By Dikshu C. Kukreja
Technological advancements are redefining and reshaping many sectors in today’s tech-driven world. With artificial intelligence (AI) taking everything by storm, the architectural engineering and construction (AEC) sector could not be left behind. AI has revolutionised data analysis in the field and helped in the development of many tools, software and platforms that aid designers and construction professionals every day. With the sudden popularity of AI-based tools like Midjourney, AI has made it clear that it is here to stay and significantly impact our personal and professional lives.
However, every new invention or discovery breeds diverse viewpoints, which is true with AI too. Many professionals consider AI as the beginning of the end. But, as a practising architect and urbanist, I believe this technology is here to help us and offers the opportunity to go beyond.
AI Saves Time & Produces More
By now, it is evident that AI has a lot to offer for the construction and design industry. The practitioners can use its ability to analyse vast repositories of global-level data when conceiving their designs. Right from the properties of a variety of building materials to different architectural styles to energy consumption patterns in spaces, the data is immense. And when it comes to monotonous tasks that end up eating time, AI can help automate them, thereby allowing professionals more room to experiment and innovate.
As is the norm, when in need to create multiple design options, the architects would draft or model each iteration individually. Being a tedious exercise that takes up a lot of time. In contrast, AI can be explored to produce multiple iterations in relatively lesser time. The technology has paved the path for many architectural drawing and modelling software that present the facility for creating generative designs. Using such software, the architects can define parameters and then use AI to generate multiple design options in a blink of an eye.
AI & Climate Change
Sustainable design is the need of the hour. AI can prove vital for architects and engineers to design and plan their buildings eco-consciously. Through simulation technology, it can help analyse the building design’s energy performance and suitable improvements could be made to the existing design. Thus, better-informed design can be made wherein artificial intelligence can help improve every aspect — from the orientation of the building to the size of the windows.
AI For Better Cities
AI is also finding befitting use in town planning practices and projects worldwide. When combined with tools like GIS (Geographic Information System), a combination of hardware and software, it can aid in visualising geographic data that helps in large-scale design and planning projects. Integrating AI with BIM (Building Information Modelling), helps simulate three-dimensional scenarios that lend a greater insight into the visualisation and analysis of complex spatial data over a large area.
With AI still in its nascent stage, I believe we have a long way to go with this technology with its multifold benefits for every sector. For now, architects, engineers and designers must continue creating more reliable, efficient, and sustainable built environments with AI at their disposal.
(The author is the Managing Principal at CP Kukreja Architects)
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