We are witnessing a major shift in the imaging process. The recent influx and growth of machine learning and artificial intelligence are raising questions about how creative processes evolve and evolve through technology. Systems like DALL-E, DALL-E 2, and Midjourney are artificial intelligence programs trained to generate images from text descriptions using a data set of text-image pairs. Multiple skills include creating anthropomorphised versions of animals and objects, combining unrelated concepts in plausible ways, and applying transformations to existing images. Science fiction writers inspire us with bold and provocative visions of the future. It’s easy to think of Huxley, Orwell, Asimov, and Bradbury. They have envisioned great advances in technology and often predicted changes in social structure that would result from the human need to open Pandora’s box. Much of the charm and appeal of science fiction lies in the boldness of some of these predictions. They seem to defy the laws of nature and science, and then the specter of human ingenuity does it faster than one might have thought. Architecture as a profession is steeped in history and driven by innovation. In recent years we have seen unprecedented technological advances, developing tools and systems that are changing the way we understand the world. Digital spaces are becoming an accessible reality as the metaverse promises to enhance human interaction. Other digital tools such as robotic construction technologies, AI-generated imagery, and immersive virtual reality devices are likely to have a direct impact on the construction industry. These topics are addressed by forward-thinking architects, designers, and construction professionals. Among others, contemporary artist Krista Kim will talk about the metaverse economy, architect Alper Derinboğaz will draw attention to the challenges facing new generations of architects, and ICON founder Jason Ballard will show the impact of technological innovations.
Artificial intelligence and architecture will come together to solve challenges related to housing, the way we live, and cities. About 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas or cities. It is estimated that this proportion will increase to 68% by 2050. Experts anticipate a spectacular advance toward cities that will lead to the emergence of countless megacities around the world. Artificial intelligence will enable architecture to open the doors to smart homes; Which are complex living and data-driven spaces. Parametric, kinetic design and complex volumes that are highly efficient and not just cubes/bricks will be the new normal. AI will have a significant impact on spatial planning, design, construction, and project management, reduce waste, integrate sustainable strategies, and help households contribute to efficient smart cities.
AI and Architecture
This transformation requires infrastructure, innovation, and inclusion at scale. Lately, all the attention has focused on artificial intelligence and architecture. As a discipline, AI is permeated by multiple domains, offering people new methods and means to solve difficult challenges. Numerous industries benefit from AI. Take automation, medicine, manufacturing, and IT, for example, offers them countless inventive possibilities and has become a valuable addition to their design creation process. The question is: What role do artificial intelligence and architecture play? How can this new discipline transform the architecture industry? Here is my take on this particular topic. In architecture, the mathematical and physical demands of engineering intersect with the results of pure and creative imagination can support both aspects. Here’s an example: To decide what material to use for a specific part of a building, an architect weighs the pros and cons of different options. Today, many architects still rely on their experience and manual analysis of data sheets to make their decisions. With AI, the same architect could automate part of this process. AI is characterized by the fact that it can meaningfully interpret huge amounts of data. This allowed numerous materials to be compared in a very short time using software, allowing architects to conclude their quality and suitability for a specific room. However, the role of AI in architecture goes even further with generative AI tools like Mid Journey AI, which generates extremely creative images from simple text prompts. Some of these were shared on the social media platform Instagram, which has 102,000 posts linked with the hashtag #midjourneyarchitecture. Since AI influences both the technical and creative aspects of architecture, will it then replace human architects? In a recent article in the architecture magazine Dezeen, author Neil Leach quotes ChatGPT as saying, “Shortly, architects could be a thing of the past.”The KI also stated that “AI has the potential to revolutionize the architecture industry and leave traditional architects behind.”Leach softens these quotes by noting that many of the recent advances in AI have centered on the use of deep learning models to generate images. It also points out that in many scenarios, AI does not replace humans, but enhances their capabilities. In this context, AI could enable a one-man architecture firm to work on larger designs that previously would have been beyond its capabilities. It seems clear that architects who haven’t already done so need to start embracing AI and using its capabilities. Working with AI will not only make business sense but will become a prerequisite. According to Architect magazine, building owners are already asking architects to provide data sets that they can then use for tasks such as facility management.
Refernces:
- Online sources
Mahendra, S. (2023) Artificial Intelligence and Architecture, Artificial Intelligence +. Available at: https://www.aiplusinfo.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-and-architecture/#h-introduction-artificial-intelligence-and-architecture (Accessed: 05 September 2023).
Florian, M.-C. et al. (2023) ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/tag/artificial-intelligence (Accessed: 05 September 2023).
