ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

In partial fulfillment of the requirements For

the course ARCCADD22/L

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN &

DRAFTING FOR ARCHITECTURE - Term Paper

Submitted by:

Callos, Jomel

Guianan, Shainna Vanessa B.

Hua. Allen

Ibardaloza, Lara Ayezza

Lascano, Natalie

Zulueta, Jhon Lorens F.

BS Architecture - CEA-01-601P

Submitted to:

AR. Aristides De Paz

ARCADD22/L - Instructor
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

ABSTRACT

The digital revolution has revolutionized architecture, transforming how architects design, collaborate, and
address global challenges. This paper explores the role of digital architects in tackling climate change and
promoting sustainability through innovative design strategies and technologies. It examines how digital tools
such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D simulation enable architects to create environmentally
responsible structures that minimize waste and maximize efficiency. Furthermore, it investigates the accuracy of
digital models and their contribution to reducing solid waste in construction processes. The paper also delves
into creating digital environments comparable to the natural world, mainly focusing on utilizing software like
Revit for terrain modeling, vegetation simulation, and environmental factors analysis. Moreover, it discusses the
expeditious nature of transmitting architectural ideas globally and its implications for innovation diffusion and
economic development. By exploring these facets, this paper highlights the transformative potential of digital
architecture in shaping a sustainable and equitable built environment.

KEYWORDS

Digital Architecture, Sustainability, Climate Change, BIM, 3D Simulation, Revit, Environmental Accuracy,
Innovation Diffusion, Globalization, Built Environment.

INTRODUCTION

The digital revolution has impacted architecture and other scientific and life fields, and its influence on the work
and architectural space is evident. As technologies develop, architecture also evolves, resulting in changes in
architectural techniques and outcomes. Architectural production has gone beyond traditional designing methods
and computer drawings. The rapid advancement of digital tools, from CAD software to virtual reality (VR)
simulations, has irrevocably changed the identity and culture of architectural design. Where hand-drawn
sketches and physical models were once the norm, today's architectural sector embraces technology as a crucial
part of the creative process. This change has ushered in a new period of inquiry, enabling architects to
experiment with shapes, materials, and spatial concepts that were once impossible. Digital architecture tools
such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and Revit have played a significant role in the globalization of
architecture. These software tools have allowed architects and designers to collaborate and communicate
effectively across countries and time zones. They have also made it easier for architects to design and share their
work with clients and other stakeholders anywhere in the world without needing physical meetings or travel.
This has helped reduce the time and cost associated with traditional design processes, making it easier for
architects to take on projects across borders and expand their global reach. Additionally, digital tools have
enabled architects to easily integrate sustainable and energy-efficient features into their designs, becoming an
increasingly important consideration in the international architecture market.
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

CONTENT

ROLE OF THE DIGITAL ARCHITECTS IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF THE CLIMATE

CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY

The world that we live in has become competitive, and the realm of digital architecture has created an
avenue for architects to explore different areas that have yet to be possible. The role of the digital architect in
addressing the issues of climate change and sustainability has notable advancements and patterns to take in:

● Architects help with Climate Change

Architects have numerous options to address climate change. Energy-efficient building design is one of the most
important strategies to lower carbon emissions and save energy expenses. Sustainable materials, such as
recycled and low-embodied energy, can help achieve this. However, energy-efficient technology like solar
panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems can also be implemented.

Fighting climate change also requires climate-responsive design. Architects are required to consider the area's
climate while designing buildings. For instance, passive design techniques like shade and ventilation can help
buildings in hot, dry areas use less air conditioning. Likewise, structures in colder regions can be taken
advantage of.

● Architects Impact to the Environment

Architects must consider the ecological impact of their designs, as they substantially influence the environment.
The garbage disposal, transportation, and building materials impact the environment. By utilizing sustainable
materials, architects may decrease waste, advance the circular economy, and lower the carbon emissions linked
to construction.

Another significant source of carbon emissions is transportation. By creating buildings that are conveniently
accessible by public transportation or by promoting the use of bicycles and walking, architects can lessen the
adverse environmental effects of transportation. Additionally, architects are capable of creating structures with a
smaller footprint, which minimizes the quantity of land that must be made.

● Architects Responsibility to our Natural Environment

Architects have a big obligation to the environment. As stewards of the built environment, they can design
livable, healthy, and sustainable settings that support the health of both people and the environment.

Architects have a duty to society and the environment. Thus, they must ensure that their designs are inclusive,
egalitarian, and accessible.
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

● Role of the Architect in Sustainability

The architect's responsibility in sustainability is to create socially, economically, and environmentally

responsible structures. This calls for thoroughly comprehending sustainable design concepts and knowledge of
the area's environment, culture, and context.

Architects must collaborate closely with engineers, contractors, and other experts to guarantee the seamless
integration of sustainable design principles throughout all project phases.

An emerging movement in sustainable architecture called "biophilic design" aims to bring humans closer to the
natural world by bringing natural components like plants and daylight into the constructed environment.

This enhances human well-being and aids in reestablishing the ecosystem's natural balance.

Green buildings, made to minimize their environmental impact, consume less energy, and encourage renewable
energy sources, are essential to sustainable architecture.

Architects can use sustainable design concepts, such as climate-responsive design, passive design, and
sustainable materials, to create environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings. Nonetheless, sustainable
design is an ongoing practice rather than a one-time endeavor.

Architects must stay abreast of the most recent advancements in sustainable design and integrate them as
technologies and techniques change.

Moreover, the role of the digital architect has a more enormous scope than what you see in the picture and more
than what you can visualize. The focus of the paper would result in the generation of coming prospects in the
years to come.

ACCURACY OF THE DIGITAL MODEL

A digital model is a computerized data model that depicts the shape of an actual or proposed entity, such as
a building, product, or other thing. Generating and maintaining a digital model of a building or other facility
(such as a bridge, highway, tunnel, and so on) is referred to as building information modeling (BIM), a very
broad phrase. Digital models are useful for building things, and they are more rapidly attainable, legitimate, and
therapeutically acceptable, according to studies evaluating their correctness.

Based on (Antova, 2023), The modeling techniques and measurement density impact how accurate the
3D model produced by laser scanning is. Although 3D modeling algorithms make it feasible to increase
accuracy, modeling software is not a panacea, and high-quality 3D modeling can only be accomplished with
accounting for the variables that influence measurement accuracy. It has been established through experimental
research that the humidity and lighting conditions of the scanned surfaces significantly affect both their capacity
to reflect light and the density of the point cloud received. A plane approximation and comparison with control
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

points are used to assess the accuracy of the digital model. To analyze the correctness of the 3D model and find
the ideal scanning density, areas with various point densities were constructed.

In terms of architecture, the success of projects at different phases, from conception to construction and
beyond, depends critically on the accuracy of digital models. These digital models, frequently produced using
Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, function as virtual representations of actual buildings and offer
important information and insights to stakeholders, engineers, and architects. To begin with, precision in digital
architectural models guarantees accurate communication and visualization of design concepts. These models
assist architects in efficiently communicating their vision to clients, partners, and regulatory bodies by faithfully
depicting building elements, materials, and spatial combinations. In the early stages of the design process, this
helps stakeholders reach consensus, minimizes misconceptions, and empowers them to make well-informed
decisions.

A digital model's accuracy matters because it directly impacts the dependability and efficacy of
forecasts, choices, and results in various fields. In fields such as scientific research, engineering design,
economic forecasting, and policy-making, the precision of digital models is crucial for attaining targeted
outcomes and mitigating associated risks. First and foremost, accuracy ensures that the forecasts and insights
obtained from digital models represent real-world situations as nearly as possible.

(Fidanci, 2023) states that major technological, tool, and methodology developments have been made
throughout the history of digital architecture to improve the precision and efficiency of digital models used in
architectural design and construction. In the 1960s and 1970s, computer-aided design (CAD) software became
widely available, which marked the beginning of digital architecture. Thanks to these early CAD systems,
architects could produce digital two-dimensional drawings and sketches more quickly and accurately than with
traditional drafting techniques. Nonetheless, these early digital models needed more sophistication and accuracy
to portray intricate architectural systems and features. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was introduced in
the 1990s, and it completely changed the field of digital architecture by allowing architects to generate three-
dimensional digital models that included information about building materials, components, and performance
attributes in addition to geometry.

In addition, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality
(VR), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) has broadened the opportunities for improving the
precision and utility of digital models in architecture. To summarize, the development of digital architecture has
been marked by constant innovation and progress, motivated by the desire to achieve higher precision,
productivity, and efficiency in creating architectural designs and structures. The precision of digital models has
been a critical concern since the early days of computer-aided design (CAD) and the rise of building information
modeling (BIM), allowing architects to design structures that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also robust,
sustainable, and practical.

ITS CONTRIBUTION TO MINIMIZING SOLID WASTE

DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

Digital architecture has become crucial in minimizing solid waste by leveraging technology to optimize
design and construction processes. Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been at the
forefront of this revolution, enabling architects to create sustainable designs that significantly reduce waste and
improve overall efficiency. BIM models are made with the help of intelligent software that simulates the
construction process and provides a detailed analysis of potential issues. Architects can use this data to optimize
the use of materials, reduce waste, and improve the project's overall sustainability.

Digital architecture has played a critical role in promoting sustainable practices in the construction
industry. By leveraging the latest technologies and digital tools such as CAD, Revit, etc, architects can create
sustainable designs that minimize solid waste and improve overall efficiency, positively impacting the
environment.

3D SIMULATION

Digital architecture has transformed how architects work by facilitating collaboration across geographical
boundaries. The internet has provided access to various resources, tools, and platforms that enable architects to
communicate, design, and manage projects easily. This technological revolution has accelerated architectural
innovation and opened up new possibilities for addressing global challenges, such as climate change and
sustainability.

One of the essential components of digital architecture is 3D simulation, a technology that enables architects to
create virtual models of buildings and environments with incredible accuracy and realism. 3D simulation
requires advanced software to generate lifelike representations of architectural designs, including textures,
lighting, and spatial dynamics. These virtual models can then be manipulated and analyzed to evaluate design
options, identify potential issues, and optimize performance across various criteria.

The role of 3D simulation in addressing climate change and sustainability cannot be overstated. By allowing
architects to visualize and assess the environmental impact of their designs in a virtual environment, 3D
simulation empowers them to make informed decisions that minimize resource consumption, reduce carbon
emissions, and enhance overall sustainability. For instance, architects can use 3D simulation to conduct
daylighting studies, analyze solar exposure, and optimize building orientation to maximize natural light and
minimize energy usage. Similarly, they can simulate airflow patterns to improve ventilation and thermal
comfort, design green roofs and walls to enhance insulation and biodiversity, and explore alternative materials
and construction techniques that reduce environmental footprint.

Furthermore, 3D simulation promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers,

environmental scientists, and other stakeholders, enabling them to collaborate seamlessly to develop integrated
solutions that balance aesthetic, functional, and ecological considerations. By leveraging the power of digital
tools and technologies, architects can design buildings and urban environments that not only meet the needs of
their occupants but also harmonize with the natural world, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient built
environment for future generations.
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

THE CREATION OF A DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THE

NATURAL ONE, ESPECIALLY IN THE USE OF REVIT

The potential uses of 3D simulation go well beyond visual depiction. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality
(AR) technology can enhance the simulation experience. VR enables total immersion in the digital environment,
encouraging a stronger relationship with the simulated nature. AR, conversely, superimposes digital components over
the actual world, resulting in a hybrid experience that may be utilized for instructional reasons or to visualize possible
environmental changes.

Revit, the uncontested master of Building Information Modeling (BIM), dominates the architectural design. Its
strength is creating thorough virtual models of structures, allowing for exact planning and cooperation. What if we
went beyond the constraints of brick and mortar and into the vivid tapestry of nature? While not its natural strength,
Revit may be pushed into creating believable digital environments, blurring the barriers between the actual and digital.
Furthermore, Revit thrives on the building's exact geometry, which contrasts sharply with nature's organic shapes.
Standard Revit tools may fail to completely capture the delicate intricacies of flora and animals.

However, achieving realism comparable to the natural environment requires additional considerations and
techniques. Below is an overview of key concepts and references related to this topic.

1. Terrain Modeling: Using Revit for terrain modeling involves importing topographic data or creating
custom topographies within the software. Terrain modeling tools in Revit allow users to sculpt
landforms, incorporate water bodies, and simulate natural landscapes.

2. Vegetation and Ecosystems: Revit's library includes basic vegetation elements, but additional tools and
plugins may be required for detailed and realistic ecosystems.

3. Environmental Factors: Sunlight, shadows, wind patterns, and seasonal changes must be considered to
simulate natural environments accurately. Revit allows for basic sunlight and shadow studies.

4. Real-time Visualization: Utilizing real-time visualization engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, in
combination with Revit models, can greatly enhance the realism of digital environments.

5. Physical-Based Rendering (PBR): Revit supports PBR workflows through its materials editor, allowing
users to create materials with accurate reflectivity, roughness, and texture details.

6. Data Integration and Iot: This integration can simulate factors like temperature variations, humidity
levels, air quality, and more, enhancing the environmental accuracy of digital models in Revit.

7. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Revit models can be optimized for VR/AR
experiences, providing stakeholders with realistic walkthroughs and simulations of natural
environments.

These developments have the potential to result in ever more detailed and realistic simulations, which might be
used in environmental research, teaching, urban planning, and conservation. The capacity to digitally explore
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

and comprehend the natural environment can build a greater awareness of its intricacies and motivate action for
its preservation.

TRANSMISSION OF IDEAS AND ITS EXPEDITIOUS NATURE

Innovative advances may be a key driver of earnings and living standards advancements. However, unused
information and innovations aren't created all at once. In this manner, how innovation spreads across nations is
central to how worldwide development is produced and shared.

The expanding concentration of worldwide information streams focuses on the imperative benefits of
globalization. Whereas globalization has been much criticized for its conceivable negative side impacts, our
consideration appears that globalization has intensified the spread of innovation over borders in two ways. To
begin with, globalization permits nations to pick up less demanding information. Moment, it improves universal
competition—including due to the rise of developing showcase firms—fortifying firms' motivations to enhance
and receive remote advances.

The expanded exchange of information and innovation to rising showcase economies has somewhat balanced
the impacts of the later lull in advancement in the innovation wilderness and helped drive salary merging for
numerous developing economies. In differentiation, progressed economies have been more influenced by the
innovation lull in the wilderness.

CONCLUSION

The digital transformation of architecture heralds a new era of innovation and sustainability. Through the
integration of advanced technologies like BIM, 3D simulation, and Revit, architects can create environmentally
responsible designs that mitigate climate change and minimize waste. The precision of digital models ensures
accurate communication and visualization of design concepts, empowering stakeholders to make informed
decisions. Furthermore, the ability to simulate natural environments digitally opens up new possibilities for
research, education, and conservation. As architectural ideas spread rapidly across borders, facilitated by
globalization, the global community stands to benefit from enhanced knowledge sharing and innovation
diffusion. By harnessing the power of digital architecture, we can create a built environment that harmonizes
with nature, fosters inclusivity, and promotes economic prosperity for all.
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

REFERENCES:

● Antova, G. (2023, January 6). Evaluation of Factors, Influencing the Accuracy of the Digital Model,
Obtained by Laser Scanning. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. Retrieved
March 20, 2024, from https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/362/1/012129

● Digital model - Designing Buildings. (2021, December 23). Designing Buildings Wiki. Retrieved
March 20, 2024, from https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Digital_model

● Evaluation of the Accuracy of Digital Models Obtained Using Intraoral and Extraoral Scanners versus
Gold Standard Plaster Model (Diagnostic Accuracy Study). (n.d.). Scientific Research Publishing.
Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=103226

● Fidanci, A. (2023, June 19). The Journey of Digital Architectural Design. illustrarch. Retrieved March
20, 2024, from https://illustrarch.com/articles/16330-the-journey-of-digital-architectural-
design.html#google_vignette

● B. MICHAEL, “Cyberspace: Some Proposals, in Cyberspace : First Steps”, (MIT Press, London,
1991), pp.122

● J. M. Jimenez, L. Parra, L. García, J. Lloret, P. V. Mauri, and P. Lorenz, Applied Sciences, 11(8), 3648
(2021)

● H, Onyeaka, Z.T. Al-Sharify, M.Y. Ghadhban, S.Z. Al-Najjar, Clin Exp Vaccine Res. 10(1), 6-12
(2021)

● R. Ali, "The Architecture of the Future", Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, InterConsult Research
Center, 2007.6. Aprile, Walter and Stefano Mirti, "Architectural Design", 4 dspace: Interactive
Architecture, Jan-Feb 2005, p.30-37.

● Fang, B., Yu, J., Chen, Z., Osman, A. I., Farghali, M., Ihara, I., Hamza, E. H., Rooney, D. W., & Yap,
P.-S. (2023, May 9). Artificial intelligence for waste management in smart cities: a review.
SpringerLink, 21, 1959–1989. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01604-3

● Md. Wahidur, R., Rahabul, I., Arafat, H., Nasima Islam, B., d. Mahmodul, H., & Mohammad Motiur,
R. (2022, May). Intelligent waste management system using deep learning with IoT. ScienceDirect,
34(5), 2072-2087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksuci.2020.08.016

● Pellegrini, L., Campi, S., Locatelli, M., & Pattini, G. (2020, November). Digital Transition and Waste
Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations Industry. Frontiers in Energy
Research 8. DOI:10.3389/fenrg.2020.576462

● Pellegrini, L., Campi, S., Locatelli, M., Pattini, G., Martino Di Giuda, G., & Tagliabue, L. C. (2020,
November 20). Digital Transition and Waste Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction,
and Operations Industry. Frontiers in Energy Research, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2020.576462

● Aish, Robert. "Building Simulation Models: An Overview." Building Simulation, vol. 1, no. 4, 2008,
pp. 203–206.

● Biloria, Nimish. "Digital Design Ecology: A Possible Approach towards Sustainable Architecture."
International Journal of Architectural Computing, vol. 8, no. 2, 2010, pp. 233–256.
DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE AND ITS PLACE IN GLOBALIZATION

● Gu, Ning, et al. "Virtual Reality: An Integral Part of the Digital Architectural Design Process."
Automation in Construction, vol. 9, no. 4, 2000, pp. 409–417.

● Kolarevic, Branko. "Digital Morphogenesis and Computational Architectures." Proceedings of the

18th eCAADe Conference, 2000, pp. 98–105.

● Turrin, Michela, et al. "From Environmental Performance to Architectural Morphology: A Recipe for
the City of the Future." Architectural Science Review, vol. 54, no. 2, 2011, pp. 124–133.

● Autodesk Revit Official Website. Available online: https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview

● Realistic Architectural Rendering with 3ds Max and mental ray by Jamie Cardoso (ISBN-13: 978-
0240821078)

● "Creating Realistic 3D Landscapes with Autodesk InfraWorks and Other Tools" by Osama Ali Hamed
Al-Maharmah, Mohamed Marouf, and Mostafa Abdelrahman (ISBN-13: 978-1119690225)

● "Unity Virtual Reality Projects: Learn Virtual Reality by developing more than 10 engaging projects
with Unity 2018, 2nd Edition" by Jonathan Linowes and Jonathan Linowes (ISBN-13: 978-
1788478809)

● "Unreal Engine 4 for Design Visualization: Developing Stunning Interactive Visualizations,

Animations, and Renderings" by Tom Shannon (ISBN-13: 978-0134680705)
● "Revit Architecture 2014 for Designers" by Douglas R. Seidler (ISBN-13: 978-1585038216)

● "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and
Scripting" by Alexander C. Schreyer (ISBN-13: 978-1118978818)

● Aqib Aslam, Johannes Eugster, Giang Ho, Florence Jaumotte, Roberto Piazza (April 9, 2018)
Globalization Helps Spread Knowledge and Technology Across Borders
https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2018/04/09/globalization-helps-spread-knowledge-and-
technology-across-borders