Artificial intelligence (AI) is here and it’s already transforming architecture and interior design. That’s according to a new report from dwp (design worldwide partnership) that claims we are on the cusp of a technological revolution. The research paper, which highlights various uses of intelligent technologies, was even created using a range of AI tools.
Scott Whittaker, group creative director at dwp, says this period is a defining moment. “It will be a historical inflection point comparable to other revolutions such as the printing press, the industrial revolution, the invention of electricity, radio and the internet,” he said.
“We are at the beginning of a new era and the outcomes will be unexpected and surprising.”
From generative AI imagery created through tools like Midjourney and DALL-E 2, to text descriptions via ChatGPT and Bing Chat, anybody and everybody can access new ways to rapidly produce designs. Other AI programs are being developed that go further into the design process, such as Planner 5D’s Design Generator aimed at making it easier for homeowners to create design inspirations, to tools aimed at the professionals like start-up Maket.
AI, which is being built specifically to reduce time spent on architectural planning and schematic design. “Every profession or industry that does not currently plan to integrate their business will be in danger right now. Since competitive AI systems are evolving, there will be a constant requirement to change,” says Whittaker, who is committed to bringing artificial intelligence and advanced computational design software solutions to dwp’s team and clients. “We don’t know, but the effect on jobs, society and government, as well as the world that we know, will be changed forever and at a rapidity that has never been seen before. Where you work and where you play will both look very different than they do now. AI and robotics will have a profound impact on our industry.”
The report highlights a number of areas where AI can assist creative teams. In the design phase, AI can quickly assess data from practical aspects like construction supplies, location considerations, energy usage and environmental impact, to incorporating bespoke client preferences. As AI advances, it can also assist in finding ways to include ‘novel shapes and forms that might not be doable or intuitive using more conventional design approaches’.
Of course, these designs need to appeal to prospective clients and AI is already supporting firms in crafting helpful marketing resources, generating what the dwp report describes as ‘immersive and intuitive experiences’. Clients can explore virtual reality and augmented reality designs produced through AI, to help make more informed decisions.
AI can also help with the delivery of projects. Companies like Australia’s BuildAI for example, monitors construction safety, optimises crane solutions and material movement, and identifies build inefficiencies to reduce delays.
And, through smart buildings, AI can automatically check and assess building performance and recommend maintenance actions to prevent problems.
However, the report does offer some solace for designers fearful of their roles being replaced. Humans will still be integral to architecture and interior design – at least in the foreseeable future – with AI complementing rather than replacing creative visionaries.
As Thomas Meier, dwp’s Thailand Studio creative director puts it, the role of designers is changing. Now, the expectation is that designers will be ‘expert consultants’ providing guidance to clients that shape the experience of spaces, with generative AI complementing the consultation process by creating design iterations in near real-time. How much AI will impact things remains to be seen, but Whittaker estimates it could be significant.
He said: “Creativity only comprises five percent of architecture and design; the remaining 95 percent consists of data processing and knowledge management. Every process, from email to specification writing, marketing, practice management and team collaboration, will be impacted as artificial intelligence will do everything faster and better.
“If we can combine tools such as Revit with generative AI, then procedures such as documentation could be instantaneous.”
What’s clear is that transformational technologies such as AI and machine learning are here to stay and will play an increasingly important part in the operations of architectural and design practices.