Blog Post 1

Amisial B-1

Three Tech Trends Shifting the BIM Industry in 2016

By Dennis Williams       

http://www.aecbytes.com/viewpoint/2016/issue_80.html

July 21, 2016

HVAC

In this article, some of the new advanced features in building information modeling (BIM) were discussed by informing how they are shifting the trend of this industry in a new age. Particularly, HVAC which is a field that I believe could be more explored to improve building efficiency and performance, decrease the impacts on the environment and increasing occupant comfort was well presented. In fact, I was interested on how the addition of these followings: smart thermostats, talking fridges, reactive lighting units, sensors and software to monitor occupant’s activities while adjusting room temperature, building GPS location to affect lighting and air conditioning in saving energy for when there is enough natural light for a side of the building, are changing our views regarding buildings. I think that it is only the beginning of a new era in HVAC because if we think for a moment in implementing similar features on bigger level such city, states, or countries; we could truly step into some radical changes for a brighter future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Leave AI Alone

By Andrew Burt       

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/opinion/leave-artificial-intelligence.html

January 4, 2018

This article addresses the controversies regarding AI and discusses the general concerns about implementing regulations on AI; while this last idea is the most challenging for our generation, I must admit that I totally support such opinions. Since, AI has been in used around the 1900s, it was never properly defined, and even currently, the industry is struggling to accurately define it because AI does not represent one single technology or development. On the other hand, I have enjoyed the multiple uses of AI such as 3D printing, financial algorithms, and self-parking and looking forward to new inventions, however, while some might argue that it is too premature to start regulating AI; It would be beneficial to start investing more resources into analyzing the different impacts of AI in the world. It has been reported that AI performed higher in multiple human intelligence areas, so the question remains: will we compete against them or increase our intellectual capacity to better use them?

Comments: 

Carlos,

I have enjoyed your approach on the 3D printing, your information on the main advantages were efficiently presented; however, one the main advantages retains my attention: reduced costs. I have enjoyed the benefits of 3D printing, but I think in some areas, it increases costs in some part of the construction. Compared to developed environment, when there is no need for using the materials produced; it is used most of the time as a markup for future development or construction.

Allison,

Your post on robotics is quite enjoyable, and honestly by implementing autonomous on-site robot, the construction industry would maintain its edge in the world of inventions. I totally agree that such methods will efficiently facilitate the construction process. However, my concern is what is the impacts on human involvement within the construction industry, and since they do not have the inspiration to create or design; what will be our point of view of this aspect. Lastly, I don’t think that we are fully prepared to step into this new era and their implication on a more general level is far beyond 10 years.

Nay Ye Oo,

Your writing on computers related to the future is very interesting; one could clearly see that the trend of this industry for the past decades has been the creation of more portable and comfortable computers while maximizing their performance. The same observation could be made about cellphones, but one thing that got my attention was the multiple or limiting features that most of them have. This genuinely makes me think about what are the consequences or impacts for such computers.