AI: towards construction without human intelligence ?
AI… what does it mean?
For those who have the reference (and the others), artificial intelligence (AI) raises many questions and a growing curiosity to be at the centre of attention at the moment with the ChatGPT phenomenon.
If it is already installed everywhere in our phones, computers and digital platforms, it is gradually interfering in the life of urban and real estate projects.
Will architects be replaced one day by computers?
Not completely, although artificial intelligence is changing the way architects design buildings and how construction sites are managed.
Design
With the help of AI, architects can create high-precision digital models of buildings, allowing a better understanding of light, ventilation and airflow requirements. It also allows for the simulation of usage scenarios to identify potential strengths and weaknesses of a project.
AI can also help architects to optimise designs by using solution finding algorithms to explore many different options. This allows creative solutions to be discovered that might not be obvious to a human architect working alone.
There are several applications using AI that can help architects design more efficient and sustainable buildings. Some of these applications use machine learning to optimise the form and function of a building based on criteria such as energy consumption, indoor air quality, and natural lighting. Others use shape generation algorithms to generate innovative building designs. Some examples of AI software in architecture include:
- Dreamcatcher
- Autodesk Dreamcatcher
- KUKA Architecture
- Smart Design
- GenerativeComponents.
- Arup Design Exploration Platform
- Rhino + Grasshopper
Cost Estimating
There are also several job costing solutions that can help contractors, architects and owners estimate the cost of construction projects. These software programs use actual cost databases to generate accurate and detailed estimates for various aspects of a project, such as materials, labour, equipment and overhead. Some examples of job cost estimating software include:
- Sage Estimating
- ProEst
- HeavyBid
- On-Screen Takeoff
- CMICostX
- Accubid
- Quick Bid
- Esticom
- CostOS
- CostX
Construction site management
Finally, there are several software packages that use artificial intelligence for site management, such as :
- Autodesk BIM 360: a project management software based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) that uses AI to optimise task lists, identify potential conflicts and improve collaboration between the various parties on the site.
- Smartvid.io: an intelligent video surveillance software that uses AI to detect inconsistencies and risks on construction sites, as well as to facilitate communication between teams.
- Procore: a project management software that uses AI to automate administrative tasks, improve collaboration between stakeholders and optimise resource management.
- Fieldwire: a mobile job site management application that uses AI to automate the creation of task lists, facilitate communication between teams, and improve decision making
- Doxel: a site monitoring software that uses AI to generate real-time 3D models and identify discrepancies between initial plans and actual work.
It is important to note that AI will not replace human architects and contractors, but rather help them to be more efficient and creative in their work. Architectural and construction professionals will need to be trained to use these new tools to their best advantage.
AI ultimately proves to be a valuable aid in mechanical, logical tasks that require little creativity, but perhaps one day a robot will be awarded the Pritzker Prize (equivalent to the Nobel Prize in architecture)?