b'NEW TECHThere have been several ways AI has encroached on the architectural field, he says. For example, say youre designing residential suites on a specific piece of land. Your key components can be used as prompts in a system with AI to create different model outputs. Then, the architect can iterate between several options based on the number of units, their location and aesthetics.This technique, known as generative design, enables architects to flex their creative muscles. Like their structural engineering peers, more and more architectural firms use generative design to envision unique and innovative designs, leaving AI to help determine the materials, compositions and construction methods required to make them a reality.HANDS-ON DESIGNArchitecture is a visual medium. It makes sense, then, that the focus of many technologies in this field is to help architects visualize and share their ideas. This is seen through the ongoing advancement of longtime 3D modelling and computer simulation tools (e.g., BIM, Autodesk, Procore) and other innovations such as: FROM FIRST DRAFT 3D Printing: With 3D printers,firms can print 3D prototypes of their designs for display among their TO FINAL TASK team and clients. Virtual Reality (VR): Architectscan build their design in an INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR ARCHITECTS immersive, three-dimensional digital environment and, through a VR BY MATTHEW BRADFORD headset, enter that world to explore their creations.rchitecture is the art andNo doubt, AI has made a home within Augmented (AR) and Mixed A science of envisioning our builtthe architectural trade. ArchitectReality: By using AR glasses, environment. Today, severalteams are increasingly relying on AI toarchitects can make moving 3D technologies are helping architects takeautomate repeatable design processesmodels out of static 2D designs their craft to greater heights.that may otherwise take up time andsimply by looking at them. As AR resources if done by humans. Moreand VR technologies become more Architects have always beenspecific to the architectural trade,sophisticated, both can let architects collaborators with so many differenthowever, is the incorporation of AIalter their designs in real time with fields and disciplines, which requiresinto modern design programs to helpan increasingly sophisticated level of us to be at the forefront of all the newarchitects test the feasibility or strengthcontrol and detail. technologies, says Dora Ng, Viceof their design against various factors President of AIA (American Institutelike climate, site conditions and buildingEnhanced visualization technologies are of Architects) Canada Society andusage requirements.beneficial for multiple reasons. For one, Vice President with CannonDesign.says Ng, they help architects sell their We have to be the ones looking atCarlos Gamez is an architect andvision to end users: In the past, clients new technologies like AI (artificialassociate partner with Berry Architecturewere okay with just seeing the floor intelligence) or virtual reality to + Associates, a firm that is quicklyplans, but these days they want to see keep up. recognizing the potential of AI.and experience the actual space. Thats 22 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'