Despite being two different terms , both architecture and ai depends on each other. Artificial intelligence (ai) is taking a crucial role in all the sectors of the economy. Ai is replacing itself with all types of working fields. It is changing the world. Ai has now become a development necessity in all types of works like doctor , teaching , transportation and even architecture. But the main question that comes in mind is ‘will architecture be replaced by ai in future?’ ‘will we still need architects in future or everything will be done by machines?’ In my blog, I will try my best to clear all your doubts. Lets now explore everything related to architecture and ai from basics to satisfy yourself with a deep and better understanding.
WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
Before we talk about ai , lets just clarify ourself with the concept of architecture. Architecture is science , art and profession of designing and constructing buildings and other structures. Architecture does not mean designing the structure only , it also means that where , how and in which direction should it be built. Architects think and plan how strong the building will be , how the building will look , how people will use it. They mix creativity with engineering. Don’t think that architects and engineers are same. They both are different and both follows their own working code of conduct. Architects focuses on the aesthetics of the building while the engineers focuses on the structural safety of the building. Both works have equal importance and necessity for a person. An architect think about the space , air , vastu , light , direction of the building.
WHAT IS AI?
Artificial intelligence (ai) is a bundle of technologies and humanied instructions that enables and allows the system to perform advanced functions like read , write , understand , speak , interpret data etc, same like human beings. It simulate human learning , problem solving and decision making. It is whem computers and machines are made in such a way that they can perform human activities as mentioned above. For example when you use google maps , the ai is the only one who finds the best and the economical route to reach the desired destination. Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS) which is used in cars for self driving and controlling is ai only. Our world is completely shifting from manual works to ai work for better outputs and less time consumption. The chatbots , google assistant , alexa everything is artificial intelligence.
WHAT AI CAN DO IN ARCHITECTURE ?
AI Is Already Helping Architects In Many Ways. Here Are The Few Examples:
1) EFFICIENT DRAFTING
In the past , architects drew everything manually including drafting with the help of softwares like AutoCAD. With the entry of ai , these processes have become more easy , faster and efficient because ai will help architects find and correct the mistakes and will give them suggestions which will improve their work and design.
2) DESIGN SUPPORT AND ADVICE
Ai helps architects to design buildings and structures that leads to optimum utilisation of natural as well as human resources. Ai reduces carbon footprints and analyse the data to correctly make a design. It can generate many brilliant ideas quickly regarding the design and shape of the building or the structure which helps the architects to boost their performance.
3) MONITORING CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
Ai tools such as drones and cameras can shoot and track the progress of the construction site. They allow us to compare the actual time taken with the scheduled time for the site. Through this architects
Get help and able to anaylse the deviations in the time so that they can correct it before any delay. This is how ai help architects in monitoring and supervising the progress and development of a construction site.
4) RISK PREDICTION
Ai can identify possible risks and threats to the construction site. It gives architects warnings and signals to avoid any risk and danger to the site. With the help of risk prediction architects can avoid any type of delay. Ai also tells safety and design errors in the construction site. This helps architect save money and time hence resulting in better performance.
5) COST ESTIMATION
Ai quickly calculate how much cost incurred in the construction project including all types of expenses. It also calculate labour charges , material cost and sundry expenses and time needed to complete one construction project. This helps both client and architect to plan their budget in easy way and in economical way.
6) SITE ANALYSIS AND VIRTUAL REALITY
Artificial intelligence (ai) can study the land on where and at what slope building will be built . It also looks on the sunlight and wind direction , nearby roads and air quality. It also ensures that the building that will be constructed should have nearby hospitals , schools , police station and markets. Ai can help the client to walk through the building and make them feel the space and air in the building.
THERE ARE MANY MORE THINGS THAT AI CAN PERFORM IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE LIKE INTERIOR DESIGN HELP , VISUALISATION AND URBAN PLANNING.
WHAT AI CANNOT DO IN ARCHITECTURE ?
Well Ai Is Very Powerful In Every Field But It Also Have Limits Which It Cannot Do. Here Are Some Things That Ai Cannot Do Same Like Architects Can Do In Their Work.
1) UNDERSTANDING CULTURE
Both architects and architecture is deeply connected with culture. A house in India looks different from outside ; similarly a house in Japan looks different from outside and a mosque looks different. Ai cannot understand the cultural and spiritual meaning of the structure in which different people of different regions and different religion lives. Only human architects can understand and do this well.
2) EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
A building is not just a structure built by bricks and walls, it is made by love and emotion also. A building is a place where people live with emotions , work in it and love each other . Ai can neither understand nor feel these emotions. It does not know what it feels like to live in a small house or walk through a temple. Only human architects can design these type of spaces which emotionally and mutually connect person and their families with each other.
3) OBLIGATIONS AND ETHICS
Architects think about safety , rules and regulations , and work under their code of conduct. Architects also fulfill their responsibilities towards society , nature and many more . They also have working ethics which make them a reputed architect. If a building fails or harm
Anyone , then architect take full responsibility for this but ai cannot take this responsibility and perform work with ethics and manner.
4) BUILDS PERSONAL CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
A client is the person or company who hires the architect to design a building or any other structure. One of the most vital job of an architect is to talk to the client and listen to him and his requirements regarding to the building. Clients often have dream , ideas and concern about their projects. A good architect listens patiently, asks the right questions, and slowly understands the client’s personality, taste, lifestyle and requirement. Ai cannot do this because it cannot understand the feelings , needs and desires of the clients.
5) RESPECT CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Ai does not fully understand deep traditions, local customs, or religious beliefs. Designing a temple, mosque, church, or historical building needs a strong understanding of culture and meaning. Human architects know that certain colors, shapes, or directions may be sacred or symbolic in different cultures because they learn from history , travel , conversations and experience.
6) CREATIVE THINKING
Ai can copy and mix the existing ideas but cannot thinking innovative and creative. It cannot create something based on new technolgies and ideas. It cannot create artistic buildings and strcutures which architects can do by thinking creative. Great architect and architecture comes from unique ideas which ai is unable to perform. New styles and new shapes of building with different allevations can only be done by the architects , not ai.
THERE ARE MANY MORE THINGS THAT AI CANNOT PERFORM IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE LIKE ADAPT TO SUDDEN CHANGES , THINK LONG TERM FOR SOCIETY AND MAKE ETHICAL JUDGEMENTS.
WILL AI REPLACE ARCHITECTURE?
The Short And Direct Answer Is No — At Least , Not Completely. Ai Will Not Replace Architects But It Will Definitely Change Their Jobs And Roles. Just Like Calculator Cannot Replace Mathematicians , Similarly Ai Cannot Replace Architects. But Architects Those Who Will Use Ai Will Have A Greater Advantange Than Those Who Don’t. Architects Will Learn To Use Ai Tools Same Like Learning Computer And Softwares Like Autocad And Photoshop.
OVERALL TO CONCLUDE THIS , I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT AI CANNOT REPLACE ARCHITECTURE IN FUTURE , BUT IT WILL TRANSFORM IT IN A NEW AND SMART WORK.
THANK YOU!