Research paper_final draft

The Two Benefits of Digital Techniques as a Designing tool in Architecture.
: Improving Efficiency and Performance.




Gyu jin, Hwang
Intensive English Program
07/FA-ENGL-097-19
Sang Kim




Introduction
Digital technology in architecture is nothing new. Architects have been applied digital technology as an assistive tool that would enhance the practice of architecture for decades. Each process of drawing, creating diagram, modeling, performance simulation, construction management and building fabrication are now performed using computer based technology. By means of improving efficiency and performance in entire process of design building and construction, digital technology should be focused on.
First, architects can improve efficiency in designing by using digital technology. Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall is an example of how he was able to eliminate time consuming process by using CATIA(Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) as a 3D modeling software. CATIA is a software which allow architects to simulate all the design process. Second, digital technology enables architects to enhance performance. For instance, visualization tool which deal with 3 dimensional space made it possible to create amorphoused building like Ponte Parodi in Genoa Italy by Ben Van Berkel. This paper discusses how architects improves efficiency and performance in design process using digital technology.

Benefit by Improving Efficiency in Entire Design Process Using Digital Technology
Figure 01.Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry in LA www.transientdesigns.net
Frank Gehry’s work show how architect can improve efficiency in design process using digital technology. According to Webb (2003), Frank Gehry has adopted CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) in Walt Disney Concert Hall project. Walt Disney Concert Hall is not only a landmark in downtown California but also a good example of computer based approach. CATIA is a computer program originally developed in France by the Dassault Systems aviation company to design Mirage Jet Fighters. CATIA scans model and translates the information into working drawings and detailed specification for builders. By using CATIA, Gehry was able to design complex geometry of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. CATIA also handled very large and complex models which was not possible with traditional CAD package.
Figure 02. Examples of applications using CATIA.
According to the Bricklyn (2004), With CATIA driven process, almost all Gehry’s projects get completed ahead of schedule and under budget. In Walt Disney Concert Hall project, constructor saved 6 months from the schedule and returned $2M to the client in cost savings by using CATIA. Improving efficiency in architecture can be translated into how much architects can save their client’s money. In this sense, Walt Disney Concert Hall was a successful project.
Benefit by Improving Performance in Entire Design Process Using Digital Technology
Before digital tool was widely used in architecture field, architects had to redraw all plans, sections, and perspectives based on the new decision. But the dynamic diagram modeling using digital technology enabled architects to make corrections within 5 seconds. Ben Van Berkel’s work show how digital technology expanded architect’s imagination which turn into improve performance. He uses diagram as a visualization tool of specific location with variable of climate, budget, construction process, and activities. He also uses diagram for deep planning by scan a site for its flow analysis.
Ponte Parodi designed by UN Studio van Berkel & Bos in Genoa, Italy
www.arcspace.com
From Ben Van Berkel’s pier in Genoa, Italy, we can learn how he used and applied digital technology. It was a restructuring project of 23,000 sq.meter harbor pier in Genoa. Designing transportation interchange requires high tech simulations since it has multi public functions such as shops, cinema, cafeteria, restaurant, offices and so forth. Ben Van Berkel started with abstract diagram to design . The diagram was a useful tool to map of how design would work based on the data input. He also scan a site for its flow analysis to find out potential problems. Ben Van Berkel improved performance of entire building design process by generating diagram through digital modeling process to final construction.

Conclusion
Architects can reduce entire project cost, improve productivity. Frank Gehry’s example clearly demonstrate how architects can improve efficiency in projects by using digital technology as a designing tool. Ben Van Berkel's Ponte Parodi at Genova, Italy was a great example how performance of design and construction process was improved using digital technology. Architecture is not solely done by architect him or herself. It requires harmony of techniques and creativities. If it were not for digital technology, architects would spent more money and time. In conclusion, digital technology must be keep focused on for the benefit of architects.

Reference List
Bricklyne, C.(2004). Walt Disney Concert Hall _ Frank Gehry
from http://www.cgarchitect.com/vb/7826-walt-disney-concert-hall-frank-ghery-
2.html

Hays, M. (2003). The singular object of architecture, pp 48-49. Minnesota : University
of Minnesota Press.

Hays,M. (2003). The singular object of architecture, p51. Minnesota : University of
Minnesota Press.

Kiser, K. UN Studio van Berkel &Bos Ponte Parodi
from http:// arcspace.com/architects/un/ponte_arodi/ponte_arodi_index.htm.

Testa, P., & Weiser,D.(2007). Network Practices, p130. Princeton architectural press.
Van Berkel, B.(2006). UN Studio Mercedes- Benz Museum. Retrieved June 12, 2006
from http:// arcspace.com/architects/un/Mercedes/Mercedes.html.

Van Berkel, B., & Bos, C.(2002). Real time design in the “world as spread –sheet”
Retrieved October 22, 2002
from http://www.doorsofperception.com/archives/2002/10/realtime_design_1.php
Webb, M. (2003). Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, p122. New York: Abrams.
Figure sources
Figure1. Disney Concert Hall , www.transientdesigns.net
Figure2. Examples of application using CATIA, Haymaker, J & Fischer, M.
ChallengesabdBenefits of 4D modeling. January, 2001. Stanford University
Figure3. Ponte Parodi designed by UN Studio van Berkel & Bos in Genoa,
www.arcspace.com