Navigating the Future: AI Architecture and Its Impact on Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the business world by storm. Architectural designs are one of many things that could be replaced or supplemented by generative AI. The question is: will this technology help push the industry into the future, or will it threaten architects, designers, and the industry as a whole? In this blog, we’ll talk about AI architecture and the future of the architecture industry.

What is AI Architecture?

AI architecture is architectural designs that have been created or supplemented by artificial intelligence. This is typically done by generative AI, which can be used to create architectural drawings and designs.

There are numerous articles out there that threaten the “end of architects,” signaling that AI might be able to replace architects.

But we don’t really think that’s the case. If you’ve dabbled with AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney then you probably know AI isn’t necessarily better than humans.

Faster? Definitely.

But the quality and accuracy still leave a lot to be desired if we want to have buildings that are structurally sound and physically possible. So, most AI architecture is still going to need human intervention.

How is AI used in Architecture?

Architects are already using artificial intelligence tools to speed up the completion of mundane or repetitive tasks. Things like arranging blocks on an urban plan or distributing parking spaces can be done much faster using AI tools. Not to mention, AI improves data analysis. This can help with the bidding process and for performance optimization.

Generative AI is also being used to generate images, complete schematic designs, assist with urban planning, interior design, and more.

And a lot of this isn’t really new. Architects are used to using building information modeling (BIM) and CAD software to streamline the digitization of physical models to create 3D renderings. AI is really the next step in the digital transformation in the industry.

The Limitations of AI for Architectural Design

While AI can complete tasks much faster than humans, human inputs, revisions, and sensibilities are still required.

“AI can’t yet define the constraints that come with a building project, such as the program, size, audience, material, or geographical context…The technology also has little understanding of how people move through space and interact with objects.”

— Autodesk

Architects are not going anywhere anytime soon. AI can’t truly be creative or innovate new concepts since it’s only recreating concepts and designs that already exist. Not to mention, it can be biased and limited based on what it’s been taught.

And unlike actual licensed architects, it’s not held accountable to industry standards, best practices, or regulations. AI tends to make stuff up, also called “hallucinating,” which can lead to inaccuracies that can’t exist in real architectural designs or plans.

The Impact of AI Architecture on the Future of Design

Despite the limitations of AI for architecture, the ability to automate more tasks at tremendous speeds is game-changing. And it’s the next natural progression from existing technology that architects already use.

The real question is what do we choose to use AI for as it continues to evolve and get smarter?

“This is existential for architects. The people who are now most enthusiastic about AI have no idea what’s being done to them. What we need to ask at this stage is what are we here for? If we’re not here to bring our life experiences to bear on complex problems through our creativity, then what’s left? The things AI is being called to do are the things which give us a stake in existence.”

— Financial Times

Architecture is a kind of art form. It shapes our landscape and the communities we live in. There’s something inherently human about that. And AI can come up with some imaginative, next level stuff.

But do we want it to?

Continuing Education for the Next Generation of Architects

Regardless of where your organization stands on the use of AI architecture design, the industry is changing. Staying up to date with industry best practices, trends, and standards is always paramount.

If you want to provide more high-quality continuing education that keeps your firm on the cutting edge, consider our comprehensive library of AEC courses that has set the industry standard since 1999.

If you’d like to see how your organization can save 30-60% on continuing education with a corporate account at Vector Solutions, request a demo today.