A Digital Master Builder?

Can new digital tools fundadamentally changed the way architects and planners practice their trade?

1 minute read

May 6, 2002, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"William Mitchell, dean of MIT’s school of architecture, framed the event by envisioning a future of “information-rich design worlds linked to fast, programmable construction machines.” MIT’s Media Lab is exploring design tools with unique interfaces; one of the most intriguing is called Illuminating Clay, which lets designers analyze free-form clay models. The model’s geometry is captured in real time with a laser scanner; using this information, computer simulations of conditions such as shadow casting, land erosion, or visibility are calculated and projected back onto the clay model. A designer can change the model’s shape and see the effects of those changes right away, which allows design options to be explored rapidly without having to type in data."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, May 5, 2002 in Architectural Record

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog