Architecture and AI
Navigating AI’s Impact in Architecture and Exploring Collaborative Design Possibilities.
Written by Will Allen.
In recent years, AI has hit headlines in both positive and negative lights. It’s something I have explored in the design process at university and, now, joining Barefoot Architects I hope to share my experience and go deeper with the team. In the last few weeks, we have been exploring the potential of AI to be used alongside our co-design process to make design more collaborative and engaging.
A concept sketch for a regenerative co-housing project, created by MidJourney (AI) Credit: Barefoot Architects/MidJourney
AI for research:
Almost everything on the internet can be used by AI to summarise an answer almost any question. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool which could empower communities and individuals to begin researching potential site locations, land restrictions, building regularions, cost implications , and the like, before they approach an architect. More in depth research could be carried out by the architect for site analysis, crunching data to identify optimal building orientations, solar exposure, and potential challenges. Tools like ‘UrbanFootprint’ could help architects and clients make informed decisions about a project’s feasibility from the start.
All this information is already available to you on the internet, and we believe our knowledge and experience is more valuable for complete and specific issues - however for quick and easy research, and to save time and money, AI could definitely help!
A concept render for a regenerative co-housing project, created by MidJourney (AI). Credit: Barefoot Architects/MidJourney
AI for co-design:
Visual AI tools such as Photoshop Beta’s ‘Generative Fill’ or AI image generators could be used to enhance collaboration. We currently use our library of projects or Pinterest to share ideas collaboratively between architect and client, but sometimes it’s hard to find an exact image of what you’re picturing in your head.
Photoshop Beta takes an image of an existing building (or any image at all), and can add an extension to that image; it can even be used to add ideas to a sketch. ‘MidJourney’ is one of many AI image generators which takes a prompt from you and generates an image based on your description. Both are still limited by communication and how well we can describe things, and although the images may look nice, they generally have no grounding in reality (AI doesn’t know if this idea will work on site; it’s just an image). In this sense, it is still no match for an architects’ pencil, but could be handy in sharing ideas.
AI for Automation:
Although AI is less exciting in the later stages of a project, it could still be used to save time and money. It could automate complex calculations, project management, monitor energy performance, progress, delays and, again, it can be used for research.
AI for generative design:
As AI evolves and the industry continues to develop architecture-specific programmes, we could begin to see generative design grow into a powerful tool. Currently, available softwares can create floor plans based on user-set parameters for new build houses with no site constraints. Although this is not particularly useful at the moment, perhaps one day such programmes will be able to consider site- and other constraints which may help start the conversation between concept and reality.
Playing with ideas for our office in Bristol, using Generative Fill on Photoshop Beta - a tool which is clearly not ready, but has potential!
AI and Barefoot Architects:
Do we currently use AI? All the time… but without knowing it. Google search suggestions, predictive text on emails, even spell check uses AI to correct and align our ideas. It’s not something that controls or replaces us, but it inspires us and gives helpful time-saving hints. AI is unlikely to replace architects, but it could be a useful tool that we will continue to explore to enhance the design experience for all.
In the same way, this blog post wasn’t written by AI, but with it.