The Future of Craft, Industry, and Heritage

Architectural heritage conservation and robotic production invite the convergence of experimentation to support proposed methodologies that ultimately demonstrate the possibility to widen the conversation between the construction industry and digital heritage specialists. This will expand the expertise of architects, who are potentially becoming the prime operators of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The progression of robotics within architecture has allowed for an understanding of how academic research is increasingly approaching construction, material science, and new technologies to favor the transition to on-site prototyping of building elements. To move from prototype workflows to real-world applications aligned with construction 4.0, research must focus on solving practical problems in the construction sector. Process and product innovations from design through execution will advance various technology readiness levels to accelerate investment of technology transfers from academia to professional practice. From an educational perspective, future designers will need expanded skills to approach architectural practice and prepare for their role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As architecture reclaims its role as a master-builder discipline, training must evolve accordingly. Process-based information will increasingly connect traditionally distinct roles such as designers, builders, owners, and occupants into integrated, data-enabled project teams.