Architect Reza Kabul while sharing his insights on the use of technology in the design industry concurred that over the years the technology has drastically changed the way designers work. “From use of drawing boards to computers, the journey had not been without its challenges, but the adaptation was swift and transformation is ongoing.”
Stating the biggest advantage of new tech software in the design segment architect Reza Kabul added, “The introduction of sophisticated design software such as BIM and 3D modelling have benefitted the designers immensely as their creations moving from two dimension of paper sketches can be seen in three dimension. We can observe it from all angles and can infer the impact of sunlight on façade from various angles to its positioning in overall surroundings. This has made decision making easier and the imperfections can be corrected at the design stage itself.”
Elaborating on the other influences of technology on design and construction, architect Reza Kabul stated, “Only because of the advanced materials available, it is now possible to envisage complex designs and tall superstructures. The speed of construction has become faster with automation of construction processes, pre fab technology and building materials like ready mix concrete etc. With latest systems, we are also able to utilize spaces more efficiently. For instance, we used automatic parking system in a small plot of land in one of the posh areas of Mumbai where luxury residential tower was constructed. The parking space was necessary and we were able to provide the same in spite of the space constraint only because of the availability of technology systems.”
Architect Reza Kabul added, “The buildings now being constructed not only display smart features but are becoming intelligent and can sync the building functions as per the occupancy needs. Dynamic facades is one of the example of how a building can change the façade as per the daylight to maximize energy efficiency,
Vivek Yadav, Senior Vice President, Havells India Limited joining the conversation added that indeed technology and sustainability are now going hand in hand. “IoT connected building systems and appliances are now increasingly being used in commercial buildings and are finding their way in residential segment also. Smart home
automation and mobile connected devices have made life easy and appliances and fittings more efficient in use of precious resources like water and electricity.”
Vivek Yadav also mentioned one of the exciting projects by architect Reza Kabul located in Sri Lanka. Elaborating on the same, architect Reza Kabul shared, “Altitude” situated in Colombo is a structure dedicated to the winners of 1996 Cricket World Cup. The building facade was designed with a ball balanced between four bats to commemorate the achievements of the Sri Lankan cricketers with signature residential along with Indoor Cricket Facility, Hall of Fame, Museum, observatory and Specialty Restaurant. The team selected Colombo as the location for this project. The mixed-use project is an amalgamation of residential units with retail outlets and public space. The building was a tribute to the 1996 World-Cup winner team of Sri-Lanka and would generate revenues for the retired cricketers.”
Further, speaking on the pandemic induced design transformations, architect Reza Kabul said, “One of the biggest change that we have seen is the return of balconies in the residences. People till now to get maximum square feet in their homes, would cover the open areas to include in rooms. Now they realize the importance of having an open area. A small study room is also figuring in client’s wish list that they can use as office or kids study area. We are now designing residential buildings with business centres and work pods in clubhouses to provide work space away from home for residents. These are some of the biggest changes that we have seen recently and I believe these trends are here to stay for next year or more.
In the building industry, the technology adoption has been uneven among various stakeholders from designers, contractors, engineers etc. Everyone will have to be equally tech savvy to work on technology platforms together and be able to take forward new innovations.
