Artificial Intelligence | AI Architecture
Artificial Intelligence also known as AI, can shape the future of the world on a far grander scale than we could have ever imagined. It challenges us to rethink how we view the world through conventional methods. Artificial intelligence mainly uses image, text, and voice-based applications contributing to breakthroughs in automobile, information technology, and healthcare sectors, to name a few. AI Architecture is used in the architecture field and intends to bring an unpredictable shift in critical design thinking, concepts, and visualization.
AI Generated Architecture
Designs are bound to evolve with time. Architectural styles, materials used, and building typologies have changed over the decades. Many buildings of the 1900s may not resonate with the styles and principles like sustainability that is relevant today. Even the way architects design – be it concepts, execution, or technical limitations is not the same as today.
Technologies like 3D printing have already begun to move the design field way ahead of what it was before. One of the tools that are bringing further change in architecture is the use of Artificial Intelligence. Generative design algorithms help mimic design stages via software that has the potential to design an entire structure from concept to design stages. They can also help automate a variety of options for the same design problem – allowing one to evaluate and choose the best option.
Many argue against this technology that machines can not replace the design abilities of an architect. However, even if they are not employed to find ready-made solutions to design problems, they can be used as tools to explore an architect’s creativity. Additionally, they can be used as an aid where human minds could falter while creating and keeping track of multiple options for the same design.
Software in use today
Lilli Smith, Senior Product Manager AEC Generative Design at Autodesk believes that computational design in architecture is essential when the requirements are complex. She believes that the computer does not do anything by itself – it is an automated way to create combinations that is not feasible by a human mind. The compilation of various layers of data can surprise the architect with unexpected design solutions. Lilli Smith was a part of the team that designed a flexible office space using AI. The team collected data from employees about their work habits, daylight, and socializing requirements. After short-listing their overall goals, they aimed to create multiple options for spatial zoning, and desk arrangements. The use of Artificial Intelligence helped them do just that and create a flexible office space.
Stephen Coorlas, founder of Coorlas Architects based in Chicago, USA designed an experimental project named ‘Speculations on AI and Architecture’. It is a text-to-image generator driven by AI that can create traditional construction documents for modern precast concrete houses. Stephen brings these images to life using depth maps and animation tools.
Bill Cusick is the creative director at Stability AI – which released text-to-image software called Stable Diffusion and DreamStudio. The software creates renderings that mimic hand-drawn rough sketches of initial design stages.
Manas Bhatia, an Indian designer, and a Midjourney software expert creates conceptual art showing futuristic cityscapes. He creates structures draped in a fabric of nature and believes that it can change how projects are visualized and presented to clients.
Celestino Soddu is a contemporary Italian architect inspired by the potential for endless designs using AI. He created a ‘species’ of medieval towns in Italy that generated infinite 3D models of the cities. One of his popular works is the proposal for the recovery of the Notre Dame pinnacle in Paris.
Stanislas Chaillou is an architect, AI researcher, and co-founder of Rayon. He is passionate about geometry and weaving design with computation. One of his concepts is to design apartment block layouts using Generative Adversarial Nets (GANs) and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). Design is completed in three stages – footprint, design layout, and furniture. The architect can tweak the process at any stage and provide inputs.
With the advancements in algorithms by AI researchers, there is a plethora of design tools to leverage from. One such tool available online is ARCHITEChTURES. The AI-powered tool enables the design process of residential sectors, improving decision-making by reducing design time from months to days. Data is trained with Big Data that studies the inputs like dimensions, and geometry generated by the user and provides designs that best solve the problem parameters. This enables the designer to have complete control over the quantitative aspects of the design, and generate options till satisfaction. ‘ARCHITEChTURE’ proves itself as an added value by improving decision-making.
To summarize, various design software using artificial intelligence are being created every day. They have the power to completely revolutionize the way architects approach and interact with built and un-built environment. Just the thought of the unknown that is to come is exciting, isn’t it?
Citation
Online Sources
Ai Architecture Generative Design Housing: Bricsys blog (2019) bricsys. Available at: https://www.bricsys.com/en-eu/blog/ai-architecture-generative-design-housing (Accessed: January 14, 2023).
Dormehl, L. (2021) Algorithmic architecture: Using A.I. to design buildings, Digital Trends. Digital Trends. Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/ai-architecture-housing-design/ (Accessed: January 14, 2023).
AI-Powered Building Design (2022) Architechtures. Architechtures. Available at: https://architechtures.com/en/ (Accessed: January 14, 2023).
Ai generates speculative axonometric construction drawings of modern concrete houses (2022) designboom. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/ai-generated-construction-documents-generative-design-architecture-stephen-coorlas-08-06-2022/ (Accessed: January 14, 2023).
How ai software will change architecture and design (2022) Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2022/11/16/ai-design-architecture-product/ (Accessed: January 14, 2023).
