Aerial Architecture - A Drone's Eye View

Joshua Hulm
May 2, 2017
2 min read

IF any industry is still yet to fully realise the immense and disruptive potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on their trade, it would have to be architecture.

This statement however bold, is not intended as a criticism, nor is it saying that there aren't a handful of agencies currently using them. It is merely a statement of fact that as an industry who could most benefit from such a cost effective, safe and enabling technology - Architects have rather been slow to the game.

This is all about to change....

No other technology has the potential to capture the true scale and beauty of our built environments quite like a drone. With their ability to fly between buildings, under awnings, above rooftops and across large distances - A drone is the perfect tool to record beautiful visuals of beautiful things.

COST

Unlike fixed wing or single rotor manned aircraft, drones are relatively cheap to operate. The lack of a pilot, crew or runway for starters means a drone can be in the air within minutes for a fraction of the cost of a plane or helicopter.

Drones are also battery operated meaning there are no ongoing fuel costs - nor environmental nasties.

The cost of hiring an experienced, qualified and licensed drone operator is significantly cheaper than that of either a plane or helicopter.

QUALITY

The agility of a drone is also a massive advantage over traditional aircraft. Being a lightweight, fast and extremely stable platform, a drone can capture angles previously only imaginable in our wildest dreams.

Drone and camera technology has improved at a rapid pace allowing drones to be fitted with professional camera rigs capable of capturing crystal clear images and video.

SAFETY

Without a pilot or crew, flammable fuels or tons of weight on-board - A drone is by far a safer proposition than traditional aircraft.

When operated by experienced, qualified and professional operators, a drone is a much safer option for performing in tight spaces such as building sites, populous areas or high activity zones.

So much more than photographs....

Beyond stunning images of complete builds or time-lapse images of builds from start to finish, drones are capable of a host of services traditionally unimaginable from such a cost effective and agile platform.

With drones now capable of 3D Modelling, Site Surveying, Accurate Level Capture, Thermal Imaging and so much more, it is only a matter of time before we are seeing drones involved in every facet of architecture and construction.

Change is always a difficult prospect, but is inevitable to stay abreast in any evolving industry. Drones have an important place within architecture and many thought-leaders and trend-setters are already ahead of the game.

Don't get left behind!