Join us for TECH Perspectives to Explore the Future of Technology in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Japan Society | 333 E47th St (bet 1st & 2nd Ave), New York, NY 10017
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer across industries, and the AEC sector is no exception.
What are the key challenges and ethical considerations associated with the integration of AI? What are the implications for creativity and innovation in AEC projects?
At TECH Perspectives, we will explore the deep, multifaceted topic of artificial intelligence in architecture, asking how AI will influence architecture in the design studio, the construction site, architectural labor, historic fabric, and urbanism while also interrogating AI along the lines of ethics, representation, and agency.
Don’t miss your chance to explore AI’s transformative potential in shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction.
Phil Bernstein, FAIA, is an Associate Dean and Professor Adjunct at the Yale School of Architecture, where he has taught courses in professional practice, project delivery, and technology since 1988. He was formerly a Vice President at Autodesk, where he was responsible for setting the company’s AEC vision and strategy for technology and sustaining the firm’s relationships with strategic industry leaders and associations.
Prior to joining Autodesk, Phil practiced architecture as a principal at Cesar Pelli & Associates, where he managed many of the firm’s most complex commissions, including projects for Reagan National Airport, the Mayo Clinic, and Goldman Sachs. He writes extensively on issues of architectural practice and technology, and his books include Architecture | Design | Data – Practice Competency in the Era of Computation (Birkhauser, 2018) and Machine Design: Architectural Futures in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (RIBA, 2022).
Phil has been honored twice by DesignIntelligence as one of the “30 Most Admired Educators in Architecture” and was named as an Outstanding Industry Contributor by the Connecticut Construction Institute. He received a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude with Distinction in Architecture from Yale University and a Master of Architecture also from Yale. He is licensed to practice in California.
Phill will be speaking about Machine Design: Architectural Futures in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.
Presenters
Steven Jones is the Senior Director of Industry Insights Research at Dodge Data & Analytics. Steven is a globally recognized expert in how emerging economic, practice, and technology trends are shaping the future of the design and construction industry. He speaks at conferences globally, authors the SmartMarket Report series on key industry trends, and hosts the ENR FutureTech events.
Before Dodge, Steven was Vice President of Primavera Systems (now part of Oracle), and prior to that, spent 19 years in creative and management roles with top design firms, most recently as a Principal and Board of Directors member with Burt Hill, one of the largest A/E firms in the US (now merged with Stantec). Steven holds an MBA from Wharton and a BA from The Johns Hopkins University.
Steve will be speaking about AI=Augmented Intelligence.
Robert K. Otani, PE is Chief Technology Officer at Thornton-Tomasetti, Inc., a 1700+ person multidisciplinary engineering and applied science firm, and founded the CORE studio, a digital design, application development, AI, and R&D group at his firm.
He has 30 years of structural design experience involving commercial, infrastructure, institutional, cultural and residential structures on projects totaling over $3 billion USD of construction and has led numerous software applications including Konstru, Design Explorer, Beacon, and the first ML-powered structural engineering application Asterisk in the industry.
Rob will be speaking about The AI Revolution in Structural Engineering.
Ayse Polat is Turner Construction’s New York Regional Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager with over two decades of experience. Leading a team of 30, she specializes in Virtual Design and Construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM) services from preconstruction through post-construction phases. Ayse pushes boundaries with innovative technologies, including advanced VDC applications, digital operations integration, in-house laser scanning services, and digital twin models.
Ayse has contributed to many iconic projects, such as Madison Square Garden Renovation, NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion, NewYork-Presbyterian’s David Koch Ambulatory Care Center, 550 Washington Redevelopment, and Tishman Speyer’s The Spiral.
As a licensed architect, Ayse enlightens future professionals, teaching at Columbia University and New York University. She is also an active participant of AIANY’s Future Practice committee.
She will be presenting about Leveraging Design and Construction Data to Achieve Smart Buildings.
Charles Portelli is a licensed architect based in New York City. Charles has strong interests in exploring new methodologies that link computation, design, and fabrication.
Currently, he is an Associate and Digital Innovation Strategist for Perkins&Will’s I/O group, where he focuses on envisioning 3D models and data as a focal point for project design and delivery strategies. Charles also teaches Environmental Parametrics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Center for Architecture and Sustainable Ecologies (CASE) program, where he focuses on combining parametric modeling, optimization, and daylighting as a strategy to inform design. Previously, he has taught and guest lectured at multiple institutions, including Pratt, CUNY College of Technology, and MIT.
Previously, Charles was a Vice President at Thornton Tomasetti’s CORE studio, where he headed up operations for a TTWiin startup called Konstru, focusing on BIM interoperability for structural engineers. Charles was also Senior Product Manager at Flux.io, where he developed the product roadmap and oversaw multiple teams developing streamlined AEC integrations for a common data environment.
He will be speaking about Building Intelligence – the interplay between data and experience.
Juan Francisco Saldarriaga is a Senior Computational Designer at Google, currently working on Delve. Previously, he led data and design research at Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation. He specializes in data-driven design, leveraging GIS, visualization, and AI to solve complex urban challenges. He also teaches graduate-level workshops and seminars on mapping, advanced GIS, and data visualization.
In the past, Juan worked as a research scholar at the Center for Spatial Research and the Spatial Information Design Lab, and as an architectural designer for Carlos Zapata Studio and D.G.T. Architects. Juan has a Masters of Architecture and a Masters of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University, and B.A. in Philosophy from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.
Juan Francisco will be presenting about Visualizing the Future: Delve and the Power of Data-Driven Urban Design.
Greg Schleusner, AIA is a Principal and Director of Design Technology Innovation at HOK. In this role, he guides the firm in researching and adopting new technologies ranging from data management to computational design.
Greg is also active within buildingSMART; he currently serves as the Director of buildingSMART Initiatives for BIMForum. He is also the leader of the Technical Room within buildingSMART International where he is driving the development of an Open Source IFC toolkit and the development of a larger technical roadmap for buildingSMART. Greg has a Bachelors in Architecture from Iowa State and a Master’s in Technology Management from Columbia.
Greg will be presenting about Building the Future: The Data Foundation of AEC with APIs and AI.
Ahmad Tabbakh is a computational designer, mixed reality developer, and fabrication enthusiast. He is currently working as a Design Technology Specialist at Bjarke Ingels Group in their NYC office, where he uses his expertise in automation to streamline the design and development process.
In addition, Ahmad also teaches advanced visualization at Pratt Institute School of Architecture, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of designers.
Ahmad will be speaking about Extended Realities (XR) at BIG.
Don’t miss your chance to explore AI’s transformative potential in shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. Register now!
Insights from Design and Make Industry Leaders
AI, sustainability, talent, cost control: Autodesk’s State of Design & Make report reveals insights from industry leaders about the factors driving change and building resilience. Check out this insight on AI use cases within the AECO.
About TECH Perspectives
Hosted by Microsol Resources in New York and now in its tenth year, TECH Perspectives offers presentations on the most cutting-edge technologies and trends that are driving the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry forward.
TECH Perspectives brings together pioneers, thought leaders, and innovators to delve into the transformative power of AI in reshaping design, engineering, and construction processes.
What to Expect:
Engaging Keynote Presentations: Hear from industry experts as they share insights into the latest AI technologies and their impact on the AEC landscape.
Panel Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking discussions on the ethical, social, and economic implications of integrating AI into AEC practices.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, professionals, and visionaries from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and drive innovation forward.
Join us at TECH Perspectives as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI in AEC, and together, unlock new possibilities for innovation and growth.
Experience hands-on technology demos and get valuable face time with industry experts. Discover new tools, gain design ideas and inspiration, and connect with industry leaders.
Autodesk’s Design and Make Platform helps you get everyone on the same page to plan, design, construct, and deliver better projects.
With Autodesk Construction Cloud, your project teams can collaborate securely and quickly, so you can deliver projects on time and on budget. Your single source of truth for every project as it connects teams and data from design to done.
Eagle Point Software’s Pinnacle Series is a learning management system specifically designed for AEC firms and can transform training, knowledge sharing, project work, and collaboration at your organization.
Combining the power of cloud content management, data security, and AI into one intelligent content platform, Egnyte helps companies improve employee productivity, automate business processes, and safeguard critical data.
Enscape is a high-quality real-time rendering, visualization, and virtual reality software that integrates design and visualization workflows into one.
Chaos offers a suite of industry-leading tools built especially for architects, designers, and AEC professionals. Render anything — from early massing models to photorealistic imagery, animation, and real-time immersive experiences.
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Archinect Jobs offers the architecture industry’s most effective and popular job board. Connecting the best talent with the top firms since 1997.
Discover What’s New in Autodesk: Stay Ahead with Microsol Resources
Are you curious about the latest Autodesk features and how they can enhance your workflow? Wondering how Building Information Modeling (BIM) can drive efficiency and innovation in your projects?
At Microsol Resources, we make it easy for you to stay up to date with the latest advancements through our annual What’s New with Autodesk webinar series. These sessions dive deep into the newest features across Autodesk’s suite of tools—including AutoCAD, Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Civil 3D, 3ds Max, and more—so you can maximize productivity, improve collaboration, and integrate cutting-edge BIM workflows seamlessly.
Why Tune In?
With every new release, Autodesk introduces powerful enhancements designed to optimize workflows, boost efficiency, and enhance project collaboration. Our webinars go beyond just listing new features—we focus on practical applications, expert insights, and real-world tips to help you get the most out of the latest software updates.
Key Takeaways from Our Webinar Series
Time-Saving Enhancements — Work faster and smarter with new automation tools and performance improvements.
Improved Collaboration — Explore features that streamline teamwork across disciplines, from architects to engineers and contractors.
Advanced BIM Integration —See how the latest tools support seamless data sharing and coordination in complex projects.
Watch Our Past Webinar Series
Missed a session? Explore our archive of What’s New with Autodeskwebinar series and see how Autodesk has evolved over the years:
Microsol Resources will bring you the latest information on Autodesk products so be sure always to follow our website, blog, and social networks to stay up to date.
Stay ahead of the curve and see the demos of the new features with our building and infrastructure specialists.
2020 was an unforgettable year in many ways and one that may have permanently changed the world. 2020 and the early part of 2021 saw a downturn in construction starts. But as we’re reaching the mid-year point, things are starting to look up.
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry were able to respond faster than other industries due to strong order books and demand from the residential segment.
2020 likely also helped AEC companies to reset and prepare sooner and more effectively for work, workforce, and workplace changes. The year ahead is only expected to accelerate these changes.
Connected construction presents a host of efficiency- and productivity-enhancing technologies that can enable new business models and strategies.
There may be another disruptive event around the corner that could catch the world off guard. But AEC firms that embrace digital, form strategic alliances, and prepare for the future of work are most likely to be better prepared for whatever comes next.
Dodge Data & Analytics’ Steven Jones shares the mid-year outlook program. Steven is a globally recognized expert in how emerging economic, practice, and technology trends are shaping the future of the design and construction industry. He speaks at conferences globally, authors the SmartMarket Report series on key industry trends, and hosts the ENR FutureTech events.
Steve outlines the national and regional starts forecast for 2021 and 2022, respectively, across our residential, nonresidential building, and nonbuilding sectors. The highlights will include those factors impacting the economic upturn now that the economy is starting to improve.
Watch this video and gain an understanding of the current market situation and a macroeconomic overview.
Steve does a deeper dive into what Dodge Data & Analytics think is going to be happening with the infrastructure bill. He shares some of what they’re learning in their quarterly surveys about the business health construction companies’ both commercial and civil projects. Steven also looked at some high-frequency planning data to help the industry continue on its path to recovery.
Residential Construction
The pandemic has pushed many city dwellers to the suburbs as they look to avoid health concerns surrounding urban mass transit and public crowding. Near-record, low mortgage rates are expected to promote continued residential construction growth. Steve expects single-family home construction starts will rise as much as 7% in 2021; however, multi-family homes “will pay the price for single family’s gain,” with the dollar value of multi-family starts anticipated to fall by 1% this year.
Commercial Building
After dropping 23% in 2020, Steve forecasts a 5% dollar value increase in commercial starts in 2021. Steve also reports that “[w]arehouse construction will be the clear winner as e-commerce giants continue to build out their logistics infrastructure.”
Anirban Basu, the chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors, reports that COVID-19 accelerated these preexisting commercial construction trends. Basu explains, “Among the most obvious trends in e-commerce, a trend that was gaining market share even before the global health crisis began. An ongoing proliferation of fulfillment and data centers will serve this ongoing boom. However, this could translate to tougher times ahead for retailers and shopping centers . . . .” Development site consultant Tom Stringer expects suburban commercial construction to grow as companies look to move offices away from densely populated areas and build new manufacturing and distribution centers to help alleviate pandemic supply chain issues.
Public Works
Steve expects public construction to remain relatively flat but stable during 2021. According to Basu, “Countervailing forces are at work in public construction. On one hand, weakened state and local government finances suggest weaker public works spending going forward. On the other hand, . . . federal spending on infrastructure could increase as part of a post-inauguration stimulus package. Republicans and Democrats do not agree on much, but leaders from both parties agree that America spends too little on infrastructure.” While the federal government recently extended the FAST Act (for Fixing America’s Surface Transportation), any growth in the public sector likely will depend on the further stimulus or infrastructure bills.
Utility Construction
With the growing push for renewables and other climate change initiatives, experts anticipate energy construction, especially large-scale solar and wind projects, will rise significantly. Steve forecasts a 35% gain for utilities and renewable energies construction in 2021.
Summary
The construction industry is showing signs of growth in 2021 and beyond, but such growth may be checked by uncertainty and COVID-19’s lingering effects on construction operations. Contractors will continue to face pandemic-related time and cost impacts from added safety measures (PPE, physical distancing, screening), workforce shortages, and supply chain disruptions, all of which can cause delays, accelerations, and production losses.
Contractors can manage these risks and enhance profitability by taking affirmative steps to protect their rights and claims under their contracts. Proactive measures include asking for extensions of time, ensuring compliance with all contractual notice requirements, and carefully tracking all extra work and costs.
Features the latest informative and technical content provided by our industry experts for designers, engineers, and construction firms and facility owners.
Juan Francisco Saldarriaga is a Senior Computational Designer at Google, currently working on Delve. Previously, he led data and design research at Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation. He specializes in data-driven design, leveraging GIS, visualization, and AI to solve complex urban challenges. He also teaches graduate-level workshops and seminars on mapping, advanced GIS, and data visualization.
Greg Schleusner, AIA is a Principal and Director of Design Technology Innovation at HOK. In this role, he guides the firm in researching and adopting new technologies ranging from data management to computational design.
Ahmad Tabbakh is a computational designer, mixed reality developer, and fabrication enthusiast. He is currently working as a Design Technology Specialist at Bjarke Ingels Group in their NYC office, where he uses his expertise in automation to streamline the design and development process.
Autodesk’s Design and Make Platform helps you get everyone on the same page to plan, design, construct, and deliver better projects.
With Autodesk Construction Cloud, your project teams can collaborate securely and quickly, so you can deliver projects on time and on budget. Your single source of truth for every project as it connects teams and data from design to done.
Eagle Point Software’s Pinnacle Series is a learning management system specifically designed for AEC firms and can transform training, knowledge sharing, project work, and collaboration at your organization.
Enscape is a high-quality real-time rendering, visualization, and virtual reality software that integrates design and visualization workflows into one.
