Future Proof

Season 2, Episode 2

Future Proof

Today’s architecture graduates are entering a discipline in the midst of seismic change. Once satisfied for students to understand the basics of design software, firms now demand a far more advanced outlook on technology. The key isn’t mastery of any one program, but the ability to analyze and adopt new solutions as second nature, with 3D at the core.

This is the rise of the architect as technologist, and it’s leaving many schools uncertain how to adapt. To understand what the right direction should be, By Design met with a team of educators on the leading edge of tech integration.

Inside the Episode

Prof. Brian R. Johnson has made technology research the cornerstone of his career at the University of Washington. As Director of the Department of Architecture’s Design Machine Group, Prof. Johnson advocates for a holistic approach in which students first consider the project challenge to be met, then learn how to apply the right interplay of digital tools to explore it.

At Arizona State University, the husband/wife team of Philip and Lauren Allsopp not only share Prof. Johnson’s view, but forcefully advocate for BIM and virtual technologies to be taught as part of a student’s core curriculum — in architecture and historic preservation. As a pioneer of BIM and virtual tools within the preservation field, Lauren uses laser scanning, thermal imaging, point clouds and other tech to inspire students to reimagine how buildings can be adapted for modern use.

Watch the episode for a candid, often surprising look at how technology is testing traditional education.

Project images and materials used in this season are the sole copyright of the respective firms and have been used with permission. View details.