EDITOR ' S QUESTION
The digital evolution in the built environment industry has improved design workflows, enabling increased precision, visualisation and efficiency. In Architecture tools like BIM, parametric modelling, VR / AR and more recently, AI-driven generative design have expanded creative possibilities. Yet, there are opportunities where new technologies and processes could further enhance how practitioners work with colleagues and interact with clients and key stakeholders.
To the external eye, visually compelling design outputs are both informative and captivating, however, one of the main challenges of digital evolution will be rather bland and it’ s centred on integrated processes. Fragmented tools and siloed workflows remain a challenge despite advancements, as software ecosystems are disjointed. Designers juggle incompatible platforms for architectural and / or urban modelling, energy analysis and stakeholder collaboration, leading to inefficiencies and data loss. Emerging tools must prioritise open standards and unified platforms that merge design, simulation and construction data. AI could act as a connective layer, automating data translation between disciplines. This would help streamline workflows and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Then there are elements of design workflow that don’ t get the attention that they deserve: Sustainability and human-centred design considerations as an afterthought continues to be problematic. For sustainability, while tools like energy modelling software exist, most remain reactive rather than proactive. Digital workflows rarely integrate real-time lifecycle analysis, circular material databases or climate-specific performance metrics. Emerging tools should embed sustainability at the core, using AI to predict operational carbon impacts during schematic design.
The human-centred disconnect at the urban-scale presents another concern as the focus on yield optimisation risks sidelining architecture’ s social and cultural mission.
Algorithmic tools used by architects often prioritise efficiency over designing for the creation of truly‘ human-centric’ environments. Where both the public realm and architecture work as part of the collective experience. Integrated systems that bring together people movement / interaction simulations, real-time flows of traffic with land use activation collectively will allow for robust forecasts of design optioneering.
The next evolution must focus on tools that are interconnected, ethically guided and human-scaled. Opensource platforms could democratise access, while AI ethics frameworks ensure equity in automated decisions. By anchoring innovation in sustainability and inclusivity, the Digital Transformation can go-beyond technical prowess to serve not just architects, but the communities and ecosystems they shape. �
ATAKAN GUVEN
DIRECTOR OF URBAN ANALYTICS
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