AI FOR ARCHITECTS

In this welcome class, you’ll meet your instructor, go over some basic housekeeping, and get a clear overview of what’s ahead.

• Instructor introduction
• General housekeeping
• Course & assignments overview

Get started with the basics. Dive into the fundamentals of architectural photography and design principles, and explore some AI theory.

• Relevance of AI in architecture
• Architectural photography & design principles
• AI benefits & limitations: Design & construction
• Implications of AI on the industry
• Case study: AI and Design: Successful startups in the AEC industry

Dive into the practical side of AI, including an intro to Midjourney and Form Finder, and discover how AI can be integrated with architectural processes, from enhancing designs to generating multiple design iterations.

• Key AI concepts & terminology 
• Selecting appropriate tools 
• Intro to Midjourney & Form Finder
• Integrating AI with architectural processes
• Case study: The rise of AI in architecture

Assignment 1: Familiarising with AI Image Generation Tools
Design 3-4 scenes using one of the AI image generation tools, including an exterior view, an interior view, and an image of a detail of an object or furniture.

Where there’s AI, there’s ethical implications. Explore the ethics behind AI related to human life, from identifying and mitigating biases to copyright issues. 

• Ethical considerations of AI
• Identifying and mitigating biases
• Adherence with codes & regulations
• Copyright
• Case study: The ethical implications of AI in architecture

In Class 4, delve into how to advance the quality of AI image generation. Cover AI tools for generative design and how to analyse and select the most efficient design options.

• Generative design principles
• AI tools for generative design 
• Workshop: Generative design solutions using AI
• Most efficient design options
• Using & downloading 3D models 

Assignment 2: Generative Design
Produce 5 advanced-level AI images using Midjourney or Form Finder from prompt text, and 5 more images from an existing 3D Model. 

Discover AI’s applications in BIM, and gain an understanding of current AI BIM possibilities and limitations within Revit.

• AI applications in BIM
• Automating BIM processes 
• Collaboration with AI-driven BIM tools
• Design accuracy & efficiency
• Workshop: Implementing parameters with AI in real-world BIM projects with ChatGPT and Revit

Assignment 3: AI-Enhanced Building Information Model
Create a workflow in Revit using a standard template, incorporating AI to manage project parameters.

In this class we’ll introduce a design language into AI. Explore parametric design concepts, AI for parametric design, and parametric design in architectural practice.

• Parametric design concepts
• AI for parametric design
• Develop & manipulate parametric models
• Parametric design in architectural practice
• Workshop: Optimise designs using AI 
• Case study: ZHA's insights on tectonism via AI 

Assignment 4: Architectural Tectonic Studies with AI
Generate visualisations using studio tools like Midjourney, Form Finder, and Runway, exploring ideas, typologies, variations, and compositions at different scales. 

Learn how to make architecture videos with AI, including testing video starting from a base image and using text prompts.

• Making videos with AI 
• Video making in architecture & leading firms
• Video generation from base image
• Video generation from text prompts
• AI video enhancement

Assignment 5: AI Architecture Video
Use Runway ML to generate 2 exterior architecture videos, starting from a personal project image or prompt text.

Delve into how AI can support smart concept design. Explore smart building concepts, sustainability in design, and optimising concept-building with AI.

• Smart building concepts
• Sustainability in design
• AI in smart building systems
• Optimise concept-building performance with AI

Dive into the applications of digital twin technology in architecture, from scenario testing to digital manufacturing.

• Digital twin concepts
• Scenario testing 
• Digital manufacturing
• Optimising maintenance & operations
• Case study: Delivering BIM-integrated design on a masterplan project in Asia.

Assignment 6: Digital Twin
Create a digital twin by designing a simple scene in Rhino and importing it in Revit using BEAM.

AI isn’t just useful in the design process - explore AI applications in architectural project management, including scheduling, communication, and analysing project data.

• Project management AI tools
• Scheduling & resource allocation
• Communication & collaboration
• Analysing project data using AI
• Demo: Asana integration

Learn the AI applications across the fabrication and construction process, from scheduling materials to construction site management.

• AI in construction management
• AI for scheduling materials & project management
• Cost estimation
• Construction site management using AI tools
• Guest Speaker: AI & smart fabrication

Explore opportunities for professional growth and learn to showcase AI-related skills on your resume & portfolio effectively.

• Career guidance & self-development plan
• Resume & portfolio guidance
• Emerging technologies 
• New AI technology preparation 
• Staying updated with AI strategies

Assignment 7: Portfolio Update
Review your personal portfolio and incorporate updates based on the insights shared in the lecture. Submit the updated portfolio for your instructor's review.