Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world of architecture and design by storm. The use of AI is enhancing creativity, productivity, and competitive edge in the sector, with Zaha Hadid Architects at the forefront of this technological revolution. Its principal, Patrik Schumacher, explains that AI not only increases labor productivity but also significantly enhances the quality of professional services.
Rapid adoption of AI in architecture
In the last 18 months, AI systems, such as Open AI's DALL-E 2, have seen a rapid adoption in the world of architecture and other design disciplines. These systems have resulted in a significant boost in productivity and creativity, especially for early adopters like Zaha Hadid Architects. The notion that AI's role is superficial because it works via image generation is refuted by the argument that images can speak a thousand words, which can be transformed into well-articulated spatial compositions.
Broadening the conception of AI
AI is not limited to neural networks. Disciplines like Zaha Hadid Architects are investing in a broader conception of AI. Four decades ago, pioneers in architecture were exploring generative computational processes. Today, ZHA is investing in research and development projects with a focus on generative and analytic space planning tools, and agent-based occupancy simulations using gaming AI. These innovative tools not only increase productivity but also enhance professional services and enable new insights and works.
While there are concerns that AI could render many jobs redundant or devalue the profession, Schumacher does not share these worries. Drawing from historical experience with productivity leaps, he believes the adoption of AI will result in higher quality work, providing more options for clients and leading to better designs and decisions. As design fees are a small part of the overall cost of creating a new building, it makes more sense to increase creativity and design options, thereby elevating design fees.
AI's role in boosting creative capacity has intensified competition in creative design. However, Schumacher welcomes competition as a catalyst for self-improvement. Despite the proliferation of AI-enhanced designs, quality execution on time and within budget remains a challenge, maintaining a competitive edge for those who can perform. Further, AI allows credible and creative exploration to evolve their own oeuvre.
AI R&D at Zaha Hadid Architects
ZHA is developing its own tailored neural-network systems, integrating constraints and controls to steer output and fine-tune outputs with project-specific training datasets. The firm is also building new interfacing features and functionalities, aiming to generate clusters of images that describe a coherent design. Collaborations with universities are in place to tackle 3D AI. This ongoing research aims to upgrade capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.
