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Digital is changing the way our industry operates, from virtual and augmented reality to digital collaboration hubs, the future of  VR in architecture is boldly going where no one has gone before!

With the global shift towards digitisation across many industries, it was only a matter of time before architecture and construction followed suit. Whilst any huge movements in culture can seem daunting, many positives can be taken from the gravitation to digital design practices.

What is Virtual Reality in Architecture and How Does it Work?

Virtual Reality (VR) in architecture is a technology that combines the physical and digital worlds to create immersive experiences that allow architects to visualise their designs in an interactive 3D environment. By using VR, architects can explore their projects from different angles, interact with objects, and even move around inside the design. It also allows them to make changes quickly and efficiently without having to rebuild the entire model. 

With VR, architects can create more accurate and detailed designs for their clients while saving time and money. Additionally, it can be used as a tool for marketing or training purposes as well as for teaching architectural concepts.

A Glimpse into the Benefits and Applications of VR for Architects

One such VR tool that yields a multitude of benefits in architectural design is BIM (Building Information Modeling). BIM technology enables the creation of digital representations of physical structures. It allows for more efficient and accurate design, construction, and management of buildings and other structures.

BIM architecture involves the use of 3D models, data analysis, visualisation tools, and collaboration techniques to create a complete digital model of a building or structure. This model can then be used to identify potential problems in the design before construction begins. Additionally, BIM architecture can be used to optimise energy efficiency during the life cycle of the building or structure.

The Impact of VR on Architectural Education & Training

VR provides architectural students with a unique opportunity to explore designs in a three-dimensional virtual environment. They can visualise and interact with their creations at a scale that was previously unimaginable. This immersive technology allows students to gain a deeper understanding of spatial relationships, proportions, and design elements.

On-the-job training has also been greatly enhanced by VR applications. Professionals can now simulate real-world scenarios and test design concepts before they are implemented in physical spaces. This not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with prototyping and rework.

Moreover, VR enables collaborative learning experiences where multiple users can interact within the same virtual environment. Students and professionals alike can collaborate on projects remotely, regardless of their physical location. This fosters teamwork, creativity, and knowledge sharing among aspiring architects and those already established in the field.

Utilising VR to bring your project to life

At Design Studio Architects we have incorporated VR technology such as BIM into our design process, allowing us to visualise every conceivable detail of your project. Just some of the benefits this offers are: 

• 3D architectural renderings
• 3D animations with virtual walkthroughs
• Simulations of sunlighting or material properties
• An immersive experience in 360 degrees and panoramic views
• High-quality CGI, digital sketches & watercolour rendering

Contact us today to arrange a consultation and begin creating your commercial build project.

With this week being Mental Health Awareness Week, DSA breakdown the significant benefits that awareness and implementing support for workers’ mental health can bring to the construction industry and the built environment.  

In the last three years, particularly over the pandemic, there has been a significant shift in awareness and a positive change in attitudes toward mental health in the workplace. The construction industry has been no exception, with the pandemic bringing to light some concerning figures about the mental well-being of workers in varying roles and at all levels. 

According to a report published in May 2020 by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), 87% of workers experienced anxiety, with a massive 97% experiencing stress and 70% experiencing depression. In Britain alone, 1 in 6 individuals will experience some form of mental health condition such as depression or anxiety in any given week. 

In understanding these risks and identifying early warning signs, managers can take measures to protect their workforce from potential harm. 

Recognising The Risks to Mental Health

Construction workers often face high levels of stress and anxiety due to a variety of factors such as long hours, dangerous working conditions, and financial insecurity due to the changing nature of working hours and duration of projects. Naturally, this can lead to depression symptoms, burnout and other mental health problems.

It is important for employers in the construction industry to be aware of the prevalence of mental health issues among their employees and take steps to address them. This includes providing access to resources such as counselling and stress management programs, as well as creating an environment that is conducive to good mental health. 

According to ‘Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment (May 2020)’, up to a quarter of construction employees had considered suicide between 2011 and 2015, with workers feeling that they were unable to express their struggles properly due to the “Macho” attitudes that traditionally were upheld in the industry. Stress was shown to be a significant factor in the aforementioned report as to the decline of individuals’ mental health.

Just some of the stresses/risk factors outlined in the report are documented below:

• Management styles

• Unrealistic deadlines

• Excessive workload

• Bullying

• Lack of control

• Lack of clarity over job role

• Being over-skilled or under-skilled for a specific job

In addition to this, there were some very industry-specific factors that were shown to play a role in poor mental health, including: 

• Limited-term contracts

• Long hours

• Lengthy commutes

• Time away from family

• Pressure to complete work on time and within budget

• The ‘macho’ culture that exists within the industry

• Late payments on work

• Uncertainty over the pipeline of work

By understanding the risk factors, employers can ensure their workers are able to perform at their best while staying healthy both mentally and physically. However, knowing the risk factors is just a facet of understanding and maintaining employee mental health, understanding the warning signs of poor mental health is another.

Identifying the Early Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health

Stress can be a crucial indicator and a gateway to poor mental health. There are different types of stress and these can affect individuals in different ways:

• Physical stress – e.g. late nights, lack of routine, binge drinking.

• Environmental stress – e.g. social isolation, the uncertainty of workload/employment, pressure from work.

• Acute life events – e.g. bereavement, physical illness/accidents.

• Chronic stress – e.g. debt, prolonged misuse of alcohol/drugs, accommodation problems.

Addressing these warning signs in a positive and supportive way is the key to successfully navigating and avoiding a mental health crisis and at the same time creating a good working environment for employees.

As the ‘Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment’ report points out, not only does the mental health of workers affect the performance of the business but in extreme cases can lead to loss of life through suicide* with male construction workers being 3 times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. 

Creating a Safe & Supportive Working Environment

Creating a safe and supportive working environment is essential for any organisation. It is important to ensure that all employees feel safe, respected, and supported in their work. This can be done by promoting mental well-being at work, providing resources for stress relief, and creating an open and inclusive culture. 

By creating a supportive working environment, employers can help reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses among construction workers. They should also provide resources to help workers manage their mental health and take steps to raise awareness of mental health-related issues.

Steps workplaces can take in creating a supportive environment for mental health:

• Qualified Mental Health First Aiders.
• Employee Helplines.
• Mental health awareness training.
• Flexible working.
• Creating and implementing policies for mental health and well-being in the workplace.

Additionally, employers can promote an open dialogue between employees so they can discuss issues related to safety and support each other when needed.

The Benefits of Developing Effective Policies & Procedures for Mental Health Management

There are numerous benefits to developing effective policies and procedures for mental health management. Employers can benefit from improved productivity, better morale among employees, reduced absenteeism due to mental illness, and increased engagement in the workplace.

*If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide there are numerous helplines and charities you can call.

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.
• SPUK (Suicide Prevention UK) – 0800 689 5652

Follow the links for resources and more on Mental Health Awareness Week.

 

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, construction materials are becoming increasingly important. Sustainable building materials can help reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects.

In this article, DSA talks you through some of the most promising sustainable building materials that are becoming increasingly frequent in the construction industry. We will discuss their advantages and potential use cases in green architecture and sustainable construction projects. Through this exploration, we hope to provide insight into how these materials can create a more eco-friendly built environment.

Bamboo; a sustainable building alternative to wood materials

Bamboo is an excellent alternative to the traditional wood materials used in architecture. It is a renewable resource that grows quickly and can be harvested sustainably. It is also durable, lightweight, and strong, making it an ideal material for sustainable building projects.

Bamboo has been used for centuries in many parts of the world to build homes, furniture, bridges, and other structures. In recent years it has gained popularity as an eco-friendly material due to its aforementioned ability to be grown quickly with minimal environmental impact. It can also be used in place of wood for many projects that require strength and durability.

Using bamboo as a sustainable alternative to wood materials in construction and architecture projects can reduce our environmental footprint while still having access to quality materials that are strong enough for any project.

Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS) for an airtight seal that keeps your home energy efficient

Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS) are a sustainable construction material that can help create an airtight seal in your home, making it more energy efficient. SIPS are made from a combination of insulation and structural elements, such as wood or metal, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different types of buildings. 

SIPS provide an effective barrier against air infiltration and can be used for both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings. They are also becoming increasingly popular in green architecture as they provide superior insulation performance compared to traditional materials.

Living roofs offer a number of benefits including durability, improved air quality and energy efficiency

Living roofs are a type of sustainable architecture that offer many benefits to the environment and people. They are made from vegetation, such as grasses and shrubs, grown on top of a roof structure. This type of green architecture helps to improve air quality, reduce energy costs, increase the lifespan of the building, and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Furthermore, living roofs can help to reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater and reducing flooding in urban areas. By utilising living roofs in sustainable construction projects, we can create a healthier and more efficient built environment.

The benefits of living roofs are not limited to the environment. They also have a positive impact on human health and well-being. Creating a living roof on your building can provide many benefits not only to you and your neighbours but to the local community because of the increased biodiversity in ecosystems. Furthermore, cities with more green space and diversity tend to be healthier overall than those with less.

Wool; an eco-friendly building insulation material

Wool insulation has been gaining popularity recently due to its natural fibres, which are non-toxic and biodegradable. Highly effective at keeping a home warm in winter and cool in summer, wool insulation is an ideal choice for energy efficiency. It also resists mould growth, fire, and pests, making it a safe option for homes. 

Additionally, wool insulation has excellent soundproofing qualities, making it great for reducing noise pollution. With this many benefits, it’s no wonder wool insulation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for building insulation.

Smart glass for effective light and energy regulation

Smart glass is an innovative technology that can regulate light in buildings effectively. It works by using a combination of optical, electronic and mechanical components to adjust the amount of light entering. This allows for more efficient energy usage, as well as improved comfort levels for occupants. 

Smart glass also has the potential to reduce energy costs, as it can be programmed to only allow certain amounts of light into a building at certain times. Additionally, smart glass can be used to reduce glare while still allowing natural light into the space. With all these benefits, smart glass is becoming increasingly popular in both residential and commercial settings.

Looking for an architect to bring your sustainable building project to life?

Talk to one of Design Studio Architects’ experts today. Whether you’re looking to create a green commercial space for your workforce or looking to make your home more energy efficient our team of architects can help you with every aspect of your project from conception to completion. Enquire today, or browse our portfolio of projects to see some examples of our work. 

March is ‘Women’s History Month’ and what better way to celebrate women in architecture than by taking a look at one of the architectural world’s most inspirational and sometimes controversial characters, Zaha Hadid?

The Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid was renowned for her groundbreaking designs and contributions to the field of architecture. Coined by the Guardian as “Queen of the Curve”, she was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious architecture awards, and the first woman to win the RIBA Gold Medal. Her work has had an immense impact on architecture (primarily commercial architecture) globally and changed how people think about design.

What made Hadid’s work unlike any other was her use of curves and angles, to create futuristic concepts, made all the more impressive by the use of raw materials like concrete and steel. Her design for the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan perfectly demonstrates this with its swooping façade. Heavily inspired by the Avante-Garde, and the abstract, her buildings have left a unique silhouette on skylines over the globe.  

As well as her unique take on design, Zaha Haddid’s process was also unorthodox and innovative, favouring painting her concepts as opposed to traditional architectural drawings. 

“Technology’s rapid development and our ever-changing lifestyles created a fundamentally new and exhilarating backdrop for building, and in this new world context I felt we must reinvestigate the aborted and untested experiments of Modernism – not to resurrect them, but to unveil new fields of building.”

As an Arab woman working in the predominantly white male-dominated world of architecture, she faced fierce competition and a no less significant amount of obstacles, but her passion for the extraordinary shot her to the top of her field. Initially, incensed by the term “woman architect”, it was something she later embraced, being quoted as saying:

“I used to not like being called a ‘woman architect.’ I’m an architect, not just a woman architect. The guys used to tap me on the head and say ‘you’re OK for a girl.’ But I see an incredible amount of need from other women for reassurance that it can be done, so I don’t mind anymore.”

Zaha Hadid died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2016 but left a legacy that can be seen in some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from The London Aquatics Centre to projects like Beijing’s Galaxy Soho and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Her work stands as a testament to her unique vision and as a gateway to the future of architectural design may take us.

“I really believe in the idea of the future.” – Zaha Hadid

The last 3 years have been an interesting period, not just in our lifetime but in human history. The Covid 19 Pandemic challenged our economic, societal and even personal norms, forcing us to adapt to a ‘new normal’, especially when it came to our working lives.

As we move forward, some elements of pandemic life are sure to remain prevalent in our day-to-day, not least the culture of working from home. With many companies offering both remote and hybrid working patterns, having a suitable environment to conduct the everyday aspects of your professional life has become a must. Many households now have converted spare rooms, remodelled as home office spaces, although some of these are make-shift.

With that said, the design experts at DSA have decided to share our insights into what we believe will be the biggest home office trends of 2023 and what impact this will have on residential design overall.

Residential Office Spaces That Utilise Natural Light for Maximum Productivity

Even before the pandemic struck there was peer-reviewed research indicating that employees were overall more productive and happier working from home than in a commercial office environment. With the expansion of hybrid and remote working, having a functional office space to carry out your work is a must, however, as with the trends in commercial office design, well-being is at the forefront of a good home office space.

An environment that utilises natural light has been shown to effectively reduce eye strain, increase the levels of vitamin D absorption, help with sleep, and reduce energy bills, not to mention the hugely positive effect on mental health. This has a knock-on effect of increasing productivity and overall general well-being, all of which we think are pretty good things.

Home Office Designs That Incorporate Wireless Tech

As we touched on in January, ‘The Internet of Things’ has had a big impact on the face of commercial design, and residential architectural design is no exception. Many of us already use wireless devices throughout our homes (think Google Home or Amazon Alexa) and our home office space evolution has the capacity to take this a step further.

Wireless technology allows us to connect to pretty much any device from any location without the tangled mess of wires, resulting in, firstly, a cleaner more efficient working space, and secondly a more collaborative workspace, with people connecting and sharing information from multiple locations, effortlessly.

Minimalistic and Clean Home Interior Spaces for Remote Work

The minimalist trend has long been incorporated into commercial office spaces, as we look to utilise space in our homes to incorporate our professional lives, it’s no surprise that this has become a home office interior design feature for people wanting to create a professional working environment at home.

Minimalism is an ideal concept as it creates a clutter and distraction-free space allowing you to focus on your work, with functional space for your office essentials.

Looking To Design Your Perfect Home Office Space?

Design Studio Architects have an excellent portfolio of bespoke residential architectural projects, so whether you’re looking to design your dream home or extend your existing one to incorporate a professional home working space, then contact us and talk to one of our experts today.

 

With many changes occurring in the last two to three years, in terms of both domestic lifestyle and in the commerce and business world, you’d be right in thinking that our working environments have had to adapt to this new norm.

Designing commercial spaces for the modern era has so much more to do than just being a work environment. The Pandemic has been responsible for new ways of working, with an emphasis on addressing work-life balance and many commercial office environments incorporating more spaces for employees to feel more at home, whilst maintaining dynamism and functionality.

For those of us in the Architectural world, the coming years represent a time of innovation, so with that in mind, our team has broken down some of the commercial architecture trends and design concepts that we expect to see in the coming 12 months and beyond.

Tech-enabled buildings & ‘The Internet of Things’ (IoT)

‘The internet of things’ or IoT, a term first coined by Kevin Ashton back in 1999, describes physical objects or groups of objects with sensors, processing ability, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks.

Since 2020 and the pandemic the use of such smart devices in and around our lives has accelerated beyond projected Pre-Covid figures, meaning the spaces we now live and work in need to cater for this upward surge in technological advancements.

Tech like 5G allows entire buildings to be managed with ease, either remotely or on-site. Entire systems like Elevators, parking areas, room occupancy, temperatures, lighting, and ventilation can be operated from devices, helping save on maintenance expenses and time.

Sustainability incorporated into commercial design & green architectural concepts

With a global shift towards sustainability and renewables, it’s no surprise that the spaces we use for work have already started to incorporate green technology into their design and this is only going to increase as time goes on.

The raw materials used in the commercial building design process have also changed, with less emphasis on materials that contain environmentally hazardous elements like concrete.

The way these buildings operate is something that architects will factor into the design. Power sources are a major consideration with renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and biomass being heavily incorporated into modern commercial buildings.

Architecture design concepts based on Psychographics

Psychographics is the psychological study of consumers and incorporates their core values, personality, attitudes, opinions and lifestyles. They help marketers identify the beliefs and emotions of an audience rather than just age, race and gender. The main benefit of Psychographics over Demographics is they help identify the ‘why’ of an audience.

In the context of designing commercial spaces this type of data can be extremely useful in crafting efficient and comfortable workspaces for those who will be using them. Examples of this include workout rooms and meditation spaces where employees can take a mental break from work pressures to recentre and recharge.

Commercial real estate built around health and a sense of community

Even before the pandemic hit there was a global shift towards improving connections, growing communities and looking after both our mental and physical health. In the wake of Covid, the importance of these aspects of our lives has been highlighted exponentially.

Working environments, especially offices, involve being sedentary for long periods of time and this coupled with the stresses of modern living and unhealthy diets can cause a real problem to both physical and mental health.

To combat this many commercial builds had started to incorporate specific areas that were targeted to the wellness of workers and residents alike. Post-pandemic and with the huge emphasis put on health and well-being across the globe, more and more measures are being put in place to ensure commercial projects embody the ideals of positive mental and physical health.

Open-plan communal areas are some of the types of spaces we will see being used to combat loneliness and improve social interaction, with onsite gyms helping to tackle the physical elements of everyday health.

Repurposed (read upcycled) architecture, building design

A growing trend is the use of disused commercial properties such as old factories and warehouses, being repurposed into modern state-of-the-art working environments and/or residential properties.

Repurposing old buildings is a great way to save on the initial cost of the building’s design, with the interior being remodelled and updated to fit the purpose of the property.

Modern commercial building design is centred around the needs of people

To conclude, as the needs of people change, expect both the architectural interior and exterior of the spaces we use for work and recreation and the space we reside in to evolve further.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at DSA’s portfolio to see examples of our work for commercial clients.

Book a consultation today with one of our commercial architects to discuss your project.

Design Studio Architects are committed to making a change and ensuring our design approach is based on sustainability and meeting the RIBA 2030 climate challenge. 

Climate change is a huge interest topic at the moment with large organisations and corporations getting together to help tackle the problem. The RIBA, (The Royal Institute of British Architects) is a professional body for architects who started this challenge as they believe the built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions and architects have a significant role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

This is why RIBA have set up the 2030 climate challenge, to encourage RIBA chartered practices to join and show their commitment by meeting key sustainability targets on the buildings they design. It’s a huge step into approaching net zero gas emissions.

Why are sustainability targets important?

Traditionally, the construction industry has stayed away from analysing building performance as some may fear it can bring litigation or reputational risk. 

However, as the built environment is an industry that will keep expanding and innovating, it is important to improve their knowledge and create effective and efficient building designs that will ultimately help reduce carbon emissions. 

The RIBA Climate challenge is a great way to push industries towards a cleaner and a more efficient built environment. 

What are the 2030 Climate Challenge targets?

The 2030 Climate Challenge targets are the latest recommendations from the well renowned Green Construction board that has been developed in agreement with industry experts and professional bodies all across the UK from various different environmental industries. The targets include:

• Operational energy
• Embodied carbon
• Potable water use
• Health and wellbeing

The RIBA Climate Challenge focuses on three of the main issues in the built environment. Energy, carbon and water. These are the three common elements of all building typologies.

This challenge is effectively a call to action for all industries to take part and do their bit to help the planet. Although this challenge is completely voluntary, it is highly encouraged and recommended to help enforce a shift towards creating better building outcomes for both the plant and the people.

Read more about this topic over on the RIBA Architecture website.

When it comes to building your new home, it’s always best to do your homework and research not only the type of home you’d like but also the type of architect you need. It can often become a costly project if the architect is not experienced with the new build or don’t have the adequate skills and knowledge for the job. 

We’ve listed some of the top things you need to look for when researching new build architects.

1: Ensure your architect has RIBA or ARB accredited. It’s always best to make sure the architect you pick is fully qualified so you can rest assured all the rules and regulations will be met.

2: Ask to see a portfolio or examples of new build projects that have been completed by the architects. This will give you a good indication of the type of work and designs they do with new build projects.

3: Find an architect that has lots of experience getting planning approval for new development projects, especially in the area where you are looking to build your home. 

4: Ask if they provide the full range of new build planning services. This would be ideal as they can then help to project manage the entire build from start to finish. 

5: Find out if the architects can work in different styles (traditional or modern). This will gives you a wider range of styles to choose from in order to achieve your dream home.

Your architect is the person you have chosen to trust to design and build your new home. You will be investing a lot of money into the new build, so you need to be able to approach the architect team about any concerns or questions you have.

You’ll notice a good architect will always listen to what you have to say and will have your best interests at heart, both financially and with the designs. 

Remember, a well-designed house will give you a better resale value and a healthy return on investment. Their abilities and expert skills should help to improve the efficiency and the appeal of the new home.