Stephanie Tabb

2019 conference

On July 29-31, 2019, I presented at Advancing Computational Building Design 2019 in Chicago, IL.  The annual conference brings leaders across the international AEC community together to advance the wide scale adoption of computational building design and to share best practices and innovations.

presentation

As a representative of SOM, I presented a session called "Leveraging Computation Software to Save Time in Conceptual Design Modeling." 

My talk was centered around SOM’s expertise in Tall Tower Design, and the computational workflow the firm has developed to generate quick design iterations, optimize designs, and seamlessly transfer data between software platforms.  I dissected the SOM’s typical Excel / Grasshopper / Revit pipeline and described generic and project specific ways to optimize and decide between infinite design options.

Actionable takeaways included:

• Leverage your expertise to build an efficient, reusable workflow that supports your design process.

• Don’t stop designing-- instead design a flexible design system.

• Enable real-time, data-driven design collaboration and decisions.

press

“For me, this was an unusual conference to attend as it geared itself much more around the business case for computational design rather than focusing on software, research and workflow case studies that others tend to emphasize.

Key takeaways: AI is a way off from being a commonplace tool for architects, but we can and need to start preparing. Embracing data-driven practices as an industry is fundamental to harnessing these technologies.

Other highlights: Scott Crawford on building Tech Studio (sometimes literally) from the ground up. Petr Mitev pulling triple duty! Stephanie Tabb for making complex processes look effortless. Randy Deutsch AIA, LEED AP for chairing/moderating/inspiring the whole event. Definitely read his book!”

- Andy Watts, Global Head of Computational Design at Grimshaw Architects

Back for its third year, ACBD 2019 offered actionable insight into developing and safeguarding computation in the AEC Industry. Highlights included:

• Industry leaders presenting how they have developed methods of measuring and demonstrating ROI of computation to senior leaders, clients, and firm wide.

• How computation can be demystified to non-practitioners so they can engage with the technology.

• Recent case studies of how computation has been used to improve the quality of design, increase firm efficiency and save costs.

download the Advancing Computational Design Brochure