Akande, I.; Opoko, A. P. and Adewolu, A. O. (2026) Exploring the relationships between emerging technologies and design process in Nigerian architectural firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, pp. 1-21. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study examines the relationship between these emerging technologies on architectural design processes, exploring their impact on design iteration, efficiency, visualisation, reducing error and rework. Design/methodology/approach – Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through questionnaires from 398 architectural firms within Nigeria to assess the extent of technology adoption and its impact. Findings – The findings show that there is a strong positive correlation between the emerging technologies explored and architectural design processes. BIM tools enhance design efficiency and speed, design iterations and design visualisation (r = 0.762; 0.678; 0.656 respectively) by streamlining workflow, automating repetitive tasks and integrating various design elements and have a low relationship with design error and rework (0.190). Automation tools and robotics, with other technological tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, and generative design, also have a low positive correlation with design-reduced error and rework (r = 0.429, 0.256, respectively). Other technological tools and technology correlate with design iterations (0.857) and visualisation (0.882), helping architects polish their ideas and successfully communicate them to clients. Overall, all variables against the emerging trends have a p-value of less than 0.05, this means that there is a significant relationship between the emerging trends and architectural design practice. Originality/value – The study concludes that the targeted investment in digital skills training, infrastructure, and policy incentives is essential for accelerating digital transformation in the Nigerian architectural sector. The findings offer practical guidance for architectural firms, educators, and policymakers by identifying which emerging technologies deliver measurable improvements in design efficiency, visualisation, and error reduction, and where targeted skills development and policy support are required to translate technological potential into practice.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architecture; BIM; design process; emerging technology; innovation; technological tools |
| Index terms: | transformation, emerging technology, Nigeria, visualization, skills development, architect, questionnaire, automation, design process, workflow, design error, methodology, efficiency, virtual reality, rework, architectural firm, technology adoption, robotics, augmented reality, generative design, streamlining, architectural design |
| Subjects: | research methods, personnel development, management, professional practice, profession, business, Geography, design methods, visualization, automation and robotics, virtual reality, design practice, data collection methods, innovation and technology management, performance management, operations management, design process |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Human Resources, Geographical Context, Design Practice, Research Practice, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here