Microsoft and RIBA explore ‘Digital Transformation in Architecture’

Microsoft and RIBA have co-authored a new report, ‘Digital Transformation in Architecture‘, which explores the impact of innovation on architectural best practice.

When drafting the report, Microsoft and RIBA collated feedback from over 300 industry professionals to give a fuller picture of the technology trends currently at play in construction. The question being; how are digital ways of working like Building Information Modelling (BIM) boosting the efficiency and productivity of construction projects and architectural practices alike?

Crucially, the findings are broadly positive where attitudes to innovation are concerned, with 79% of survey respondents stating that the adoption of digital technologies would lead to greater efficiencies all round. Meanwhile, over a third (35%) of architects surveyed employ some form of mixed, augmented or virtual reality, with many more hoping to expand their use of immersive technology in the near future.

“Architects are uniquely placed to meet the challenges brought by digital transformation,” said RIBA Director of Practice Lucy Carmichael. “The adoption of transformative technology is not just about bringing productivity and efficiency to architectural services, it’s also about the continuous improvement in project outcomes – creating buildings fit for the challenges we face now and in future, and which have a positive impact on users, communities and the environment.

“The use of digital technologies promises to have a positive impact on the buildings we create and the next wave of digital transformation will open new, exciting opportunities for architectural practices.”

Ben Highfield, Surface Product Manager at Microsoft UK, added: “The UK has led the way when it comes to digitising the design process, and technologies such as BIM and Mixed Reality are already helping practices across the country reimagine the way they design, create, present and collaborate. However, the digital transformation of the UK architecture sector still has a long way to go.

“To thrive in a digital future, architectural practices must continue to prepare employees with the direction and digital skills they need for success. In fact, getting this culture of digital transformation right will help architectural practices to thrive – using new innovations to create buildings that will have a positive impact on communities.”

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