Airbus has been using generative design for more than five years now, and their progress provides a great view of just how far the capabilities of generative design have come in that time. Their first foothold was a single part, a partition wall, that would need to be additively manufactured. In the years since they first showed the part, other kinds of fabrication processes have been woven into the generative design framework. Airbus can now make the same part by 3D printing a mold and casting it in a material already certified for flight. 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. 1. What’s your current job role? I’m a mechanical engineer at FATHOM in Oakland, California. READ MORE >

Modular construction isn’t exactly new—you could buy a mail-order home kit from Sears in 1908. But with BIM and other digital technologies, plus recent advances in precision manufacturing, modular construction is entering a new phase—one that allows for greater customization, more efficiency, and better buildings. READ MORE >

The AU learning journey for the year is just getting started. Our first event, AU London 2020, doesn’t happen until June. But now is the time to think about what class you might teach this year. Call for Proposals for AU London is open. And we want your ideas. What makes a great AU class? It depends on what you have to offer. READ MORE >

Increasing automation—it’s both a reality and a necessity. A reality because automation and innovation have already transformed our processes for making and building in radical ways. A necessity because, to meet the needs of a growing human population in sustainable ways, we’ll need to automate and innovate even more. And make no mistake: that will mean continued disruption for those who work in these fields today, not to mention the workers of tomorrow. How we approach these changes and adapt can make all the difference to the future we forge. READ MORE >