Over the years, technology has developed dramatically since the 20th century, and it will continue to improve further as time passes on, changing the way we live our daily lives, the nature of the buildings we live in, and our surroundings. Technology has also had an impact on architecture and the whole construction process by enhancing the quality of drawings, making technical details less difficult, improving the quality of presentations as well as making them more interesting. As a result of this, our homes are now being designed using the latest technology, such as 3D Modelling, Virtual Reality, and 3D printing. However, with our modern world problems, including global warming, lack of resources, and inadequate disposal of waste, this modern-day technology is much needed and welcome in our daily lives. For example, contemporary home designs such as the 3D printed home in Texas by New Story and Icon, and the Smart Home Installation in England by MDfx and Maisha Design, use such technology to solve specific problems and to meet new demands. Further on in this essay, the impact and the effect that current technology has on the way we design houses will be discussed and explored in more detail.
History of Technology
During the 1920s, technology started to change many homes by integrating new inventions which replaced the traditional with new solutions to time-consuming chores. These solutions included central heating, running water and electric power. Not only did these changes help save time, but they also helped ease the labour and chores of homemakers. In addition to the social impact technology started to have once introduced in homes, such as new jobs available and more time for other activities besides housework, daily tasks began to get more convenient, easier to maintain and more efficient. (Cowan, 1976). The Industrial Revolution was the beginning of technology changing the way homes are designed.
During the early 20th century, architectural drawings used to be works of art, and these were not easy to create due to the lack of technology. The nature of these drawings is very complicated which is why they were very time consuming and difficult to create by hand. In the late 1960s, 3D modelling software began to make a breakthrough and aid architects as well as designers with their projects. (Journal, 2019). As this journal suggests, the introduction of 3D modelling changed the efficiency and accuracy of architecture and interior design. Following this new technological advancement, the models of homes and buildings, in general, started to shift to more innovative designs.
Typically, construction projects often go through several drawing drafts before the actual construction of the building, to ensure the best quality outcome. However, as a result of augmented reality which has matured since the mid-20th century up to date, any construction flaws can be spotted and fixed without causing any delays in the project. Augmented reality can also keep the workers on track and not have to change the schedule, making the workflow more efficient. This type of new technology currently allows customers to hold their smartphones or tablets over designs and project them into 3D models. (McEachran, 2019). This technology creates a new method for designing homes and general buildings by giving the user more creative freedom and a better understanding of how the final product may look.
In contrast to the 1920s, work today is completed much faster and more efficiently as a result of technology. Chores are slowly being removed and replaced with other activities aligned with the consumers’ wants because people have more time to spend with their families after work. I believe this advancement in technology will also speed our overall development as humans, meaning our home designs must adapt to meet our needs too. Having the chance to build a home incredibly accurately is much appreciated in the modern world because consumers have more disposable income, resulting in higher expectations and complex demands. Also, the world population is continuously rising, meaning more buildings are needed.
Current Technology
3D Modelling and Rendering
One of the contemporary ways of designing buildings is with the use of 3D modelling software. The reason behind this is because of its accuracy, efficiency and realistic visualisations. By using such technology, the buildings we inhabit are now much quicker and more accurately designed to ensure the best results. Modern-day high-quality rendering software such as Rhino and Maya offer architects and designers comprehensive digital resources to enhance the quality of their projects. (Easyrender.com. 2019).
Virtual Reality
Another modern technological way of developing the buildings we inhabit is with the use of Virtual Reality (VR). Virtual Reality can showcase the full 3D representation of the design created by an architect or designer in real size and in a realistic way. An example of this technology is the Oculus Rift device which is like a pair of goggles or headset. This device enables the user to travel into the digital world and experience everything in a 3D environment. This technology surpasses the capabilities of 3D rendering and allows for smarter home designs. (Easyrender.com. 2019).
3D Printing
One more current method of designing buildings is with the use of 3D printers. These printers allow for detailed architectural models to be built quickly, accurately, and help both the customer and designer gain a deeper understanding of the building design. Modern 3D printers can now even print real size, to scale structures using a Contour Crafting machine which pours concrete blocks. This technology revolutionises the construction industry by making the building process more manageable, cheaper and more sustainable. (Easyrender.com. 2019).
Technology Effects on House Designs
Technology has managed to get so deeply integrated into our lives that it has even changed the way we go about our day. At present, technology allows us to work from any location if it has a good wi-fi signal, and this has also transformed the way we look at interior design. For example, it’s necessary to keep in mind the proximity to the kitchen and family area to ensure that you can sit and work by answering emails or doing your homework, while at the same time being with your family. This design consideration would have been different during the early 20th century. Due to this rapid increase in technology, people also now expect certain features in homes such as smart home automation systems, home cinemas or a digital meeting room for work. (Sorensen. 2019).
New materials and new technology have changed the priorities and tastes of modern society in home design. One of the prevailing trends followed when designing a home is sustainability and how environmentally friendly the building is. Additionally, modern day technology allows for homes to be pre-fabricated. This trend is also highly prevalent in our contemporary world because of how convenient and affordable it is. Furthermore, homes have become healthier and safer by removing chemicals, additives in paints, toxic insulation etc. Home design has also become more considerate about the accessibility for disabled people, or where the materials for the building comes from and what will happen to the building after use. For example, will the building be repurposed, reused or recycled? (Craven, J. 2019).
Similarly, before the 20th century and the rapid technological advancement, the design of buildings was most commonly aimed to express and glorify the status of the owner. However, this quickly changed once modernism and industrialisation appeared. (Topics, Sample Papers & Articles Online for Free. 2016).
Technology started to directly modify and improve architecture due to the creation of new materials, such as reinforced concrete, glass and steel, and solutions for engineering limitations, which allowed for more designs to become a reality. For example, in the Apartment designed by August Perret at 25 bis Rue Franklin in Paris, reinforced concrete was used for the building’s frame. Technology allowed for the design of the floor plans to open in contrast to the traditional use of a wood frame which would have presented many restrictions and limitations to the building. (Trello.com. 2019). The construction of this building suggests that people now became more interested in the efficiency, sustainability, design and function rather than the status represented.
With the help of new materials, I believe there are more freedom and fewer limitations in designing a home. Also, new materials such as reinforced concrete, prolong the lifespan of the building as well as making it stronger. Having a range of materials to choose from is a positive technological advancement that can help make people gravitate towards more sustainable resource, maintaining the environment and avoiding waste.
Auguste Perret – 25bis Rue Franklin Apartments, Paris, France (1904)
One of the very first structure to be built with a reinforced concrete frame was the 25Bis Rue Franklin Apartments. This building’s design aimed to provide users with optimal living conditions. This goal was achieved using new technology introduced at the time including different forms of lighting, ventilation systems and materials, which were not previously available. The use of this new technology not only offered Perret fewer limitations and more creative freedom, but it represents the area’s culture and advancement at the time. (Institut Auguste Perret. 2019).
Building new architecture using a specific material or technological innovation popular at the type of construction, also adds some historical value of a place to the fabric of the building. This use of technology creates almost like a time capsule for future generations to experience when located in a building constructed during the early development of technology.
New Story and Icon – 3D Printed Home in 24 hours, Austin, Texas. (2015)
3D printing refers to the process that produces a 3D model in real life by the repetitive process of layering materials on top of each other to create an object. Materials such as plastics and metal alloys are the most common to be used for 3D printing. 3D printing can also be used to develop a product prototype as part of a presentation, create medical implants, fixtures and even homes. (Autodesk.co.uk. 2019).
Figure 2. © Image courtesy of New Story and Icon.
This 3D printed home (Figure 2.) has been designed and constructed by the charity New Story and the construction company Icon, in Austin Texas. The building is roughly 60 square meters, and the process cost was approximately £3000. The building was constructed to tackle the worldwide known problem of homelessness and provide a safe shelter for those who need them. This building was 3D printed using The Vulcan printer and was completed in less than 24 hours using mortar. According to New Story, roughly 14% of the world’s population don’t have access to safe housing. This method of providing housing for people could potentially solve this problem as well as wasting no materials, creating a cost-effective and energy efficient home. (Dawood. 2019). This case study also suggests that technology can now allow for the construction of safe and affordable homes for families in need all over the world without wasting resources or time. I consider this use of technology a tremendous positive impact on the world since the population is increasing more houses are needed.
MDfx and Maisha Design – Smart Home Installation, Hyde Park, London, UK (2019)
A smart home is like a typical home but has integrated automation technology within the building, offering convenience and complete control to the owners. These pieces of technology may help control the building’s lighting, temperature, security and most of the building’s functions. This innovative approach to home design provides owners with a complete report on their home by monitoring the building continuously. As a result of all these features, these houses are also more expensive, but they offer a more intelligent design to help users complete trivial daily tasks more efficiently. (Smarthomeenergy.co.uk. 2019).
Figure 1. © Image courtesy of MDfx and Maisha Design.
The smart home installation located in Hyde Park, London, England, was designed by MDfx and Maisha Design. The building (Figure 1.) is a four bedroom flat transformed into a family home. The high-tech home provides the users with a home cinema, music and tv in all the rooms. (MDfx. 2019)
Additionally, all the places also have automated curtain tracks, WI-FI, lighting control and home CCTV for safety. All these have merged into the interior design for a seamless finish. These technological features inside the home allow complete control through the clients own digital devices, such as their smartphones and tablets. These automated smart systems provide homeowners with full power over every aspect of their home and make home maintenance more convenient. Moreover, the Lutron QS lighting system with pre-set lighting scenes can offer and create different atmospheres depending on the users. Bowers and Wilkins Speakers and Rotel amplifiers are also installed discreetly to enhance the living experience with the perfect balance of audio and aesthetic quality. (MDfx. 2019).
From this case study, I have deducted that technology can become so well integrated into our surroundings and our environments that we will not even notice the change it will create in our lifestyles soon. Also, this technology can have a positive impact; safety in a neighbourhood could increase since smart homes allow for a stronger security system, and seniors or disabled people can easily control their home to suit their needs.
Similarly, to the 3D printed home, having a smart home is a much more convenient way of designing your home because it reduces the time to build and maintain the building. However, using smart homes may be risky if an electric problem arises. For example, if a power cut would affect the areas where these homes are popular, people could get locked out or in their own homes with not much control over anything to solve the situation. In contrast, 3D printing is an easy way to get the hard part (building) a house out of the way. However, this overuse of this technology may also have some adverse effects such as leaving people in the construction industry unemployed.
In conclusion, the advancement of technology has had a significant impact on the way we design our buildings and our lives. As a result, new technology has made building homes much cheaper and faster in contrast to previous years. The ability to present work in 3D rather than 2D and having the ability to create high-quality architectural drawings enables us to create flawless designs, saving time and resources. Overall, I firmly believe that technology has helped improve the way we design our homes, making the building process easier, faster and the houses more functional as well as attractive, while even resolving some modern-day issues such as pollution, deforestation, unnecessary waste and more. However, relying heavily on technology may disrupt our true nature of being. Finding the easiest route to a solution may not always be the best option because we may miss the opportunity to learn critical things on the way. For instance, if our future generations will live in a world surrounded only by technology, in the case this technology malfunctions, people would not know suitable for survival without the help of technology.
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