Whether it’s about chatbots like ChatGPT or AI-driven text-to-image models like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney or DALL-E, the world has been abuzz with discussions regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on art and design. No doubt, the main question on every artist and designer’s mind is “will we become obsolete”?
If you enter “AI Architecture” in your favorite search engine, you will find products like ARCHITEChTURES, an AI-powered building design tool, or articles like this one, featuring stunning images of buildings created through text-to-image models. This means that clients are now able to generate visually appealing concept images and seemingly complete schematic plans through AI tools on their own instead of hiring a design professional. How does this impact the role of architect and designer?
Technology’s role in Architecture
As tempting as it is to cast artificial intelligence in the role of villain, architects and designers have been benefiting from technological advancements for decades. For example, computer aided design (CAD) software has evolved to become more than just a tool to replace the time consuming task of manual drafting with electronic drafting. Modern programs not only facilitate the iterative nature of design by making it less time consuming to produce multiple options, but they allow designers to work in 3D and generate real-time renders. Clients are now able to better visualize and make informed decisions earlier on in the process. Furthermore, construction documentation and contract administration has greatly benefitted from automated tools for path of travel calculation, conflict detection, and quantity take-offs amongst many others. These advancements have no doubt benefited the field of architecture and have been positively embraced by the discipline.
Why is AI such a hot topic?
But what makes these new AI tools such a hot topic and deserving of so much media attention compared to previous technologies? It appears that much of this is rooted in the different values we place on the creative vs. technical aspects of design. As design professionals our identity is deeply rooted in our ability to create compelling and impactful spaces. The models and drawings required to build these spaces are often viewed as a means to an end. These new tools have given us a glimpse into a world where AI is not just capable of solving technical design problems, but is capable of solving creative ones too.
So what does this mean for architecture?
At its simplest form, AI combines computer science with robust data sets to enable problem solving. It is designed to analyze the data quicker and on a greater scale than humans are capable of in their lifetimes. However, the output (concept image, schematic plan, model, drawing etc.) is entirely contingent on the available input (data set of similar projects). If the data set is out of date or inaccurate, then the results may not be current or correct. As well, because the output is based on a summary of the available data, it is inherently generic.
Specificity & Uniqueness
In architecture, we strive for regional specificity and uniqueness - buildings should seamlessly integrate into the local environment but also have enough character to be identifiable. Out of date or inaccurate data could generate a design that does not align with intended goals. A generic aesthetic could go against local sensibilities or create a built environment that starts to look all the same and be uninviting. What this means is that even if AI tools play a role in generating ideas or plans, a human architect or designer is still required to ensure the output meets the intent of the client, adheres to local regulations and has meaning. In addition, an architectural seal is intended to protect both the client and the community from poorly executed design. As long as it is required, oversight by a design professional is a must and will not be entirely replaced by AI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, will architects and designers be replaced by AI? At this point in time, it appears unlikely. However, could these new tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion etc.) play a role in an evolving design process? Absolutely. Ultimately, any tool that empowers our clients to better communicate their design intentions to us has a place in our workflow.
Our tools may change as technology improves and evolves, but our core beliefs have remained pretty steadfast since our studio’s founding. Learn more about our values below.