Developing a Hybrid Approach to Architecture
Patrick Chopson
Co-Founder, AIA, Chief Product Officer @ Cove Tool, Inc. | #AI, #hiring #consulting
One of the great struggles for me as an architect is how do we resolve the divide between architecture and data analytics. I think I speak for many architects when I say that the idea of data and analysis designing a building is a frightening outcome. At the core of that fear is an idea architects will lose control of the design process. Deep down inside, architects believe that what we practice is art but anyone who deals in the real world of making buildings soon realizes there is a science to it all. Hopefully, architects are turning the corner in realizing the benefits of sustainability and performance as keys to building a better world. Often today, that means letting engineers take over the process and acquiescing to their requirements. I find that the results of letting non-design professionals dictate the rules of design leaves a lot to be desired.
Instead, what architects must do is develop a hybrid approach to architecture. An approach where performance and data analysis becomes integral to the decision making process in design. Both as sustainability consultant and as a licensed architect, I have begun to realize that we are reaching a bifurcation point in architecture. Those that cling to architecture without data will increasingly find themselves marginalized. It is not as if buildings will even have a different style. Really, it is a monumental shift in the decision making process surrounding design. We will continue to draw buildings as we always have either with BIM or CAD. However, how we understand data in the synthesis of architecture must be fundamentally different. This is a hybrid of art and science essential to the continued relevance of the architecture profession.
As an example, I have included a recent competition entry done by my team at Pattern r+d. We focused on design while keeping a wide array of performance data in mind as we went through the process to create a net-zero research center. Team Members: Patrick Chopson, Sandeep Ahuja, Julian Quinn, and Kenneth Chin.
Plan Drafting of Residential Remodel & Addition's at Freelance - A few projects are on my profile
8 年Very clear and to the point. I think you're spot on.
Author: Thwart Climate Change Now
8 年Patrick, you hit on a very important subject, one that is generally misunderstood and rarely addressed - resolving "the divide between architecture and data analytics." Actually, there is no divide. Engineering and data analytics have always been an integral part of building design. Early on, engineering and architecture were one discipline. Vitruvious was an engineer and master builder. It is true that engineers usually have the final say in this world, and they often modify designs to meet code or for feasibility. That is avoided when engineers become part of the team early in design development. Designing first and engineering later is a big part of the problem. Given our significant capability to refine "green", sustainable and human friendly design through analytics and computer modeling, the real key to success is a closed-loop process of parametric modeling, closed-loop to achieve the benefits of cause and affect through feedback. I speak not of using parametric software merely to create unusual forms, put as a feedback process to work program, code, environment, community and cost factors with the architect's concept. Architecture is more than sculpture. Sustainable design is more than an after-though. Building for people takes a team, data, and parametric control. Perhaps this is what you mean by a "hybrid approach." I've just spent 3.5 years writing a book on this problem, "Buildings Are for People: Human Ecological Design". It can be done - it is merely a matter of approach. Take a look, https://buildings-are-for-people.com
Full Professor and Strategic Leader at NTNU / Expert in Energy Optimization
8 年Very good Article Patrick, How can we cooperate for demonstrating this approach !!
Simulation Team Leader | Intrapreneur | Data Geek
8 年Great article Patrick! What are the common hurdles, in your opinion, to sell the idea of data-driven design to the clients and architects?
Mechanical Engineer
8 年Well put sir!