The virtual and real environments: symbiosis

Traditionally, architects and engineers have used CAD systems to assist them in the development of construction drawings. This approach enables the professionals to produce drawings in a more cost efficient manner but, unfortunately, at this point it may also be too late to make any major changes to the original concept. The author's goal is to find other alternatives to assist the decision makers in the initial stages of the project. At the Digital Simulation Laboratory, he explores the possibility of using computers in the preliminary stages of the project in order to ensure a better integration of the project in its environment. The ultimate goal of this approach is to allow the design team to simulate in real time how each proposed design could meet the clients' demands. All this, without conflicting with an existing building or generating an environmental problem that could affect the viability of the project.