Ask the Architect: How Will Technology Change the Way We Live in the Future? #ILMA #Architecture #Ideas #Design #Planning

Posted: November 12, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Ask the Architect, Design, Science & Technology | Tags: Architect, Architecture, ArchyTechy, Design, Designer, Future, Ideas, ILMA, Life in the future, Planning | Leave a comment

What are some predictions about technologies that will shape our lives in the next 15-20 years?

High-rise farms
Lab-grown meats
Space tourism
The colonization of other planets
Robots in space and in the workplace
Electric vehicles and self-driving cars
Robot butlers
Roads over rivers
Flying cars
Solar panel technology
Hyper-fast trains
Augmented/Mixed Reality
Gesture-based computing
Wearable screens
Driverless Trucks
3D printed food
3D printed metal

Fridges and appliances that order for you
Smart toothbrushes that send data to your dentist
Smart mirrors that check your health
A toilet that analyses your deposits
5G mobile connectivity
Light Fidelity runs wireless communications that travel at very high speeds. With Li-Fi, your light blub is essentially your router.
Exo-Skeletons
Recycling and re-engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Robot soldiers
Healthcare Nanobots
Cloud gaming without machines

We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Production & Productivity: Part 4/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture

Posted: November 9, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Communications, Construction, Design, Design Team, FC3, Ideas, Ideas Worth Sharing, ILMABlog, People, Principles, Production, Productivity, Technology | Leave a comment

A 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

PART FOUR

Project Resource Allocation and Resource Management

The resources of an organization consist of people, materials, equipment, knowledge and time. Organizations typically have limited resources; therefore, tradeoffs on what project resources are expended and when are made every day within organizations. A resource allocation plan is an important tool in effective management of scarce resources. The timing of the need of those resources can be and should be determined within the project schedules. A resource plan, which describes the type of resource needed and the timing of that need, is critical to effective resource management. As the project schedule changes, the resource plan must also be flexible enough to adjust as these changes occur.

Production – During Design

Construction drawings are produced by the design team, and go through several drafts during the design phase before the final draft becomes part of the contract, which is then sent out to be bid on by contractors. The winning contractor is bound by all of the contract documentation, including the construction drawings (click here for more information).

Construction Drawings:

Represent the building as a whole as designed
Are produced by the design team
In a traditional construction environment, are created before the project is bid on
Are official contract documents
Are subject to mark-ups, change orders, and redlining throughout the project

Shop Drawings:

Represent building components as designed
Are produced by the contractor and subcontractors
In a traditional construction environment, are created after the project is awarded and before construction begins
Are not usually official contract documents
May be subject to mark-ups, change orders, and redlining

As-Built Drawings:

Represent the building as a whole and all its components as actually constructed
Are produced by the contractor and subcontractors
Are produced after the project is complete
Are sometimes mandated by the contract but are not part of the contract documents
May be subject to change during later renovations, but represent the final documents upon completion of initial construction

Production – During Construction

Lean Project Delivery

Lean construction is a method of production aimed at reducing costs, materials, time and effort.
Minimize the bad and maximize the good.
The desired outcome would be to maximize the value and output of a project while minimizing wasteful aspects and time delay.
Beneficial for general and subcontractors
Communication drives the project
What goals should the project team be working toward?
What goals can be achieved reasonably?
What commitments has each last planner made?
Has each contractor or supplier met their schedule promises?
How has each company performed, and what could be changed or improved if any member of the project team fails to meet a milestone?

Prefabricated Construction

Material Management and Installation
Formal Quality Program
Efficient Coordination of Work
Diligent Supervision of Work
Standardized Internal Inspection and Tests
Third Party and Consultant Reviews
Improved Communications
Experienced Teams and Worker Skills
Quality Culture
Prefab rooms allow for simultaneous progress
Easy assembly for large projects
Streamlining onsite labor processes

Types of Prefab:

Panelized Wood Framing
Timber Framing
Concrete Systems
Steel Framing
Modular Systems

Benefits of Prefab

Eco-Friendly
Financial Savings
Consistent Quality
Flexibility
Reduced Site Disruption
Shorter Construction Time
Safety

Technology and Automation

Software & Mobile Apps
Offsite Construction
AI & Machine Learning (click here for more information)
Safety & Training (click here for more information)
Augmented & Virtual Reality (click here)
Wearables
Site Sensors
Labor Shortages
Drones (click here)
Robots (click here)
Autonomous Heavy Equipment (click here)
Collaboration
Mobile Technology
BIM (click here)

Subscribe to our blog for updates on each of the 12 doctrines established by Frank CunhaIII, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Architecture of the People for the People: Part 3/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture

Posted: September 14, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Communications, Design, Design Team, FC3, ILMABlog, People, Principles | Leave a comment

A 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

PART THREE

Architecture of the People for the People

Culture of Stakeholders: When project stakeholders do not share a common culture, project management must adapt its organizations and work processes to cope with cultural differences.

The following are three major aspects of cultural difference that can affect a project:

Communications
Negotiations
Decision making

Communication is perhaps the most visible manifestation of culture. Architects, owner representatives, project managers, and contractors often confront cultural differences in communication in language, context, and candor. Language is clearly the greatest barrier to communication. When project stakeholders do not share the same language, communication slows down and is often filtered to share only information that is deemed critical.

The barrier to communication can influence project execution where quick and accurate exchange of ideas and information is critical. The interpretation of information reflects the extent that context and candor influence cultural expressions of ideas and understanding of information. In some cultures, an affirmative answer to a question does not always mean yes. The cultural influence can create confusion on a project where project stakeholders represent more than one culture.

Some tips for effective communication

(based on the 10 Tips for Effective Communication by Liz Kingsnorth):

An intention for connection.
Listen more than you speak.
Understand the other person first.
Understand needs, wishes and values.
Begin with empathy.
Take responsibility for your feelings.
Make requests that are practical, specific and positive.
Use accurate, neutral descriptions.
Be willing to hear “No”.
Ways we communicate other than words.

Without the people on a project a great building will never be built. We need to empathize with all the workers and consultants that help make a project a reality and see things from their perspective and find common ground to develop solutions that work for the overall good of the project.

If you are dealing with toxic individuals consider the following advice:

Set limits. Take it from me, toxic people do not do well with boundaries.
Pick your battles wisely. It’s tricky to balance being cordial with not wanting to normalize someone’s emotionally abusive behavior.
Recognize and distance yourself from their behavior.
Focus on the positive.
Utilize your support system.

More advice on tackling problematic individuals is available by clicking here.

The skills which are needed to take on task-focused team roles include:

Organizing and Planning Skills. Being organized is essential to getting tasks done.
Decision-Making.
Problem-Solving.
Communication Skills.
Persuasion and Influencing Skills.
Feedback Skills.
Skills in Chairing Meetings.
Conflict resolution.

Who is Going to Use the Architecture You Create?

Finally, and most importantly it is important to consider the occupants who will be using the space. As most of the work I do is in the public realm, I always consider how best to create spaces that are accessible and inclusive to everyone. It is important to always focus on the people who will be using the spaces that you design and create.

Hopefully, the analysis provided in this post will help you start to think about ways that working with others can help you build a strong team to help you accomplish your project goals. Without people, architecture cannot be designed or constructed on a large scale.

Subscribe to our blog for updates on each of the 12 doctrines established by Frank CunhaIII, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Purpose of Architecture: Part 2/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture

Posted: September 8, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Design, FC3, ILMABlog, Principles | Leave a comment

A 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

PART TWO

Purpose of Architecture

The purpose of Architecture is to improve human life. Create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities in life. The infinite variety of these spaces can be as varied as life itself and they must be as sensible as nature in deriving from a main idea and flowering into a beautiful entity. The overriding essence is found in the intangibles, life–heart–soul–spirit–freedom–enduring within the structure. The basic needs of the human being and the subtle variations of the individual are the source for Real Architecture as well as, of course, the natural environment and the natural use of materials. Thus creating – new- changing- to infinity yet timeless Architecture.
–John Lautner, Architect F.A.I.A.

The quote above from Lautner captures the essence of what Architects try to achieve. You can learn more about Lautner by clicking here for his biography. Great design is all about great purpose. Without a purpose Architecture is just a sculpture. Learn more about “Sculpture Architects” by clicking here.

To design with a purpose is the ability to find a special meaning and correlation (and co-relationship) with the occupant and the built work itself. The space transcends the normal reality and lifts the spirits in a way that is difficult to describe in words, but offers us a special feeling. (You can read about design that transcends by clicking here.)

Architecture that is purposeful can lift the soul – take for example, Notre Dame Cathedral, the design of the space helps lift the occupant in mind, body and spirit through the use of architectural elements: sacredness, sublime, spaces that reach for the sky, ornamental detail, colorful fenestrations, light, beauty, rhythm, patterns and repetition, to name a few.

Not only can sacred spaces serve a purpose and transcend the mind and soul, but so can other great works of Architecture, like museums, train stations, office towers, civic structures, homes and schools. Purpose when combined with architectural beauty and refinement offers people something special that has meaning. That is what our souls crave, people, places and things that can fill our lives with meaning.

Subscribe to our blog for updates on each of the 12 doctrines.

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Inspirational Photo Sources:

Hedjuk Wall House https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/41/e0/4e41e019b44ff5475e74a1c2cb78b6e6.jpg

Residential Architecture Example: http://nestpearls.blogspot.com/2013/03/sublime-architecture-chisels-ideal.html

Libeskind Jewish Museum in Berlin: https://www.world-architects.com/it/studio-libeskind-new-york/project/jewish-museum-berlin

São Bento Railway Station, Porto, Portugal: https://mostlytrue.blog/2019/02/16/sao-bento-railway-station-porto/

Thomas Heatherwick’s 2010 Seed Cathedral pavilion: https://archinect.com/news/article/150032966/paul-goldberger-on-the-science-behind-sublime-architecture

Guggenheim Museum in NYC by FLW: https://www.guggenheim.org/the-frank-lloyd-wright-building

The Principles of Architecture: Part 1/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture

Posted: September 2, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Design, Ideas, People, Principles | Leave a comment

A 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.

PART ONE

First, we start with the solid foundation and the importance of “Principles” in the practice of Architecture.

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, commonly known as Vitruvius, was a Roman author, architect, civil engineer and military engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work entitled “De Architectura.” The principles described in his book were later adopted by the Romans.

The Principles of Architecture

For someone to begin to think like an Architect or become an Architect there must be some knowledge of the principles of Architecture. The knowledge gained is not something that can be grasped in a course or in one year, but it is something that requires a life time. That is why an Architecture office is called a practice because the architects are practicing a craft. There is so much to learn about so many different things. Alas, we must start someplace and start building a solid foundation of knowledge about the topic we love. As we learn, make (small) mistakes and adjustments we are able to hone our craft and get better with time and experience. Having a solid foundation of knowledge and precedents will help you become a better designer.

*Vitruvius’ discussion of perfect proportion in architecture and the human body led to the famous Renaissance drawing by Leonardo da Vinci of Vitruvian Man.*

It has been generally assumed that a complete theory of architecture is always concerned essentially in some way or another with these three interrelated terms, which, in Marcus Vitruvius Pollio’s Latin text (De Architectura (On Architecture), a handbook for Roman architects), are given as:

Firmatis (Durability) – It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.

Utilitas (Utility) – It should be useful and function well for the people using it.

Venustatis (Beauty) – It should delight people and raise their spirits.

Nevertheless, a number of influential theorists after 1750 sought to make modifications to this traditional triad. Architects will always tend to argue, evolve, adapt and create more concepts and principles, however, these fundamental themes are a great starting point to start to build knowledge.

Other concepts to consider as guiding principles of good architectural design:

BALANCE – Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. Balance provides stability and structure to a design. It’s the weight distributed in the design by the placement of your elements.
PROXIMITY – Proximity creates relationship between elements. It provides a focal point. Proximity doesn’t mean that elements have to be placed together, it means they should be visually connected in some way.
ALIGNMENT – Allows us to create order and organization. Aligning elements allows them to create a visual connection with each other.
REPETITION – Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements. It helps to create association and consistency. Repetition can create rhythm (a feeling of organized movement).
CONTRAST – Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements (opposite colors on the color wheel, or value light / dark, or direction – horizontal / vertical). Contrast allows us to emphasize or highlight key elements in your design.
SPACE – Space in art refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within elements. Both positive and negative space are important factors to be considered in every design.

Subscribe to our blog for updates on each of the 12 doctrines.

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Ask the Architect: What Are Some Questions College Administrators Should Ask Themselves Before They Start Planning for the Future? #Architect #UniversityArchitect #Ideas #Design #Planning

Posted: August 16, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Ask the Architect, Campus Planning & Design, Design, Design Thinking, Education, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, University | Leave a comment

Sometimes Architects Design and Sometimes They Ask Questions – Here are 50 Questions for College Administrators to Consider as They Prepare to Plan For Their Future:

As an institution what are we good at? What are we not so good at?
Where do we want to go – What is our vision for where we are headed – academically and as a family of diverse individuals?
How will people of all ages (continue to) learn in the future?
How will students live, communicate, develop, work, play, share?
What is the hierarchical structure of education (Provost, students, Student-Life; Administration vs Educators)?
How can we address “Exclusivity Vs Inclusivity” within education (i.e., white, blue, green collars all working together)?
What traditions do we want to keep?
What traditions do we want to eliminate?
How can we offer more value? How can we offer more by spending less?
How can we accelerate/decelerate the process – what needs to speed up and what needs to slow down?
How can we attract more students from in-state and from out-of-state?
How can we offer more online/hybrid and flip classroom learning? What other educational methods should we explore?
Who are our clients? Can we identify the student of the future (identity, celebrate, identity)?
How can we establish a “network” of future business/professional relationships?
How can we enable a positive transformation of self-awareness and development into early adulthood?
The “College Experience,” what does this mean? What will it mean in the future?
How can we become more sustainable? Are we creating a culture that values the planet?
What are some sustainable strategies that we do well, what are some we need to work on?
How can we utilize our spaces more efficiently during off-hours?
How can we provide better connections to the outdoors, nightlife, theater, arts, dining, sports and other events?
How can we offer more opportunities for community engagement?
How can we consider the college campus as a living laboratory?
What is the changing role of the professor/instructors?
How can we form better interdisciplinary relationships from different colleges to inter-pollinate ideas with one another?
How can we focus and capitalize on our strengths instead of our weakness?
Is the “Tiny house” concept viable for student housing?
Instead of student housing should we follow a “hotel” model?
What does a student center of the future look like? What is a library of the future look like?
Can we create a new model for (higher) education so our students never stop learning/growing?
Is it viable to transform from a singularly “degree” approach to a “tool box” approach where students gain the building blocks they need for that stage of their career?
What are some public/private partnership opportunities?
How can we promote health and wellness on our campus?
How can we create a walkable campus for all our students and guests?
How can we support our professors and researchers?
How can we develop programs that engage the residents of the state?
How can we develop a culture of caring and giving that shares the same positive values?
How can we capitalize on our close relationship with local parks?
How can we create a better connection with urban areas – Jersey City, Patterson, New York City, etc.?
How can we become an “Innovation” district in our state?
How can we start recruiting students at an earlier age?
How can we better retain our students?
How can we better support our students educational goals?
How can we offer the best college experience for our students?
How can our built facilities improve lives of the people we serve?
How can our grounds improve lives of the people we serve?
How can our people (bus drivers, gardeners, housekeepers, librarians, etc.) improve lives of the people we serve?
How can we become an institution that others want to emulate?
Is there a way that we can work with industry/business partners to leverage our role as an academic research facility?
How can we make learning fun and enjoyable?
How can we offer more meaning to people’s lives?

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

Eco Friendly Building Material, Newspaperwood

Posted: July 15, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Green | Tags: Architect, architectural, Architectural Design, Designer, ECO, Efabism, Environment, finish, finishes, green, Innovation, interior design, material | Leave a comment

You might already recycle your newspaper, but instead of it being ground into paper for a second go around, it could be made into “wood.” Now, that might sound backward – paper turning back into wood and not the other way around. But really, it brings the paper and wood process full circle and makes complete sense. The Dutch designers/founders of NewspaperWood found that compressing newspaper and glue into many thin layers creates a wood grain texture that works for various home applications. They work by request only, but you’ll want to check them out.

(Source: https://elemental.green/11-eco-friendly-house-building-materials-based-waste)

Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook

I LOVE MY ARCHITECT

ARCHITECT FRANK CUNHA III, AIA

Ask the Architect: How Will Technology Change the Way We Live in the Future? #ILMA #Architecture #Ideas #Design #Planning