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Lee Bruce
Lee Bruce

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How The Role of Engineering in Architectural Firms is Growing?

Engineering has been the foundation on which architecture is evolving and adapting to the new trends of the changing world. Role of engineers and their skills are not only making architecture advanced but also sustainable and cost effective. An architectural engineer uses the latest scientific knowledge and technology to design and develop structurally-sound buildings to make valuable contributions towards the community. The responsibilities of engineers and architects often overlap. Both professions are integral to the design and construction of structures. New applications and technological developments are making architects much more efficient and their jobs easier and cost effective. The use of BIM (Business Information Modelling), for instance, has made it possible for all departments to effectively collaborate and share information about the project, making it one of the most revolutionary tools for architectural firms.

Engineering services and latest technology such as 3D modelling, robot dogs, CAD have paved the way for architectural firms to design and develop projects that are not only sustainable but also tech-enabled in many ways.

We have listed a few technological developments and engineering innovations that have made architecture far more complex and diverse than it was:

BIM – As mentioned above, BIM is a tool that has made overseeing projects from a distance, cloud sharing and successful teamwork possible. It allows proper distribution of work in all stages of the project. The four key elements of BIM software are – documentation, construction, interfacing and management, and design.

Artificial Intelligence – Robot dogs are used as construction site inspectors who meticulously scan and evaluate the progress, check the condition of the site and any possible damages that might have happened. AI helps in optimizing all aspects — from predicting and alarming the team about weather conditions to providing virtual walkways.

Big Data - With greater availability of data and Internet of Things, architects are able to access more information that helps them in designing unique and more efficient buildings. Big data, essentially, is a collection of data that is huge in volume.

Architectural Apps – Apps have definitely changed the way architectural firms operate. They help them stay organized, save time and provide a lot technical assistance on the go. For example, apps can provide conceptual designs, floor plans, advance sketches, etc. Some widely used apps are Cedreo, Sketch Up, and Arki.

Virtual Reality – This technology allows architects to give vision to their ideas and provide clients with real-life like experience. It helps architects to not only showcase their ideas but also make changes at the right stages of construction.

Augmented reality – AR further adds to the life-like experience by overlaying 2d and 3d. This allows both users and designers to feel the materials being put in the design. This can prevent any excess expenditure on material and offer a space to make changes before their actual implementation.

Generative design - It uses artificial intelligence to generate design options using a set of algorithms. It provides multiple design options according to specific design requirements like materials, budget and building techniques. This can give a thorough start to a certain concept with great possibilities.

As architecture firms take on more and more challenging projects, their need for skilled engineers is also rising. Engineers help architects to understand building codes or compliance issues and work with different departments. They also assist in investigation and survey work before or during projects by traveling to building or construction sites to inspect systems, foundations, and facilities, and because of their expertise they often fill the role of on-site management.

These are just a few ways through which engineers are helping to shape modern architectural landscape, and some of the reasons why design firms are recruiting engineers in greater numbers every day. Hire dedicated engineers from India who can take the reins of your project and work alongside architects to come up with the most technologically-sound and advanced structures. When you outsource from India, you get to choose from a pool of talented and skilled professionals who have the ability to work virtually without any delays or hurdles.

Summary - Engineers and architects make a great team and have the potential to create environmentally as well as technologically-sustainable structures. Architectural firms realize this potential and are making efforts to have a diverse team of engineers at their firms. Due to their indispensable role and contribution to architecture, the demand to hire dedicated engineers from India is on the rise. Use of apps, AI, BIM software created by software engineers have made it possible for architects to explore designs and work on projects without wasting long hours on designs, sketches, communication, material extraction, etc. The radical changes brought about by technology in this sector have minimized the risk of damage and collapse of structures. Architectural firms are aiming for new milestones with the help of these collaborative efforts.

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