The Intelligence of the Artificial Architecture (IAA)
© RIBA I Cover of the article published by RIBA on Architecture.com.
The architectural profession is going through a phase of transformation with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as revealed by a recent survey conducted by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) through its members. The findings suggest that the adoption of AI is gaining momentum in our industry, with notable impacts on various aspects of architectural practice such as: developing design ideas, word processing and document archiving.
Project ideas represent one of the most widespread uses of AI in professional studies. Tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion allow architects to create visualizations quickly and easily, making it easier to generate compelling images at the concept design stage – derived from simple text instructions or sketches – and, therefore, significantly simplifying the initial project process . Furthermore, AI capabilities extend to text generation, exemplified by ChatGPT, a chatbot trained on vast online data, which architecture firms use for activities such as: report writing, diagram creation, concept summaries and administrative tasks, improving efficiency in the processes of documenting and communicating their work but, at the same time, also mitigating potential copyright or authorship issues associated with external data sources.
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Despite the progress facilitated by AI, questions remain about its implications for the architectural profession. While some perceive AI as a threat, others recognize its potential benefits, and recognize that “artificial knowledge systems” currently lack the “uninhibited” cognition and creative capabilities of “human architects.” Its role may therefore evolve as a decision support tool, particularly in areas such as the setup of a project or its compliance with building regulations, with the understanding that (for now) human judgment remains fundamental in complex design decisions.
Looking ahead, the future of Intelligence of Artificial Architecture (IAA) holds promising developments, including advances in text-to-BIM as well as 3D form generators. Contrary to the notion that AI adoption benefits larger firms with ample resources, it could actually benefit smaller firms by streamlining workflows and allowing architects to focus more on design challenges. Ultimately, the goal is for artificial intelligence to complement human creativity and expertise, improving efficiency and innovation within the architectural profession. As with previous technological advances (CAD and BIM), the hope is that this technology will serve as a tool that facilitates the daily work of the (human) architect, so that he or she can return to focusing on human-centered design principles.
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