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Digital Technology

In a full day of Build Boston seminars devoted to building information modeling (BIM), moderator Geoff Langdon, AIA led four panels exploring this CAD technology.

Panelists reported interesting applications, such as the Singapore government now requiring all building permit applications to be submitted in a software format (ePlanCheck) that allows automatic code checking. However, BIM technology appears mostly to be taking modest steps forward, such as with energy analysis with REScheck or COMcheck.

Panelists warned that while some BIM reporting capability is impressive, the technology is still in its infancy and sometimes lacks "common sense," such as producing a bill of materials for framing that lacks header members. Langdon suggested that a "killer app" was needed that would entice everyone to get on board. This could drive BIM to a higher level of maturity.

Such a must-have application may reside in geographical information systems (GIS). In their seminar, "GIS — An Easy Button for Every Project," speakers James DeVellis and Catherine Martin of Geller DeVellis demonstrated the wealth of site information becoming readily available from the Internet.

Sources include Google Earth, Windows Live, and government jurisdictions, such as city assessor offices. Massachusetts provides links to all such databases now available in the state, providing impressive coverage of most areas.

These databases show design professionals not only property lines and setbacks, but also topological contours, underground utilities, and wetland areas. While sophisticated software like ESRI's ArcGIS 9 can be used, much of the data is accessible via either online viewers or common file formats like PDF. DeVellis showed how such data supports quick and accurate analysis on fast-track projects or applications for zoning variances.

During the conference, DATACAD unveiled DataCAD 12, the company's first version with "smart" BIM capability. This presentation occurred at the 19th anniversary celebration of the venerable DataCAD Boston Users Group.

Digital Changes in Photography

Finally, in a fascinating seminar, "Architectural Photography — The Business and the Art," moderator Susan Shelby of Rhino PR brought together some of the finest photographers in the region. Steve Rosenthal said that through technology, "photography has changed more in the last 15 years than it had in the previous 150" but that many of the old principles still apply: requiring a good eye, artistry, and planning skills.

As an example, Rosenthal showed a planning shot of a Scandinavian Design Store by architects Bergmeyer Associates. The cluttered image did not compliment the space. But by rearranging furniture, adding a Breuer lounge chair and floor rug that accented the curved ceiling, and picking the time of day to give the right color cast to materials, the photographer was able to make an image that revealed a stunning space.

Rosenthal said photographers through their photos "always lie," but it is "lying to tell the truth." And now, more technological tools help them solve problems digitally that they once tackled with greater difficulty.

Warren Patterson advised architects to involve a photographer in planning the shoot at least six months in advance to accommodate seasonal factors like tree foliage and sun angles. He often works with a client to come up with a list of adjectives about the design that can guide him during the shoot.

Greg Pemru discussed technical aspects of digital photography, which he firmly believes is better than film. He justified this controversial view by explaining that previous problems with lens flexibility and with achieving continuous tones at digital resolutions had been essentially overcome. He often uses a conventional bellows large-format camera, which allows for any lens adjustment, combined with a digital camera back that replaces the usual film cartridge.

Pemru feels that the required retouching can be done much faster with digital media. He no longer needs to "preshoot" Polaroids, because with his digital camera he can check lighting and color, and even zoom in on details.

Digital photography also allows for overlapping, multiple exposures. For example, one exposure ideal for the interior of a church and another exposure set to capture the stained glass window can be merged to produce the ideal image. Pemru feels strongly, however, that if a digitally altered photo looks retouched, then it is unacceptable; it must mirror the reality that the human eye sees.

The seminar offered many tips on architectural photography and how to best use professional help. The panelists recommended the booklet Commissioning Architectural Photography, developed by the American Society of Media Photographers, Inc. and the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines.

The 2006 Build Boston conference lived up to its reputation, giving attendees an annual snapshot of the construction industry and the dramatic changes now taking place. Residential Design 2007, Build Boston's residential counterpart, will be held in April 2007.

Evan H. Shu, FAIA is an architect with Shu Associates Inc. in Melrose, Massachusetts. He is a contributor to The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice and is publisher and editor of Cheap Tricks, a monthly newsletter for DataCAD users and computer-using architects.

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Concept model for new Assembly Square Mall, part of a presentation at Build Boston 2006. Image: The Cecil Group Aerial view of current site for the Assembly Square Mall. Image: The Cecil Group "Before" shot of the Scandinavian Design Store, designed by Bergmeyer Associates. Photo: © Steve Rosenthal "After" shot of the Scandinavian Design Store. Photo: © Steve Rosenthal Private residence north of Boston by architect Gleysteen Design. Multiple images were used for interior, exterior, and sky. Photo: © Greg Premru Hill Holiday Advertising main conference room by architect Darlow Christ. This is a composite of multiple exposures for the sunset, computer monitors, and electrically lit interior. Photo: © Greg Premru ArchitectureWeek goes to Boston. Photo: Evan H. Shu, FAIA Seaport World Trade Center, where Build Boston was held in November 2006. Photo: Evan H. Shu, FAIA   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.