Embracing sustainable design was an important step for the AEC industry. Originally, it meant making design choices that reduced the negative impact of what we make and build. Net-zero buildings—structures that balance energy use with energy production over the asset lifecycle—are one example. Regenerative architecture goes a step further and aims to create buildings that give more than they take in terms of energy, water, and natural resources. The Living Building Challenge was started to bring attention to regenerative design approaches. A rigorous performance standard based on 20 different ... READ MORE >

Leaders in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction are working to increase diversity and equity in their teams. While research shows that diverse and inclusive teams are linked to better outcomes in business, only 2% of licensed architects in the U.S. identify as Black, and only 17% are women. Further, as the industry responsible for designing and making our built world—from schools to skate parks, homes to hospitals, offices to airports—those in AEC have the added responsibility of considering the impact of their work on equity and inclusiveness in our broader society. At AU... READ MORE >

Until recently, if you wanted to know whether your product design would work as intended, you only had one option: make one and try it. If it didn’t perform as expected, it was back to the not-so-proverbial drawing board to revise and rework, then make another and try it again. Prototyping and testing was essential, but also expensive and time-consuming. Today, digital simulation tools are enabling new approaches in manufacturing. Whether you’re simulating gas or liquid flow with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), product performance with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), or commissioning an en... READ MORE >

Shotgun software General Manager and Autodesk VP Sarah Hodges speaking at the AU 2020 Media & Entertainment keynote. Technology has always been integral to the media and entertainment industry. For every star in front of the camera and director behind the lens, there are hundreds of engineers, technicians, and craftspeople who have pushed the field forward through invention and innovation—from silent films to sound, from black and white to color, from celluloid to digital, and beyond. That’s why, in addition to the familiar awards for Best Actor, Best Director, Best Film, and the like, t... READ MORE >

This interview is part of a series featuring the members of our diverse AU community, from speakers and conference attendees to forum participants and online commenters. You are AU. Sisters Nicole De Cicco (left) and Rebecca De Cicco (right) of Digital Node. 1. What’s your current job role? Rebecca: Director of Digital Node Nicole: Training & Communications Manager at Digital Node 2. What are your main areas of expertise and interest? Rebecca: My role as the owner is to support the growth of the business in three key areas: strategy, proj... READ MORE >