As we’re advancing towards integrating Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives, people in Architecture have been adopting and adapting to new ways and technologies that can aid in accomplishing remedial tasks in seconds. While tools like co-pilot have been helping in managing inboxes and integrating task list with schedules and meeting deadlines. Intelligizing (fueling AI in different aspects) of architecture needs more than automating responses based on collected data and imagery. We know AI has access to beautiful imageries across the globe, a vernacular mansion with gardens in Italy will be out of place for a client trying to build a house for himself in India. Architecture has always been a culmination of art and science and while money-shot renders may be enticing, ‘utilitas’ or functionality is equally important for a building to exist.
It is great if AI can assist in project management tasks or recording meeting of minutes or logistics for tracking site deliveries. That may help in bringing the cost of project coordination down for a client. However, depending on AI for designing complete structures with beautiful aesthetics can be challenging and in some cases dangerous. Thence, a Good Architect always stresses the need for client interaction in the starting of the project to not only understand the project brief but also human emotions connected with spaces and provide sustainable, functional solutions where possible.
The need for distilling human thoughts and ideas from clients and creating a gift of a beautiful place is essential that AI can only touch the surface of. The process of diagramming and creating relationships between spaces needs a human touch that an Architect provides while explaining in conceptual drawings and details. Studies show that writing and in turn, sketching, keep the mind young, creative and can prevent disease. Lastly, the design solution that a client anticipates is based on multitude factors including the intuition for creating functional spaces, long-term and even multi-generational use with simple enhancements.
Therefore, while AI has been amazing at assisting us pragmatic organizational things, we, in the field of architecture should proceed with a little bit of caution for the overall advancement of humankind. A Good Architect should continue to keep the pencil and sketch paper handy.
