Architect Network - BIG London Office Tour & Design Technology

Introduction

Architect Network offers a range of online courses on software like Grasshopper, Revit, Rhino Inside, Twinmotion, and AI.
The lecture focuses on a tour of the BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) London office and their use of design technology.

Established in 2016, initially small, now grown to 130 people.
Office includes a communal space for relaxation, presentations, and social activities.
Significant projects that marked the office’s growth:
- ETB Tower, Berlin: Topped out and looks like a built project.
- Daily Express Building, London: Refurbishing a grade two listed building with unique terraces and views.
- City Life Building, Milan: Office building with a roof covered in photovoltaics.

The office features a canteen space, 3D printed models, and areas showcasing various projects.
Key projects in the workspace:
- 120 Fleet Street, London: Refurbishing the Daily Express building.
- ETB Office Tower, Berlin: Almost completed.
- Google Campus, New York: Designed with Heatherwick Studio, currently occupied.
VR and AR technologies are used in a dedicated VR room for design exploration and client presentations.
Workshop area contains advanced 3D printers and other modeling tools.

Design Tech (DT) includes BIM, computation, simulation, immersive tech, fabrication, and AI.
DT specialists help with project-specific tools and technologies, train designers, and test new technologies for efficiency.
Bim and computation balance out in stages; computation mostly in early design, BIM in later documentation and construction.

Rhino: Core design software for creativity and iteration.
Grasshopper: Computational design during early stages.
Revit: For documentation post-concept stage with Rhino Inside enabling transition.
Visualization Tools: Enscape, V-Ray, Twinmotion.
Other Tools: Unity, Unreal, AI tools like Midjourney, LookX AI.

BIM used for detailed documentation, plans, and construction stages.
Computation used for scripting, automating tasks, and transitioning geometry between software platforms.
Specialists often need strong skills in both BIM and computation.

Shift from V-Ray to Enscape for day-to-day visualization, with interest in Twinmotion for natural environments.
Experimentation with Unreal Engine for high-quality visual renders and virtual experiences.
VR is integrated into the design process for internal review and client presentations.
AR used in workshops and onsite for model overlays.

AI tools like Midjourney and Stable AI used for generating ideas, visualizing concepts, and practical assistance in production tasks.
Focus on using AI to amplify design thinking rather than replace it.

Integration of AI with real-time tools like Rhino and parametric workflows expected to grow.
Unreal Engine seen as a key tool for future developments in visualization and gaming.

BIG emphasizes a collaborative and creative work environment with a strong sense of community.
Advice for aspiring DT specialists includes gaining a dual skill set in BIM and computation, attending architecture and technology conferences, and being persistent in job applications.

BIG’s approach to design technology and its integration into the design and documentation process demonstrates a forward-thinking methodology that other firms might follow.
Future Architect Tours will explore more offices and their unique integrations of technology in design.