1. Reducing generational differences
According to architect Luke Arehart, the gap between the baby boomer and millennial generations in architecture is comparable to the Grand Canyon. “Current principals and firm owners have worked efficiently, diligently, and methodically to properly grasp the practice of architecture. They have paid their dues for many years. However, those difficult lessons acquired over time are occasionally difficult to part with or communicate.
Whether you concur with this viewpoint or not, it is important that architects of all ages and levels of expertise make a concerted effort to close the generational gap and share knowledge. When it comes to managing a business and creating designs for a wide range of clients, baby boomers can offer a wealth of knowledge, but millennials can bring new abilities to the table, particularly in the area of technology. The entire design team can work well together when there is open communication.
2. Maintaining gear that is constantly evolving
Regardless of whether you are a low-income architecture student or the director of a company trying to increase the team’s overall efficiency, picking the appropriate hardware for your needs is still crucial today. It’s crucial to update your computer and tablet since technology is developing at an incredibly fast rate; otherwise, you run the danger of falling behind when the newest version of design software is launched.
What then is new? Without a question, Microsoft’s Surface Studio, a stylish touchscreen monitor that also functions as a digital whiteboard, was one of the year’s most noteworthy hardware debuts. At Autodesk University, there were also some fairly astonishing fabrication gear on display, such as robotics equipment and 3D printers. Even though these pieces of hardware aren’t widely used by professionals just yet, it’s important to stay up to date on innovations for tools used in both the studio and on the building site.
3. Observing the development of software
The only thing that appears to advance more quickly than hardware in the field of architectural design is software. A considerable rise in the number of mobile apps for architects, including tools for measuring, drawing, project-managing, playing, and sparking inspiration, has occurred in addition to new versions to commonplace programs like Revit, Vectorworks, and ArchiCAD.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is now a standard component of the building business, and any architects who haven’t embraced it yet will undoubtedly need to learn the technology in the near future. Thanks to their experience making the switch from CAD to BIM, architects like Michael LaValley have fortunately taken the time to share their knowledge with those who are following in their footsteps.
4. Political conflict
Even if some architects are eager to remove themselves from politics, we must all acknowledge that architecture is fundamentally linked to today’s political challenges. If anyone needed proof, they only had to look to the AIA, which faced shocking response after issuing a statement regarding the most recent election on behalf of all 89,000 of its members, regardless of their personal opinions.
Patrik Schumacher also comprehends the inextricable connection between politics and design better than most. Simply because he has faced a barrage of opposition to recent attempts to change who owns public spaces in cities. Whether we like it or not, politics are a factor in architecture. Especially when it comes to the public sphere, and the field must continue to participate in political discourse as such.
5. Scheduling time for leisure and sleep
Although this is more of a perennial problem than a purely modern one, it still has to be emphasized. Without perpetuating the aforementioned misconceptions, many architects experience exhaustion because of the competitiveness and perfectionism that permeate the industry.
However, there are some architects who have shown that industrious professionals can also prioritize personal time and others; needs. YoungArchitect.com’s creator and frequent writer to Architizer, Mike Riscica, recommends yoga as a fantastic method for architects to reduce stress. He also volunteers at schools to teach young children about design. It is commendable to work hard for your clients and be passionate about what you do. But don’t forget to take breaks to relax, recover, and just… breathe.
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