AI’s Impact On The Future of Architecture

The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new one, having been around for over 60 years. It was in the 1950s when American Computer Scientist, John McCarthy, referred to as the “Father of AI,” first used the term “artificial intelligence”, opening the door for researchers in the United States and Britain, including Alan Turing, to delve deeper into computer learning, equations, and theorems.

In the 1960s, computer scientists began to build machines similar to robots, and in 1972, the first humanoid robot was constructed in Japan. In the 1970s, in the US, the focus was on language processing including transcription and translation. In 1970, a man named Marvin Minsky told Life Magazine that, “Within 3 to 8 years we will have a machine with the general intelligence of a human brain.”  However, progress was limited in all areas of AI research due to the lack of technological improvements in data storage and processing power. The hardware platforms at that time were simply not capable of handling the large amount of data necessary to approach any sort of human intelligence. As a result, from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, there was a significant decrease in development funding and research.

During the late 1980s, the Japanese government picked up the ball and heavily funded research to improve computer logic programming and AI; however, similar roadblocks, with respect to the complexity of the programming and data storage requirements, hindered progress.

By the 1990s, computers had become more powerful, and the advancement of technology and AI capabilities began to expand rapidly and continue to rise to this day. Private industry took over and funded the bulk of the research leading to systems like IBM’s Deep Blue, which defeated the reigning world chess champion in 1997.  Smart technology has been the driving force behind the transformation of various industries over the past few decades, and now, it is the architecture industry’s turn to be revolutionized by the introduction of this new technology. With that in mind, here’s how AI is impacting the future of architecture.

AI is Reforming Design for Large-Scale Interaction

In various countries worldwide, video surveillance is often used to study how people behave and use their spaces. For instance, artificial intelligence using computer vision is already being used to improve visitor flow in airports, museums, and other large public spaces. To go one step further, some organizations are even designing structures that come together to form entire smart cities based on how people interact with their environment and how comfortable they are in public places. The ambitious “The Line” project in Saudi Arabia aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by planning the city of 9 million inhabitants around maximum convenience and minimizing transportation needs. AI is assisting with the planning of the project by using predictive data models to create efficient urban planning layouts.

AI Will Help Architects and Project Managers Get From Point A to B Efficiently

When designing a building, taking the “way it has always been done” may not be the best course of action. AI is already drastically reducing the time it takes to plan and analyze alternate design scenarios that would otherwise be impossible to examine using conventional methods. This can range from energy modeling alternative building configurations, to space planning, to the actual design of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that make the building function.  Optimization of these functions can save anywhere from 10-30% of the cost of the installed systems and make buildings function more efficiently over the life of the facility.

Of course, computer-aided design (CAD) has been critical in creating 3D and 2D building models for decades; however, true Building Information Modeling (BIM) goes far beyond this. It offers features such as product details, time, and expenses, providing an architect with a comprehensive view of a project. BIM works alongside other design software programs to give a complete overview of the design, including initial concept, specific design, assessment, documentation, fabrication, building, operation, maintenance after it is built, and future renovation or demolition plans.

If utilized properly, AI can use BIM data to detect obstructions, waste, and inefficiencies, allowing architects to generate more effective, longer-lasting projects while spending less time on data analysis.

AI Can Help Walk Clients Through Buildings and Structures Before They Are Completed

Augmented reality has revolutionized the video game industry and has had a huge impact on architecture and design. It has enabled firms to provide virtual-world experiences to their clients before even starting construction. This technology has allowed architects to simulate building features, like layouts, aesthetics, finishes, sounds, and more, before owners invest money into construction only to find out it isn’t quite what they had envisioned.

Moreover, with the advancement in AI, feedback about the proposed building can now be incorporated into the architecture immediately and accurately. Ultimately, AI is turning out to be a great tool for designers and architects worldwide, as it allows them to make more informed decisions when creating projects.

AI is Improving Building Design Efficiency

Today, software applications and programs have made it a straightforward job to carry out complex engineering computations, environmental assessments, and design simulations. Architects have access to a great deal of building design data these days, which reduces the time required to gather information, such as material ratings, code requirements, temperature, and weather data.  AI technology also provides architects the chance to incorporate sustainability features into their designs. For example, they can add intelligent lighting and storm water management systems to the plans, thus guaranteeing improved sustainability right from the start. AI assistance in this process is crucial to making the best decisions when it comes to the long-term environmental impact of a facility.

Expert systems, based on AI technology, can provide for the consolidation of the vast knowledge of the design and construction industry to facilitate better and safer buildings based on the collective knowledge of thousands of projects and professionals, instead of just the knowledge, training, and experience of a few design professionals, as exists in the traditional design and construction industry.

Ten years ago, this would have been impossible. However, with the increasing prevalence of AI technology, even small practices can take on major projects, as they can use the tools and resources available to them to create designs that rival those of larger, better capitalized firms. AI technology is leveling the playing field in ways that could not have been anticipated even a few years ago.

AI is Optimizing Building Operation and Maintenance

AI-powered energy management systems can recognize user trends to create the perfect environment for tenants while preserving energy and cutting costs. For example, the Nest Thermostat is a simple and popular example of such a system; it uses AI technology to modify itself to keep a building at an optimal temperature while maintaining minimum energy consumption. Furthermore, it also notifies customers when temperatures drop or climb to an unsafe level. This technology can also accumulate and analyze sensor data to identify malfunctions in a building, providing an easier way to track a building’s efficiency and performance. More sophisticated systems for commercial buildings monitor the real time power consumption of central plants and optimize the operation of the equipment to provide optimal temperatures with minimal energy input.

AI is Making Buildings More Secure

For decades, video surveillance has been utilized by businesses, institutions, universities, and municipalities to monitor who is entering and leaving and watch for nefarious activity. However, the enormous amount of video data obtained means that many occurring events may be missed if there is no one to watch them.

In contrast, a well-designed AI-powered safety monitoring system installed in a building can swiftly examine and automatically identify suspicious behavior, that might otherwise be missed until it is too late, and alert the building security personal.

AI can also help security managers get through advanced locking systems, which can prohibit entrance to certain areas if the pattern of access does not meet the required protocol.

AI is Updating the Construction Process

According to McKinsey, approximately 7% of the global workforce works in the construction sector, yet it is one of the least technically advanced industries out there. However, there are massive opportunities for AI to be incorporated into the construction industry, and doing so can potentially lower construction costs by as much as 20% through intelligent design and automated construction quality control.

In addition to deploying semi or fully-autonomous construction machinery to assist in site preparation jobs and excavation, AI can automatically evaluate job sites and spot possible safety risks, which can reduce safety incidents and delays they may cause.

Wrapping Up

Artificial intelligence has the ability to process both historical and current data through machine learning, generative design, and expert systems, helping architects, engineers, and project managers develop ideas for the future using data driven design. This means that professionals will spend fewer hours designing a building and instead focus on meeting the clients needs and requirements in the best and most efficient manner possible. However, one question remains: Will AI progress to the point that human architects and engineers will no longer be necessary? We believe that AI will continue to assist human design professionals in providing better more thoughtful designs for their clients well into the foreseeable future!  AI is a tool that should be embraced for better outcomes for all stakeholders and for the environment.

For information on how artificial intelligence impacts the architecture industry, visit Schnackel Engineers today to learn more about our AI-powered MEP engineering services.