As someone who has been immersed in property development from a young age, I understand better than most that a project’s design phase can be lengthy and complex. However, seeing a concept come to life – transitioning from vision into reality – is a hugely exciting and rewarding process.
Of course, crafting designs for state-of-the-art developments takes skill, experience, time, resources and a keen sense of what the end user needs and wants. Fortunately, we live in an age when technology is constantly evolving, and its application is enhancing creativity and productivity across our sector.
Just as proptech pioneers have reshaped the real estate transaction landscape through novel mortgage offerings and fractional investment opportunities, generative design is helping architects to maximise efficiency, reduce waste and lower costs throughout the stages
of design and construction.
So, what exactly is generative design and why does it matter?
A powerful evaluative tool
Generative design involves inputting project goals, materials, budgets and other specifications into cutting-edge software that is capable of evaluating and presenting an array of possible outcomes. Compared to manual drafting, this approach allows designers to come up with options that meet a developer’s required criteria faster and more iteratively.
Using algorithms, computational techniques and parametric modelling, the generative model optimises design while meeting building regulations and commercial requirements, as well as performance and sustainability goals. At the same time, it allows the architect to factor in a range of end-user experiences, such as making the most of views and daylight.
Overall, generative design represents a key shift in architectural practice, and I believe it signals the next stage in the evolution of architecture, engineering and construction.
But how exactly does it benefit professionals working in these fields?
A boon for architects and developers
As a modern and revolutionary approach that is changing the way buildings are conceived, planned and constructed, generative design removes barriers to architects’ creativity, allowing them to quickly identify potential design flaws and save significant amounts of time.
By automating repetitive tasks, it streamlines the design process and boosts efficiency.
Consequently, architects are able to deliver more informed proposals that are backed up by accurate, reliable and timely data. This process is also much more cost-effective than conventional approaches as it enables the early detection of issues, meaning designs can be optimised, construction costs can be reduced and material waste can be minimised.
For ambitious developers, the possibilities are endless. Take, for example, the innovative concert hall ceiling at the University of Iowa’s Voxman School of Music, which was designed and constructed using a series of generative design scripts. Its complexity could hardly have been imagined – let alone built – using traditional methods.
The impact on construction
Generative design impacts many aspects of construction, thanks to its potential to increase productivity by coordinating the complex choreography of the building site. As well as identifying optimum design options, it can help contractors evaluate the best building processes more effectively before work even commences.
What’s more, these processes can be simulated in real-time, allowing architects and construction teams to visualise sequences, logistics and resource allocation in advance. It can assist with the identification of potential inefficiencies, helping to mitigate risks while improving construction planning and execution. It can also support ongoing performance monitoring and feedback during construction and operations, providing information on structural integrity, energy consumption and even the comfort of end users.
Put simply, generative design allows architects, contractors and developers to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability at every turn.
A transformational approach
Generative design looks set to transform the built environments of tomorrow, delivering huge benefits to the people who live, work and play in these spaces. In addition to providing personalised developments tailored to occupants’ specific needs, it can be leveraged to enhance usability and wellbeing through environmental factors such as natural light and ventilation.
Optimised spaces, tailored design solutions, increased connectivity and integrated sustainability will, in turn, combine to make for healthier and more sophisticated buildings for everyone to enjoy.
Although still widely thought of as an emerging technology, generative design is already making waves in the global real estate sector. Celebrated examples of this technique in practice include the late Zaha Hadid’s stunning Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan and the Autodesk Technology Centre in Toronto, Canada. Japan’s Daiwa House Industry has also demonstrated how advantageous this approach can be in the design of confined urban developments.
As someone who lives and breathes property, I love that this fledgling advancement is already benefiting end users around the world. From project conceptualisation through to the sales suite, it is also enabling developers to deliver projects that prioritise the satisfaction and wellbeing of building occupants.
In short, generative design is facilitating the development of thriving and vibrant communities for current and future generations to enjoy, which is why it is such a game-changer for the real estate sector.