phases of design, production and operation. Technology-focused lectures will be paired with, and informed by, presentations of real-world precedents from current project work. The course will share the current state of construction communication in the AEC industries—and why it must be radically changed.