Each project tackled by the design studio of famed architect Daniel Libeskind begins with an idea and ends with a story told in space, time and materials. But how does that happen?
The hard part — which has stalled many ambitious projects over the years — is making that leap from conceptual dream to reality. Advanced technology has made that easier. Computers have replaced drafting tables at every architect’s desk, and computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to visually prototype, test and share ideas instantly.
And yet. When HP researched the design world, it found that only 42 percent of the world’s 11 million designers use workstations — computers that are designed to be more powerful and reliable than consumer or business machines. That means that much of their work — from designing shoes and furniture to skyscrapers and spaceships — was happening on less-than-optimal equipment.
That’s why the company went back to the drawing board to reinvent the workstation.
HP’s new workstation — the Z2 Mini — puts a powerful computer in a package small enough to fit on a desk or be mounted behind one of the six displays it’s capable of running.
“When we first opened the boxes, we were immediately surprised by the Z2’s size,” says Studio Libeskind partner Carla Swickerath. “It's about 90 percent smaller than a traditional tower.”