Cutting Edge Design and Architecture

Then there’s AI. As the built environment industry moves towards widespread digitisation of processes, we will have more structured data available. AI has a multiplier effect on this setup, with the potential to change how designers, project and construction managers work in the near future. Just like how AI prediction capabilities recommending right products for customer in the e-commerce platforms, design managers are looking to predict and prioritise design risks in advance, while construction managers seek to derive risk insights from hundreds of open Requests For Information (RFIs). One of the biggest challenges of digitising is a higher chance of failure, which arises mainly from failing to reimagine existing processes well enough or engaging people well enough. To be successful, firms must continuously engage in top-to-bottom internal discussions on how to take advantage of technology appropriately and effectively in the design and project delivery process. Because technology evolves rapidly, this must be done frequently, and changes implemented decisively. In RSP, after 10 years of experience in implementing BIM from early design to digital asset handover even for mega projects such as Jewel Changi Airport, the upcoming Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Deira Mall, BAPS Hindu Mandir and Palm Tower & Hotel. Now we are in next phase of enhancing design ideation and project delivery with latest digital possibilities supported with Cloud, Automation, and AI. Particularly in last three years, our continuous investments in cloud-based collaboration tools have helped us to save up to 90% of the time on data exchange and change analysis. Because of what we already had in place, when the pandemic hit and we decided to work remotely, all the BIM projects were promptly migrated to the cloud within a few days so that it is business as usual. Moving forward we are looking to use more VR/AR tools to review the design in 1:1 scale. We believe that design happens at every stage. It is therefore critical to develop more efficient and intelligent workflow that can easily translate our cutting-edge design and architecture models onto VR/AR platforms for reviews with the different stakeholders and clients. Does it sound like a lot of work? Perhaps. The crisis has forced us all to digitise at a rate that would have taken years to reach organically. But the key to approaching this with the right mindset is to get excited about the outcomes of what advanced tech can bring to our organisations and processes, and – more importantly – to consider how they might ultimately add value to the client.