Insights and experiences on AI with Leo Stuckardt
1/ Has artificial intelligence been considered as part of the design process or has it ever been considered for use as facades or as part of a finished architectural urban project?
In this case, we collaborate with partners, vendors, and manufacturers for specialised systems like energy projects and facade design, as these require expertise beyond our prototyping capabilities. We don't design or operate such systems in-house, but we work with external experts and consortiums to achieve our goals.
2/ What would be your advice for architects, who are looking to incorporate AI into their work, but are concerned about the learning curve and the potential pitfalls?
To effectively navigate the evolving technological landscape, consider two key approaches:
- Maintain a broad perspective. Avoid delving too deep into specific technologies, as the tech landscape evolves rapidly. Instead, cultivate a capacity to quickly understand and adapt to new technologies, akin to a hacker mentality. While understanding underlying principles or fundamental terminology, such as mathematics in AI, can be valuable, focus on transferable knowledge rather than deep specialisation.
- Apply techniques actively. Learning is most effective when applied immediately to real-world challenges. Rather than relying solely on tutorials or hypothetical case studies, engage with practical projects to gain a deeper understanding of new tools and technologies.
Explore the revolutionary world of designing with AI tools with Tim Fu.
1/ Any advice on writing a good prompt? Do's and don'ts?
Prompt crafting is fascinating but complex. The key is to keep prompts simple and gradually make them more complex through trial and error. Start with short phrases and test each word's impact. Experiment with modifier parameters provided by tools like Midjourney. It's like a science. Test, observe, and adapt. Once you understand it, controlling AI becomes more manageable to achieve desired results.
2/ Will the combination of AI-aided design and 3D printing lead to the accessibility of top design to the majority of the people?
AI is democratizing design by enabling individuals with limited technological or modeling knowledge to quickly generate high-level concepts and compete with industry-quality rendering companies. Similarly, 3D printing tools are allowing for the fabrication of complex designs. In the future, with 3D AI, we may even generate and print 3D designs directly. This has the potential to empower underdeveloped areas with resources to create intricate architecture using low-budget prototyping and construction methods. It's a promising prospect for bringing complex and beautiful architecture to developing countries without access to advanced design and construction tools.
3/ Do you believe AI renders will substitute renders made by humans completely? Or do you view it as complementary to the design process?
AI will significantly impact rendering, but human control remains crucial. Renderers possess skills in visual aesthetics akin to photographers. Like photography didn't replace painting, AI rendering won't eliminate human artistry. Humans will use AI tools to generate creative concepts for specific purposes, although some aspects of the creative process may be automated.
4/ What career opportunities are there for non-architects in AI for architecture?
The question of AI's impact on careers is intriguing, and I believe it will open up various opportunities. Currently, there are non-AI career paths in architecture and related services. However, as AI becomes more prevalent, roles such as AI controllers, model refiners, and coders will emerge. Data collection for training sets will also be essential, creating new career paths. The future of careers in architecture depends on technological advancements and industry restructuring, which is still uncertain. We'll discover the extent to which AI can perform human tasks and determine what can be replaced.
5/ What is your opinion on presenting these renders to the client, they can seem to be overpromising at an early stage. Additionally, looking at the cost implications for such projects.
It's crucial to approach AI-generated images for clients with care. We typically present refined concepts and emphasize that they are concepts. Eventually, 3D models accompany these images to convey the aesthetic style and demonstrate how they fulfill programmatic and contextual requirements. While AI can assist, it may not fully meet all requirements, except in programs like LookX. Therefore, it's essential to support designs with real architectural solutions, including 3D models and CAD drawings, to assure clients of a practical implementation plan.
6/ Do you think there will be a point in time where the client will go directly to AI for the whole design package including construction drawings?
The question of whether clients will eventually turn to AI for the entire design process, including construction drawings, is interesting. Some clients are already using AI-generated images in discussions, which can enhance creative conversations. However, the role of architects and designers remains crucial. Clients hire us for our unique vision and expertise. If they want to be the designers, they can, but our value lies in delivering quality design and artistic input. It's akin to having a camera - anyone can take a photo, but some still hire photographers for better results. Similarly, clients hire architects and designers for their design expertise and the ability to provide superior design solutions.
The future of AI in architecture with Philippe Morel
1/ What is the name of the AI software of the projects that you have presented during the session?
The AI software used in the projects presented during the session includes Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Dall-E.
2/ How is 3D printing related to artificial intelligence?
3D printing is increasingly linked to artificial intelligence through its intersections with material science and robotics. AI is playing a pivotal role in redefining both these fields, which in turn impacts the future of 3D printing, making it more dependent on AI technologies.
3/ How do you see the role of an architect in the future, taking into account how strong is AI getting in architecture?
In the future, architects will likely focus more on conceptual creation and innovative architectural ideas, as AI and advanced software will handle many aspects of construction and design. The architect's primary role may shift towards inventing new architectural concepts, as machines excel in proposing construction solutions and design details.
4/ What are the unique advantages of AI in design?
The integration of AI in architecture offers a multitude of possibilities, with the ability to generate numerous design variations rapidly and significantly impact various aspects of the production process, including data management and pricing tasks. AI undoubtedly enhances productivity within the field of architecture. However, a key challenge lies in architects' ability to effectively leverage this technological advancement to their advantage.
