Bridging Architecture and Engineering
In the ever-evolving world of architecture and design, innovation often stems from the confluence of disciplines. Chikara Inamura embodies this interdisciplinary approach. With a background that spans architecture, structural engineering, and computational design, he brings a unique perspective to how digital solutions like CATIA are reshaping the boundaries of what’s possible.
“I started my career as an architect and then practiced as a structural engineer for a while,” Inamura shares. “That combination led to one of the world’s first developments in 3D printing technology for glass.”
This revolutionary platform, weighing half a ton and operating at nearly 2000°F, required meticulous simulation of real-world thermodynamic behavior. At that extreme temperature, standard materials fail due to oxidation and thermal stress. CATIA played a pivotal role in mapping out the platform’s structural and material performance, showcasing how digital architecture tools can extend beyond buildings to complex, high-performance engineering systems, ensuring mechanical resilience and long-term structural stability under extreme heat.
CATIA as a Design Catalyst
Whether optimizing intricate geometries or managing cross-platform workflows, CATIA has been central to Inamura’s process and his approach to digital architecture.
A standout example is Galaxy SOHO in Beijing, a 330,000 m² urban megastructure composed of four fluidly interconnected buildings. With its continuous, flowing geometry and absence of corners or abrupt transitions, the project posed major design and fabrication challenges. During his time at Zaha Hadid Architects, Inamura collaborated closely with his colleague Cristiano Ceccato to bridge the gap between the conceptual vision and the technical realities of construction.
“We moved to Beijing to train local partners and built a suite of tools in CATIA,” Inamura explains. “These tools enabled geometry optimization, automation, and interoperability across platforms.”
This flexibility was crucial for maintaining design intent while navigating local construction constraints and complex fabrication logistics.
From Vision to Reality: Designing with Real-World Data
Unlike many software tools that focus solely on design aesthetics or surface-level modeling, CATIA distinguishes itself by deeply integrating real-world constraints, such as material properties, structural forces, and thermal behavior, directly into the digital design process. This capability allows engineers and designers to move beyond conceptual visuals and create functional models that reflect actual performance under real-world conditions.
“It was critical for us to bring real-world material properties into a 3D platform,” Inamura notes about the glass 3D printer project. “CATIA allowed us to simulate thermodynamics and ensure platform performance.”
This integration positions CATIA at the core of digital architecture, transforming it into more than just a design solution. It becomes a predictive modeling environment where digital models respond to physical laws and material behavior, enabling safer, smarter, and more efficient systems.
Beyond Technology: A Cultural Shift in Design
When asked about the current state of architectural technology, Inamura’s answer is telling:
“It’s more about culture and people than the tools themselves. Collaboration is the key to everything we do.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with the vision behind Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform—cloud-native, collaborative, and built for cross-disciplinary synergy. Inamura sees these cloud-driven solutions as a necessary evolution in how design teams work.
Shaping the Future of Digital Architecture and Construction
Inamura’s journey, from academic research to professional practice, demonstrates how digital tools like CATIA can empower not just technical precision, but creative exploration.
Whether transforming city skylines, advancing digital architecture, or innovating with new materials, he embodies the essence of modern design. His work is grounded in collaboration, driven by data, and powered by imagination.
“CATIA really shines when we need to link conceptual ideas with real-world conditions.”
As the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry moves forward, stories like Inamura’s illuminate a path where digital architecture and physical realities merge. CATIA is more than just a design tool, it serves as a comprehensive creative and engineering environment. It brings together data, collaboration, and simulation to help shape the future of the built world. In this landscape, design is no longer just about form or function—it becomes a catalyst for innovation across disciplines.
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FAQ
What role does CATIA play in architectural design?
CATIA connects conceptual design with real-world construction by enabling architects and engineers to model complex geometries. It allows for simulation of structural and thermal behavior, enhancing collaboration across disciplines. Through integrated data and powerful design tools, CATIA advances the practice of digital architecture.
What is unique about Chikara Inamura’s approach to architecture and engineering?
Chikara Inamura integrates architecture, structural engineering, and computational design to drive innovation. For example, he uses tools like CATIA for both design and performance simulation, exemplified by his 3D-printed glass platform.
What is digital design architecture?
CATIA supports digital architecture by offering advanced tools that integrate design with engineering. It allows teams to work with real-world data and seamlessly manage integrations across disciplines for accurate, buildable models.
How do you become a digital architect?
CATIA’s collaborative platform enables teams to share data in real time, use integrated tools, and streamline workflows. These integrations ensure that all project members contribute to a unified digital architecture model.
What is post digital architecture?
CATIA stands out by combining digital architecture with engineering simulation. Its powerful tools use real-world data and offer deep integrations that connect form, function, and performance in one environment.