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Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

Session 07: Beyond the Definition of Practice

Date: September 6th, 2024

Location: SmithGroup, 301 Battery St, San Francisco

Led by: Madhubala Ayyamperumal, LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwel Amb.

2024 Executive Committee: Chair: Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA

Graphics Advisor: Sreedevi Krishnan, Assoc. AIA

Session Sponsors: AIA Silicon Valley, SmithGroup, Gensler, Autodesk, California College of the Arts, and Cove.Tool

Session Summary: Srivarshini Balaji, AIA, CASp and Konstantinos Moustakas, Intl. Assoc. AIA

Overview and Key Takeaways:

The session “Beyond the Definition of Practice” examined the emerging trends reshaping the field of architecture, highlighting the convergence of digital design, advanced technologies, building performance, sustainability, and design research. Key highlights includes:

  1. Digital Design Experience: The adoption of immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality is enhancing the design experience, allowing architects and clients to visualize projects in real-time and make informed decisions earlier in the process.
  2. Building Performance and Sustainability: There is a growing focus on sustainable architecture, leveraging data to optimize energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints to create healthier spaces. Innovations in materials, passive design strategies, and smart building systems are central to these efforts.
  3. Design Technology and Data-Driven Design: The integration of data-driven tools is enabling architects to analyze site conditions, user behavior, and environmental factors, resulting in more responsive and adaptable designs. Tools like generative design algorithms help explore countless design iterations to find the most effective solutions.
  4. AI and BIM Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are revolutionizing the design process. AI-powered tools streamline tasks like spatial analysis and predictive modeling, while BIM fosters collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances project management.
  5. Importance of Design Research: Design research is crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It drives innovation by continually exploring new materials, technologies, and methodologies. This research-based approach enables architects to develop innovative solutions that address emerging client needs and societal challenges.

Digital Experience Design: Branded Spaces

By Greg Gallimore, Principal, Gensler, San Francisco

The lecture explored how Digital Design is transforming contemporary spaces through enhanced interactivity and immersion. Digital Design experience can be broadly classified into three categories:

  • Interactive Exhibits: Technologies such as motion sensors, touchscreens, and augmented reality are creating personalized and participatory experiences, revolutionizing environments like museums, retail spaces, and public installations.
  • Tech-Enhanced Spaces: Smart lighting, responsive soundscapes, and digital interfaces are being used to create adaptive environments that respond in real-time to user behavior and preferences.
  • Immersive Destinations: Virtual reality museums, digital art installations, and themed environments utilize multi-sensory technologies to transport visitors into entirely new worlds, pushing the boundaries of traditional design.

Overall, the lecture illustrated how digital technologies are reshaping our interactions with spaces, driving architectural creativity and innovation.

Design Technology Trends

By Cesar Escalante, Autodesk, and Jake Chevrier, SmithGroup

This presentation and panel discussion focused on the use of innovative tools to transform productivity in architectural practices.

  • Jake Chevrier (SmithGroup) demonstrated the use of in-house tools to efficiently produce dynamic presentations, from feasibility studies to complex facade explorations.
  • Cesar Escalante (Autodesk) presented Autodesk’s perspective on artificial intelligence, showcasing upcoming revolutionary software and plans to incorporate innovative tools into current products.

The session concluded with a discussion on artificial intelligence versus parametric design and how future software advancements could enhance productivity for firms of all sizes.

Integrating Sustainable Design Practices to Improve Project Outcomes

By Sandeep Ahuja, CEO, Cove.Tool

The lecture delved into Cove.tool as a building performance software that streamlines the design process by integrating sustainability analysis into architectural projects. It is widely used in design research to evaluate energy consumption, daylight, carbon emissions, and cost optimization, allowing architects and engineers to make data-driven decisions early in the design process. By providing a quick and user-friendly way to analyze multiple building parameters, Cove.tool enhances efficiency and fosters sustainable design practices.

The lecture concluded with an engaging discussion with Sandeep regarding case study presented, market trends and presenter’s lessons learned since inception of Cove.tool.

Design Research as a Catalyst for Innovation: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

By Dr. Negar Kalantar, Associate Professor, Co-Director of Digital Craft Lab | California College of Arts | San Francisco

The presentation explored the intersection of innovation and practical application within the built environment. Dr.Negar’s presentation focussed on how design research can act as a catalyst for innovation by bridging the gap between academic inquiry and real-world practice. Through her studies that were presented, Dr. Negar investigated the integration of cutting-edge technologies, data-driven methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex design challenges. This engaging presentation delved into the approaches on transforming theoretical insights into actionable design strategies, fostering a dynamic exchange between research and practice to drive meaningful, sustainable change in the architecture and design industries.