Professor Ulrich Blum is a vast reservoir of theoretical and practical knowledge on how technology aids and transforms the way architects design our built environment. He has been in the field long enough to observe various technological developments and provide perspective on them while also being at the forefront of design to see the new applications emerging in the market. As the head of the computing department at Zaha Hadid Architects, he helps plan large-scale, high-investment projects and assists the office's architects optimize design processes through computational tools.
Of course, the questions posed during the design process are also critical as they determine how technology will advance the architect's work. The shape of the building, energy savings, optimization of work relationships among people, the use of space as a tool for organizational needs, the evolution of space over time and managerial requirements, energy efficiency and sustainability, the use of lighting and sunlight, as well as exposure to views and connection to the environment—all these questions can be addressed, and design maximized through technological tools.