This edition looks at the evolution of the architecture profession and its services standing at the brink of being automated by technology. While it’s true the architects are growing in number globally across all the countries; the catching pace of technology is mind-numbing if not less. While we continue to question and create a better built environment through our manual or computer aided tools, the process we follow/implement is being mapped in ways unprecedented.
The parametric tools which generate designs for us are now equipped with more knowledge learning from the patterns of how architecture designs are developed. While these software have become simpler, a home design is almost a click away from a common person may be in less than a decade’s time. If we consider how quick the interfaces are adapting to serve people, a vast chunk of starter to moderately customized projects across the world can be built through such tools in minutes. That brings us to an existential question if nonetheless.
Image © UNI
Questions
Building on the above premise, write an essay looking at realistic answers that society and architects should look at while re-aligning themselves to an industry that has vastly changed from yester years.
The piece should investigate answers to the following questions; based on real life experiences or interviews or reasoning built through research:
• Will architectural design stay relevant in the future? Will architectural design by architects stay relevant in future?
• What factors accelerate these changes or shifts?
• Do you think architects need to adapt? If yes then how OR If no then why?
• How can architects continue to be useful to a larger section of society?
• How can the economics of the architecture industry improve in the longer run?
• If tools begin to automate design, do you think architects will be excluded from such futures?
• What steps the practice can take today to plant seeds that can be helpful to exist next to machines?
Image © UNI
Judging Criteria
• The entries will be judged by an international jury of the competition on the following criterions:
• The Subject: How well the essay addresses the research subject?
• The Audience: How well the essay connects to a broader audience from various backgrounds?
• The Relevance: How relevant is the chosen facet of the essay?
• The Creativity: How out of the box the essay’s ideas are?
• The Writing: How well the essay is structured and written?
• The judging panel can also add other criterions based on their internal discussions – which will be in line with the problem statement. Participants are advised to fulfil above given criterions first in their design. Names of the jury panel will be announced soon. Source and images Courtesy of UNI.