Anthony Frausto-Robledo, EIC (info@architosh.com)

21 Jan 2005 [Edited: 21 Jan 05: minor edit]

 

Apple needs to monitor CATIA development in Architecture

New Approach to Architectural Industry Design, Documentation and Building Could Leave Apple Out in the Cold

What happens when leading colleges of architecture at prestigious universities start using radically different tools for their discipline? History tells us that the short answer is: the discipline will completely change in about ten to twenty years. That's what happened back in the late 70's and early 80's in the field of architectural design and engineering.

In today's modern architectural firm when somebody asks for a scale or triangle -- because they have this sudden urge or need to do something by hand -- inevitably folks start scurrying deep inside their file cabinets in an often vein attempt to locate that tool which used to fit their hand every day. So dramatic has the effect computers have had on the discipline of architecture that the word "dinosaur" is an obligatory adjective used to describe those who have not yet learned the new ways of CAD (computer-aided design).

Archo-tecto-saurus

While the old boss may be seen as a dinosaur the emergence of such advanced 3D systems as CATIA V5 in architecture firms and schools may suggest a radically new era is fast upon us. Yesterday, Princeton University and Dassault Systems (Nasdaq: DASTY) announced a new partnership whereby the architecture school at Princeton University -- considered one of the preeminent and most influential A-schools in the world -- will be outfitted with CATIA V5 for its students and professors.

So what are young architects in training doing with a leading aerospace development tool anyway? Designing buildings of course! But not just that, they are changing the very way architects think about designing buildings and that may have a profound effect on the next evolution in the field of architecture.

Frank Gehry Technologies

The leading proponent of this radical new approach to using 3D product development applications in lieu of traditional 2d and 3d CAD systems is none other than famed architect, Frank Gehry. His newest firm, Frank Gehry Technologies, is all about working closely with Dassault Systems so that they can tune CATIA V5 into the ideal architect's toolbox. Moreover, the firm is developing and disseminating a brand new approach to architectural production -- from ideation to final construction.

While many Mac-based architects are admirers of Mr. Gehry and his work they can't fully participate in this bold new vision. Not just yet. CATIA does not run on Mac OS X -- despite the fact that OS X is the leading UNIX platform in the world in terms of units. However, CATIA V5 does run on many other minority Unix operating systems and RISC hardware, including IBM's AIX on PowerPC and Power microprocessors. It also runs on the popular Windows OS.

Still Outside the Door

Admittedly, this is still very early. The use of a PLM (product life-cycle management) tool in the field of architecture isn't going to register a blip on the radar screen of the industry for several more years. When it comes to the field of architecture Autocad is still the queen bee and Apple is left outside there as well. However, this direction is grabbing the attention of both the media and the industry at large and Apple should begin to participate as much as it can at this stage so that the industry does not perceive Apple as again being left outside the door of the industry's main tool shed.

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