Comment | Architecture & Design

Future-proofing construction with digital twins

Valued at $12 trillion, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is one of the largest in the world, yet it has historically been among the slowest to digitise and innovate. Digital twins are advanced virtual replicas of physical assets, such as buildings and machinery, that dynamically mirror real-world conditions in real time.

Just how bad are Albanese’s housing problems?

Anthony Albanese has a whole raft of housing problems right now.

Could the Grenfell tower fire happen in Australia?

The just released report on the tragic fire at London’s Grenfell Tower makes harrowing reading. The sheer mendacity of all concerned in the process that led to 72 lives lost is appalling. A question that arises in Australia, as it did immediately after the fire, is could it happen here?

Designing hotels in the blink of an eye

As Founder and Creative Partner of BLINK Design Group, Clint Nagata’s passion for travel, hospitality and design is the inspiration behind the practice’s philosophy.

Mimetic architecture: When architecture imitates life

“Le beau est toujours bizarre” is a quote from French poet Charles Baudelaire that can be translated to “beauty is always bizarre”. This is the DNA of mimetic architecture, when buildings and other structures are given a blend of eccentricity, follies and unusual shapes – just because.

Rise of the village people

The term ‘retirement community’ somehow smacks of gelato coloured demountables lined up, cheek by jowl, in a gated reserve, in ‘gator ridden, Florida. However, a little education goes a long way – and visions of pastel semi-wides could not be further from the truth. The epitome of opulence, of good taste and refined design now dominate the retirement sector, and it’s making ageing a very sexy option.

Deconstructing to rebuild with Eleri Jones

Architect and visual artist Eleri Jones has recently transformed the former nurses’ quarters at the South Sydney Hospital site into a Creative Centre. In an interview with Architecture & Design, she explains why this project is exemplary model for civic adaptive reuse.

Tone on Tuesday 227: How to fix social housing, explained in six diagrams

Last week examined the social housing crisis in six diagrams. This week, in the last ever ToT, six essential diagrams explain how to fix, or at least alleviate, that crisis.

Tone on Tuesday 226: The social housing crisis explained in six diagrams.

Last week we examined the current overall housing crisis in six diagrams. This week, six essential diagrams to explain the crisis in the neediest sector: social housing.

AI in construction demands its own scaffolding to maximise impact

The construction of the Sydney Opera House signalled the birth of a global architectural icon, but it also demonstrated the potential for disaster, according to author Andy Cunningham.

Tone on Tuesday 225: The housing crisis explained in six diagrams.

There is much confusion about the housing crisis. Let’s examine key issues and debunk myths with six essential diagrams.

Tone on Tuesday 224: The housing minister who didn’t build a single house

In the two weeks since Prime Minister Albanese shuffled his cabinet, the new Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Claire O'Neil has had more cut through, at least in media coverage (SMH, Australian, Guardian), than two years of the previous minister, Julie Collins. Talking the talk that is, not walking the walk, of which there is none yet. Here’s a way to fix that.