BIM
Building Information Modeling, otherwise known as BIM, was a
topic we briefly discussed in class last week. Although I had heard mention of
BIM before, I was unaware of just how complicated it can be. BIM has infinite
uses: it can be used to model thermal performance of an office building or the
expected energy consumption of a single family home. It can estimate the
required quantities of materials needed for the construction of structures
ranging from a single-story bungalow to a modern high-rise. It can pinpoint
problem areas by simulating the acoustics of a concert hall, allowing the
designer to change the geometry and ensure that each seat will have a
satisfactory listening experience. Positioning
a structure in a certain way on the chosen location can maximize natural
lighting. At the end of the day, parametric modeling and BIM allows designers
to make the building process as efficient as possible. It especially reduces
the amount of work associated with making minor changes to a model.
3D-Printing
One of the biggest challenges when trying to 3-D print
something is planning the way to print it out. Figuring out how to print models
with complex geometries can take longer than designing the model itself. That said, strides are being made everyday to
quicken this process. One unique application is that of the Boston-based
company Nervous System. Nervous System came up with the idea of printing
relatively flat designs with built-in hinges that would allow parts to be
folded into more impressive geometries. They used their philosophy in the
creation of 3-D printed jewelry and other fashion accessories. This technique
allows designers to create unique and complicated designs that are fairly easy
to produce. I would venture to say that this technique could be used in the
construction of 3-D printed structures in the future. If one were to print four
walls connected by hinges flat on the ground, the result could easily be stood
up and folded into a box-like structure.
A roof could be printed in a similar fashion. All in all, 3-D printing
technology today has progressed enough that printing temporary to
semi-permanent dwellings would not be all that difficult.
Structures
Forensic Information Modeling, or FIM, is a new tool being
used to evaluate the causes behind the collapse of structures. It compiles a
vast amount of data, including blueprints, renovations, and maintenance data
into a three-dimensional database that allows people to analyze structural
failure. This is an excellent technology for agencies such as the NTSB, but I
personally believe that more effort should be put into the planning and design
stages of a building. It’s better to be 99% sure there will never be a problem
with a building that 99% sure you can figure out what went wrong when it fell
down.
Future
I had already seen the movie “Her” when I read Greg Egan’s
review of it. The movie centers on a lonely man who fosters a relationship with
a computer program. Despite not having a physical connection, the two become
quite emotionally attached (at least in the guy’s case). Egan believes that the
probability of similar technologies being developed is slim for now. “Artificial
Intelligence” similar to the example shown in “Her” is limited to applications
like Siri, who, despite an occasional witty retort, is strictly utilitarian.
People used to believe that reading books made people unsocial. Today many
complain that texting instead of calling someone is antisocial. It would seem
that as technology advances we become more and more independent. I do believe
that we have lost some aspects of sociability with modern technology, but I
also think we have gained some. Websites like FaceBook and applications like
Skype allow us to remain in touch with the people in our lives that would have
otherwise drifted away. Just last week I hung out with some high school friends
that I hadn’t seen since graduation. Thanks to modern technology I’ve been able
to keep up with them through the years so we had something to talk about and it
wasn’t awkward when we met up in real life. I think that technologies like “Her”
could be developed in the future as entertainment, but I personally don’t
believe that we will ever be able to foster legitimate relationships with
computers. Human emotions are too intricate to be understood by a program.
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