Integrated Software Makes Modern Design Faster, More Accurate
As an architect and engineer for office and retail spaces, I see the plan and implementation of my clients’ vision from start to vision. These days, that often entails somewhat involved engineering and planning that can support clients’ visions for sleek spaces that embody the modern aesthetic: lots of glass and open interiors that make the shopping, dining, or work place a more enjoyable place to be, full of natural light, vistas of nature, and pleasing to look at from the outside. While the layperson wouldn’t necessarily think it, the weight of the glass façades that dominate skylines, storefronts, and office parks require rigorous engineering because a glass wall cannot structurally support other structural elements of buildings.
Because of this, design tools catering to the design of curtain wall are indispensable for my ability to realize my client’s vision. Fortunately, I found a company that specializes in design tools and production tools that help me to manage the design and planning of glass-related architecture.
Having software that interfaces with standardized parts for the design and construction of curtain wall buildings, wherein the wall bears both its own load and the structural load of the building, not only makes design easier; software that understands a standard method of construction makes it likely for buildings to be constructed more quickly, accurately, and therefore more cost effectively for my clients, which allows me to charge a premium for my services.
Whether it’s the engineering of a whole curtain wall or the incorporation of a specific type of glass fixing, the software by Glazier ensures that the nitty-gritty of sheet metal and glass construction goes off without a hitch. And with a package of tools that enables me to simulate construction, it is viable for me to check that the building meets specifications for both aesthetics and structural integrity.
Beyond design software, software for cutting and designing custom panels and glass fixing make it possible for my contractors to easily implement the plan I have created for them. The interaction of both design and production software drastically reduce not only the time required in the configuration of cutting plans and specifications but also drastically reduce the possibility for error.
While it isn’t essentially the most glamorous job, designing solidly modern buildings is a real service to clients who believe that architecture can truly enhance the lives of those who use it. Having a complete package of software that takes me from conception to production allows me to realize this vision for my clients at a lower cost to me in both time and money and in less time and with fewer glitches and “translations” than would be necessary if I were to try to do the same work with separate software that isn’t tailored for glass architecture.
July 13th, 2009, posted by Pw