Technology is synonymous with architecture and as AI has been slowly introduced into more of our everyday lives, most notably with ChatGPT going viral in November 2022, AI has been a major subject across all sectors.

In Brief: AI in Architecture

In November 2023, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) conducted a survey to gauge AI adoption and sentiment in the architecture industry, finding that of the 41% practices that are utilising AI in their projects , 43% believe that AI has improved efficiency in the1 architectural design process.

AI can help to streamline the architectural design process through data gathering and representing this data through visualisations which can then be used by architects and even their clients to make decisions on materials; facades etc.. AI can also help to speed up administrative processes that architecture firms must fulfil such as using AI to update contracts with suppliers. Furthermore, due to the high volume of data AI scrapes, it can offer a range of exciting iteration options (generative design) at a fast pace, potentially saving architects time and helping architects and clients be more exacting with briefs. Additionally, AI can gather data and use this to perform risk assessments , which is helpful throughout the design and3 construction of a project. Similarly, AI helps architects to gather environmental, climatic, contextual data which can be overlaid to enhance the efficiency of the structure itself.

However, it is important to understand that there are limitations to the use of AI in the architecture space. AI-produced analyses and iterations can have inaccuracies and other mistakes. AI’s decision-making is opaque, which means that AI produced work needs to be diligently checked by an architect to ensure that it fits client briefs; uses the correct materials and any other areas of concern e.g. copyright or legislative adherences. It is important to note that using AI may change an architecture firm’s insurance liabilities and that as with many4 advanced technologies, privacy can also be an issue (AI collects large amounts of data, across the internet to gather intelligence and become better at its assigned task).

But, none of these limitations are insurmountable.

In focus: Aqua Architecture and AI

Mindful design and sustainability are core principles here at Aqua Architecture and AI has been a great asset when it comes to creating environmentally conscious and user-considered projects. At Aqua Architecture we are evolving the way we work to enhance the efficiency through AI practices and stay ahead of the changes that are impacted by AI and other new technologies. We now use AI for visualisation and technical delivery across our projects, including conducting analyses and research. At Aqua Architecture we use software programes: BIM; Chat GPT; Midjourney Grasshopper and D5 to facilitate all of the processes that are the means to a design and help us to embody our sustainability and mindful ethos.

Visualisation

Using software, Grasshopper, Aqua Architecture produces environmental and daylight studies, including detailed depictions of sun positioning and glare, allowing us to reach an understanding of the impact of a proposed building design as well as material possibilities e.g. daylight shadow studies.

Case Study: Daylight analyses were conducted to examine the glazing needs of both the north and south facades of Aqua Architecture’s Wyldecrest Tower project and apply this knowledge to the final design.

Grasshopper was very helpful as it allowed us to code a script and design with environmental impact as a priority. We looked at varying the size of the openings for windows on the facade so that it corresponded with how much sun intake there would be on the building. This smart technology helps us to find the right amount of shade and glass for a building to increase the energy efficiency of the building.

Grasshopper allows our firm to design more efficiently and environmentally responsibly because it takes into account climate data and offers analysis, we can then apply this information to create sustainable designs.

Aqua Architecture uses AI software D5 and midjourney for generative designs, saving everyone time and money by helping us to present multiple design options to our clients.

Case Study: Aqua Architecture created multiple iterations of a renovated barn facade, utilising different materials for our Park Farm Barn project, in order to produce a design that was to our client’s taste and requirements. Creating multiple options helped us to secure this project as it allowed the clients to review and select what fits with their vision/liking.

Grasshopper can also enable us to be really creative and innovative in our designs, creating exciting parametric facades that can also be very mindful and user experience oriented.

Case Study: The House of Mindfulness was devised as part of a design competition, it was designed with a central courtyard to pay mind to the privacy of its potential inhabitants while taking into account the direction and intensity of the sun. We produced our ideas for this mindful house using generative design to create the building’s form. Next we implemented our mindful strategies, making the entrance grand and welcoming; creating the private and green courtyard as well as maximising the house’s glazing to let in as much natural light as possible. Through the ample glazing of the house it becomes more energy efficient as less artificial lighting is needed by the resident.

AR/VR visualisation

AR allows us to present models within a virtual space, enhancing engagement and interaction with stakeholders. AI heightens our firm’s ability to use AR and VR including the production of realistic renderings, or enhancing the accuracy of existing images. This helps architects and clients to virtually experience design concepts and understand spatial relationships and proposed design elements

Case Study: For some specific projects we have created QR codes which you can scan and then explore an AR design of the project, in-app you can walk through and take layers off the project and see the floorplan, examine how the proposed materials work for the property and more.

Research

In addition to visualisation, Aqua Architecture is working towards integrating AI into every step of our projects, to increase efficiency and help us in our administration processes, enabling us to increase focus on creativity and client satisfaction. An avenue that Aqua Architecture are exploring is AI-aided research, to speed up and enhance our research capabilities we use AI software, Chat GPT. This research and data collection by Chat GPT also helps us with feasibility studies.

Final thoughts

AI, like most technology, is constantly changing and evolving, requiring the industry to be more agile and open-minded as architects need to constantly be able to adapt and change with the latest AI updates and advancements.

Aqua Architecture is aspiring to be at the forefront of AI in architecture, pioneering its eventual use across all stages of a project. But we aspire to be more than pioneers, to be innovators, and far ahead of the curve when it comes to AI led architectural practices.

By Aara Syed in collaboration with Aqua Architecture.

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All secondary sources

1. AI and contract negotiation: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemckendrick/2023/03/17/your-next-negotiating-partner-artificial-intelligence/

2. AI in construction project management: https://www.e-architect.com/articles/rise-of-ai-in-construction-project-management

3. AI is advancing architecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLY75Gn0gyU

4. “AI Reliance” insurance: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/uk/news/professional-liability/rely-on-ai-theres-now-insurance-for-that-494534.aspx

5. AI tools for architecture, analysis and real estate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SevOxzFXMGY

6. Analytics in architectural design: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-analytics-architectural-design-john-barkwell-nkvac/

7. Building smarter with AI: https://kennedyslaw.com/en/thought-leadership/article/2024/building-smarter-ai-and-the-construction-industry/

8. Ethics and Privacy in AI: https://aiexplo.red/ais-ethical-and-privacy-implications-in-architecture/

9. Examples of Parametric Design in architecture: https://www.e-zigurat.com/en/blog/parametric-design-in-architecture-examples/#:~:text=Parametric%20design%20in%20architecture%20is,to%20changing%20parameters%20and%20conditions

10. Generative design info: https://www.ptc.com/en/technologies/cad/generative-design#:~:text=Generative%20design%20is%20a%20method,materials%20to%20generate%20optimized%20designs

11. How to use AI successfully as an Architect: https://www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/navigating-the-waters-of-ai-in-2024-will-you-sink-or-swim/5126861.article#:~:text=Amidst%20the%20urgency%20to%20act,AI%20must%20be%20carefully%20evaluated

12. Overwhelming AI opportunities for design & construction firms: https://www.bdcnetwork.com/home/news/55166110/are-ai-opportunities-overwhelming-design-and-construction-firms

13. Parametric design: https://transcendinfra.com/parametric-design/#:~:text=Parametric%20design%20is%20a%20technique,to%20generate%20a%20unique%20solution

14. Possible copyright complications of AI in architecture: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/21/ai-copyright-designers-architects-aitopia/

15. RIBA 2024 AI Report, Page 1-33: https://riba-prd-assets.azureedge.net/-/media/GatherContent/Business-Benchmarking/Additional-Documents/RIBA-2024-AI-Report.pdf?rev=7fc210b741f3452b9052b701c243b7dd

16. Risks and Opportunities of AI: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/ai-survey-architects-torn-between-risks-and-opportunities-as-use-surges

17. System dynamics: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/professor-emeritus-jay-w-forrester-digital-computing-and-system-dynamics-pioneer-dies-98

18. The impact of generative AI on the jobs of architects and civil engineers: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/03/15/how-generative-ai-will-change-the-jobs-of-architects-and-civil-engineers/#:~:text=The%20basic%20idea%20is%20that,require%20real%20ingenuity%20and%20creativity

19. Top AI tools for architects and designers: https://architizer.com/blog/practice/tools/top-ai-tools-for-architects-and-designers/

20. Uses and methods of using AI in architecture: https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/artificial-intelligence-in-architecture?srsltid=AfmBOopULRQ3ZrJ3wG4f4PY3N52ZaPD31IJpPf0UUJblO3rRXUC3rQpW

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