AEC 3.0 | Part 1
The New AEC (Architect, Engineer, Creator) Part 1
Introduction
We’re in the midst of a big change on the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) landscape. The future is here, and it makes things easier for people to work together.
If you haven’t heard about the new AEC yet, let me fill you in: The old way was based on CAD drawings created by one person or company. Then that data would be sent to another who would turn it into reality using either their own proprietary software or just some sort of generic 3D modeling tool like SketchUp or Revit. This worked fine until we started working with multiple contractors at once as well as clients who don’t have an in-house designer—or even know what an “in-house designer” is! That’s when we realized there had to be a better way...
What is AEC?
AEC is a general term for Architecture, Engineering and Construction. AEC is generally known as the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. I believe we are now in a new phase of AEC, “AEC 3.0”, as we expand our definition of what this acronym means to us as it relates specifically to our industry today and tomorrow.
A good example of this expansion was recently exhibited at the World Cities Summit where over 500 leaders from across industries came together to discuss how cities will evolve over the next decade through collaboration between all disciplines – architects, engineers, planners; developers; financiers; civic leaders etc., but also including artists who participated in an exhibition called “Hybrid Urbanism” curated by Alex Mustonen which focused on exploring how technology interfaces with architecture through conceptual installation artworks across multiple scales: micro/macro urban interventions such as augmented reality virtual tours that explore future possibilities for cities built around AI infrastructure like underground tunnels connecting buildings or autonomous vehicles moving people around efficiently using self-driving cars (or drones).
AEC 2.0
AEC 2.0 has been around for a while. It started with the invention of CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and 3D modeling software, which allowed architects and engineers to design in 2D or 3D via computers. This was revolutionary! Prior to this, they were still drawing on paper with pencils or pens, which was much slower and less efficient than using computers.
This technology allowed people in the industry to work together more efficiently by sharing models online so that people could see what others were working on at any given time, instead of waiting for someone else's approval before moving forward with their own ideas.
AEC 3.0
In the new AEC (Architect, Engineer, Creator) 3.0 era of design and construction, it's time for architecture, engineering and creative professionals to take a step back from their job titles and focus on what they do best: creating innovative content that will change the every industry forever.
The combination of architectural design, engineering expertise and creative expertise is taking place in one space—the metaverse. This is where all three disciplines come together to create an immersive experience for the consumer through virtual reality technology like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headsets. The result is a more detailed visualization than ever before possible in any traditional method of experiencing architecture or construction projects like 3D renders or floor plans.
It's this ability to combine such a broad range of talents into one field that makes AEC 3.0 so exciting—and potentially impactful—for future generations who will be able to benefit from these new technologies every day as they go about their lives working at home or traveling abroad looking for work opportunities around the world!
Where do we go from here?
How do we get to the next stage of this evolution? There are a few things that need to happen. We need educational programs that are concentrated on upskilling individuals interested in building the metaverse. The education should be available at high schools and colleges, as well as continuing education events for adult learners. Adding metaverse education to existing curricula would accelerate this process, allowing us to reach more students and train them faster.
The second thing we need is training our users: product designers, architects and engineers—anyone who is currently working with AEC applications will be using these tools once they're available in their native applications (we're looking at you AutoCAD). They will also need training on how best use these new tools alongside their existing products so that they can provide an even better user experience than before.
Thirdly, we must educate clients on how these new technologies can benefit them by helping save money while producing better designs that improve functionality and usability both inside buildings as well as outside spaces such as plazas or parks within which they may interact with people using mobile devices today but tomorrow could be interacting with virtual reality headsets instead if not augmented reality glasses due date 2020-2021
I believe we have to create the next generation of tools and train our users to use them.
We have to create the next generation of tools and train our users to use them. At Metatopia, We work to create new tools that are easier to use, and we have to train people on how to use the tools. I believe we must understand that while VR headsets give us a glimpse into this future, they’re not going to be enough.
The New AEC (Architecture Engineering Creative) has more opportunities than just playing games or buying NFT artworks on your favorite blockchain. Our greatest opportunities will come from integrating the metaverse into work and education—so that when someone walks through an office building as part of their job or studies at school, they feel like they are in a living space rather than a simulation of one.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the AEC industry is changing rapidly and it will continue to evolve in new directions. It may not be possible to predict exactly what these changes will look like, but it is clear that there are many exciting opportunities ahead when it comes to creating more immersive spaces and experiences for people using them. We need new tools that are designed specifically for this purpose—tools that allow us all (designers engineers creatives alike) work together seamlessly on projects from start to finish.