Abstract

The gap between architectural collaboration methods and visualization technologies has contributed to limiting the effective incorporation of user feedback in the architectural design process. As the field shifts toward computational design, generative workflows, and data-driven methods, cloud technologies have become a key integration point that can address co-creation and collaboration between Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sectors. Every AEC industry sector relies heavily on established internal processes and collaboration methodologies that resist collective methodologies, although recent context changes have acted as incentives to transition to cloud collaboration for the sake of efficiency. This article explores how cloud-based platforms can redefine collaboration in the architectural planning environment by creating frameworks for real-time co-creation. Drawing parallels with software development, we discuss how agile methodologies and product-focused approaches can significantly improve the design-build workflow. We also examine the limitations of the current workflow and the pitfalls that may occur when adopting new tools and frameworks. Our central argument explores an environment where standardized data-driven collaboration methodologies can extend the impact of technology that is already available to real-world building contexts and better define the guidelines for co-creation. In this scenario, integrating end-user-generated data into the design process becomes possible through improvements in visualization technologies and is treated as necessary as complexity becomes greater. Our proposal is twofold: First, standardizing data-driven collaboration methodologies through cloud computing can extend the applicability of existing technologies to real-world building contexts. Second, once this is achieved, the design process can, at last, expand the impact areas of consumer-facing decision-making.