Architecture today merges creativity with complexity more than ever before. As projects grow in scale and ambition, finding the right tools to support global collaboration and visualization becomes essential.
For Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) — the minds behind iconic projects like The Twist Museum and the Biosphere Treehotel — the challenge was clear: How do you collaborate globally and visualize fast without sacrificing quality?
The Growing Pains of a Global Design Powerhouse
With 700+ employees across 9 international offices, BIG's software ecosystem was expanding.
BIG’s Digital Footprint, 2023
BIG's Design Technology team sought solutions that could support their scale and ambition, while simplifying how teams worked together across continents.
Evolving Workflows and Embracing Cloud-Based Collaboration
BIG began exploring cloud-based visualization and collaborative tools to address these growing demands. One of the tools they tested and gradually integrated was D5 Render, which offered a streamlined cloud-based workflow and real-time collaboration capabilities that aligned with their goals.
“Unlike traditional rendering tools, D5 stores project files in the cloud, allowing the team to easily manage, access, and share them with people involved. It also works as a powerful standalone app, separating 3D assets from the design work done in Rhino.”
— Camila Antonella Mina, Architect at BIG
With project files stored in the cloud, BIG's teams reduced bottlenecks and maintained creative momentum — even across large, complex projects.
Collaboration Without Borders
Cloud-based collaboration using D5 Render allowed multiple architects to work on the same project simultaneously, regardless of location. This eliminated inefficiencies like back-and-forth communication and rigid handoff processes. Whether making small tweaks or major revisions, the team remained aligned and productive throughout the process.
“Its ability to handle some of the world’s largest and most complex projects is a complete game changer.”
From intricate 3D models to animation preparation, D5 Render enabled BIG's teams to stay connected, agile, and efficient at every stage.
The Biosphere Treehotel: A Testament to Workflow Innovation
One notable example is BIG's Biosphere Treehotel in northern Sweden — a retreat wrapped in 350 birdhouses with the mission to decrease the downward spiral of the bird population in the region.
Previously, producing photorealistic visuals for such a project would take days. By embracing new visualization tools and workflows, the rendering process was completed in just a few hours, achieving results nearly indistinguishable from the built project.
The Impact: Faster, Smarter, More Collaborative
The results of adopting a cloud-based, collaborative approach are significant:
This shift didn't just improve efficiency — it redefined how BIG collaborates across studios.
Why It Matters: The Future of Design is Collaborative
“For BIG, integrating AI and cloud-powered tools supports creativity, rather than replacing it. It's a direction we're excited to continue exploring.”
— Jens Majdal Kaarsholm, Former Director of Design Technology at BIG
BIG's experience proves that the future of architectural design is:
✅ Collaborative
✅ Cloud-based
✅ AI-empowered
And ready to tackle the challenges of global, large-scale projects.
Final Thoughts
For BIG, rethinking their workflow wasn't just about adopting a new tool — it was about unlocking a new way of working.
Cloud collaboration, real-time visualization, and AI-driven enhancements are no longer optional — they are essential for forward-thinking design teams.
The future of design is collaborative, borderless, and driven by innovative workflows that empower global teams.
