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The Technology Report 2014: Top tech tools and trends for AEC professionals

The Technology Report 2014: Top tech tools and trends for AEC professionals

Advanced robotics, 3D printers, drones, data-driven design, BIM/VDC, and more!


By BD+C Staff | February 14, 2014
RMIT University's Design Hub, Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Neal Jennings
RMIT University's Design Hub, Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Neal Jennings

In this special five-part report, Building Design+Construction explores how Building Teams throughout the world are utilizing advanced robotics, 3D printers, drones, data-driven design, and breakthroughs in building information modeling to gain efficiencies and create better buildings. 

 

Robots, drones, and printed buildings: The promise of automated construction

Building Teams across the globe are employing advanced robotics to simplify what is inherently a complex, messy process—construction. >>> Read the article   

 

 

The Big Data revolution: How data-driven design is transforming project planning

There are literally hundreds of applications for deep analytics in planning and design projects, not to mention the many benefits for construction teams, building owners, and facility managers. We profile some early successful applications. >>> Read the article   

 

 

5 tech trends transforming BIM/VDC

From energy modeling on the fly to prefabrication of building systems, these advancements are potential game changers for AEC firms that are serious about building information modeling.  >>> Read the article

 

 

Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture 

The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen. >>> More commentary from David Barista, BD+C's Editor-in-Chief

 

 

DOE, Autodesk team to overhaul the EnergyPlus simulation program

The update will allow a larger ecosystem of developers to contribute updates to the code in order to improve performance and decrease the time required to run energy model simulations. >>> Read the article

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| Jan 30, 2014

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CES showcases innovations: Can any of these help you do your job better?

The Consumer Electronics Show took place this past week in Las Vegas. Known for launching new products and technologies, many of the products showcased there set the bar for future innovators. The show also signals trends to watch in technology applicable to the design and building industry. 

| Jan 12, 2014

5 ways virtual modeling can improve facilities management

Improved space management, streamlined maintenance, and economical retrofits are among the ways building owners and facility managers can benefit from building information modeling.

| Dec 31, 2013

Top 10 blog posts from 2013

BD+C editors and our contributors posted hundreds of blogs in 2013. Here's a recap of the most popular topics. They include valuable lessons from one of the first BIM-related lawsuits and sage advice from AEC legend Arthur Gensler.  

| Dec 31, 2013

BD+C's top 10 stories of 2013

The world's tallest twisting tower and the rise of augmented reality technology in construction were among the 10 most popular articles posted on Building Design+Construction's website, BDCnetwork.com.

| Dec 17, 2013

IBM's five tech-driven innovation predictions for the next five years [infographics]

Smart classrooms, DNA-based medical care, and wired cities are among the technology-related innovations identified by IBM researchers for the company's 5 in 5 report. 

| Dec 16, 2013

Is the metal building industry in a technology shift?

Automation is the future you can’t avoid, though you may try. Even within the metal building industry—which is made up of skilled tradesmen—automation has revolutionized, and will continue revolutionizing, how we work.

| Dec 10, 2013

16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.

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