Tech & Innovation
REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS OF AI FROM DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION By Anne Hunt, Director of Data and Analytics at Trimble
Nearly two years after the launch of Chat GPT , Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be one of the most talked-about technology advances of our time. As AI matures, the conversation shifts from whether it can transform the construction industry to how architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) businesses are using it today. AI has become more accessible at a time when the construction industry is facing increases in labor and supply chain challenges, project complexity and margin pressure. When used responsibly, AI offers a helping hand that can aid in navigating and overcoming many of these challenges. From design and construction, to operations and maintenance, AI is already moving the industry toward more innovative, efficient, profitable and safe projects. AI Architecture and Design Generative AI is being used by architects and designers to liberate them from monotonous tasks. By automating certain workflows with AI, they can focus on aspects of their work that require creativity, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. The combination of AI and 3D modeling offers designers a new way to quickly generate images that inspire the creative process and support design narratives. AI offers architects and end users a source of inspiration, allowing them to explore new and unexpected concepts with little to no modeling. With a simple text description of an architect’s vision, AI tools will generate conceptual visuals in seconds.
Many tools allow users to decide how much influence prompts have and how strictly the model is adhered to in generated images. AI can be calibrated to generate images that retain or stray from the exact geometry, offering inspiration and a way to explore fresh ideas quickly. Further along the design process, AI can generate photo realistic or stylized images to communicate intent—within seconds. Instead of searching endlessly for a similar precedent and trying to convey to clients how the concept is “close but a little different,” architects can use AI tools to generate compelling visuals. With AI, architects can explore a design within its context, lighting conditions and materiality without changing the fundamental 3D model shape. They can provide specific instructions or parameters about the time of day, the type of lighting, the texture of materials and the context in which the design will be placed. It is freeing architects and designers up to focus on innovation, building client relationships and solving complex problems. AI in Construction Construction projects generate massive amounts of data that AI can analyze quickly and accurately to deliver insights that inform important project decisions. It can help distill complex data into action by using thousands of data points to create specific recommendations. Some technology companies are using AI to automate essential data analysis tasks like zoning studies, cost estimating, energy benchmarking, and climate analysis, for better project planning, resource allocation, and overall efficiency.
16 Fall 2024
csengineermag.com
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