The Next Frontier

Season 2, Episode 1

The Next Frontier

While architecture is built on visionary thinking, the ability to envision which technologies will transform the discipline can be cloudy at best. Yet across the AEC industry, a number of enterprising firms are defining the future on their own. Not only pushing existing tech to new limits, but teaming with designers, developers and even gamers to gain a creative and business edge first.

Their work may be the clearest sign yet of where the intersection of architecture and technology is taking us. By Design set out to take a closer look by traveling to three trailblazing firms leading the revolution from within.

Inside the Episode

From its perch in the foothills of the Rockies, Vega Architecture is harnessing the often untapped power of BIM to fully explore the constructibility of ideas at the concept stage, so it has absolute proof of a design’s feasibility before a contractor is involved. Once vetted, its intensely data-rich 3D models and documentation go far beyond client presentation to guide every decision in the field with absolute accuracy.

150 miles to the west, Aspen firm KA DesignWorks views the future in a virtual light. Rather than wait for VR and augmented reality to go mainstream, KA built its own in-house development team to explore how these nascent technologies could be paired with 3D BIM design environments. Starting with the use of immersive VR to collaborate with clients at the design stage, KA is now taking their tech to project sites to better inform construction; opening an entirely new business model in the process.

Meanwhile, in the city of Boise, Riverstone Structural Concepts has adapted BIM as the cornerstone of its workflow. The firm is pioneering methods of real-time, single-model virtual collaboration between architect and engineer that many believe are impossible. The result has not only led to strong growth, but offers a compelling vision of total AEC chain collaboration via the cloud.

Watch the episode to get a view of the future from the ground level.

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