Research paper_5th draft

Gyu jin’s 5th draft
Benefits of Using Digital Techniques in Modern Architecture and Trend
Introduction
Digital technology has been developed during the last decades and architects have been applied computer technology as an assistive tool. However, digital technology became decisive tool for drawing, creating diagram, modeling, performance simulation, construction management and building fabrication. Nowadays, the numbers of architects who use digital techniques are increasing.
Even though digital technology in architecture is nothing new, there are two reasons why we should keep focusing on this new technique. First, using digital technology, architects can be more productive and cost-effective. Second, digital technology enables architects to have new ways of thinking. There are two architects who accepted digital technologies in their works and built one of the most important and innovative buildings in contemporary architecture. They are Frank Gehry and Ben Van Berkel. Frank Gehry’s work show how architect can improve efficiency in comparison with Antonio Gaudi. The other person is Ben Van Berkel who can show the new way of thinking such as how architects develop their concept in progress.
Benefit from computer aided design in terms of improved efficiency
Architects can reduce the cost and the time of the entire projects using digital technology.
Sagrada Family church by Anotonio Gaudi has similarity with Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney concert hall in a sense of amorphous surface shape. There was no digital technology to express his idea and it was hard to make constructors to understand. The construction of this church was began in 1882 and last until he died in 1926. The project is still continuing based on Gaudi’s original plan and study. (© 2001 Mary Ann Sullivan)
In contrast to Gaudi’s Sagrade Family church, Frank Gehry
For instance in production and fabrication process, architects can reuse digital information by importing them directly into computer controlled machinery to produce scale models. The great example is The Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is not only a landmark in downtown California but also a good example of computer based approach. It was a successful project which allowed great satisfaction to Walt Disney Co. In this project, Gehry adopted CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application), a computer program originally developed in France by the Dassault Systems aviation company to design Mirage Jet Fighters(Michael Webb,2003). It gives the digitized information to software that could be used to draw, engineer, and construct the building. Thus, Gehry was able to create the building in unique style what Walt Disney Company want.
As Jean Nouvel mentioned in his interview with Jean Baudrillard (2003), There is anything easier than reusing existing data, given the fact that the computer can modify that data so quickly and the system is ready for a new building. In every project, architects receive many feedback and redo many other things. Until architects have digital tools unavailable for architecture, they had to redraw all plans, sections, and perspectives which are related to the new decision. They can now modify the data easily and apply the changes very quickly using digital tools. It save time consuming production process and it means.
New way of Thinking
Digital technology contributed to allow architects to get a broaden perspective in progress. Many of architects tried to create a space in new shape which they’ve never done before. But there was no available tool to make it. As computer software develops, its ability to support architects improves. Through Ben Van Berkel’s projects, we could learn how he used and applied the digital technology. Ben Van Berkel started with abstract diagram to design. It started with meaningless repetition of lines but it generated new architectural space at the end. Even though the diagram was not a blueprint, it contributed to represent the relationship between idea and form, between content and structure.
conclusion
Digital technology allowsarchitects to improve not only time but also cost efficiency. has improved efficiency and realized human desire. Furthermore, A building cannot be constructed just by an architect him/herself. Traditional concept of building has been changed. Its function has changed and also it became a method of representing him or herself. People use building to appeal themselves by making something unique. This is the decisive role in developing and using digital technology. The new computer based approach placed a wing to architects. Many of architects have dreamed of constructing a building from a sketch they have in mind. However, it was not possible due to the lack of technology. Digital technology can allows architecture to make a new shape of building that can give a satisfaction to clients. It also helps to better communicate between architects, clients and constructors.( with others to realize their clients’ dreams.)
Reference List
K.Michael, H. (2003). Virtual architecture, real architecture.The singular object of architecture, pp 48-49
K.Michael, H. (2003). Computer modeling and architecture.The singular object of architecture, p51
Michael, W. (2003). A Barge with Billowing Sails: Symphony. Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, p122
Peter, T. & Devyn, W.(2007). W. Conclusion : Materialist Agential Combinatorics. Network Practices, p130