The top 10 AI led trends in Architecture Design and Development 2023

There has been an explosion in development of new materials, processes and applications making it the most exciting time to be part of this industry in the last 20 years. Here are just a taste of those on the crest of the wave that is sweeping across the world of architecture and development generally.

1. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence is on the tip of everyone’s tongue no matter what the topic. Driving innovation in every sector its something that is revolutionising the way we work and live with a trajectory that looks set to only impact more of our lives in many more ways. AI is revolutionizing the architectural

design process just like so many other industries and areas. Through the analysis of factors like structural integrity, energy efficiency, and cost parameters it is optimising designs beyond anything previously thought possible. Through the automation of tasks such as research, site selection, and construction management, to name but a few, saving time and improving accuracy and efficiency. Generative AI models generate multiple design iterations based on client specifications, removing the need for the number of designers and allowing a fewer number of the best to focus on high-level creativity and parametric design. Maket AI is a Canadian startup that provides a generative AI-powered platform to create schematic designs for building floor plans. It takes environmental and other space constraints in natural language and generates various design variations. This significantly reduces the time to develop architectural plans and advance early-stage planning by producing multiple design iterations. Architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams use Maket AI’s platform for design modelling and real-time collaboration.

2. Immersive Technologies: Immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are transforming the way architects and stakeholders experience and interact with designs. These technologies enable photorealistic visualizations,

early error detection, and collaborative design experiences. VR-based site monitoring platforms and AR-based building design modelling applications are enhancing project management and design accuracy. The Japanese startup Log Build makes Log Walk, a cloud-based VR platform for remote construction site management and monitoring. It utilizes a 360-degree

camera and smartphone to gather on-site information and enable visualization in a VR environment. This facilitates real-time communication, quality control, site supervision, and field personnel management. Moreover, the platform equips project managers and contractors with remote construction site progress and safety monitoring tools.

3. Advanced Materials: The AEC industry is embracing advanced materials that offer superior performance and sustainability. Startups are developing materials like self-healing concrete, photovoltaic glass, and dust-resistant nanocomposites.

Low carbon construction

These materials provide durability, thermal insulation, and resistance to extreme weather while reducing environmental impact. Low-carbon steel, engineered wood, and bio-based materials are also gaining popularity as greener alternatives. BioZeroc is a UK-based startup that manufactures carbon-negative and bio-inspired concrete. It is made from waste organic feedstocks and circular reagents mixed with bacteria. This composition replaces cement in concrete manufacturing and reduces the carbon footprint of construction materials. Moreover, this zero-carbon concrete features comparable strength and geometrical flexibility in the construction process.

4. Cloud Computing: Cloud-based solutions are improving collaboration and efficiency in the architecture industry. Remote cloud servers facilitate real-time collaboration and easy accessibility to project documents across devices. Cloud computing offers scalable storage solutions and robust security features, ensuring data privacy. Some startups also provide high-

Cloud Computing Explained

performance computing for data-intensive tasks like 3D modelling and rendering. The well known Australian Programa develops cloud-based project management software for interior and architecture design studios and renovators. It simplifies project, process, and purchase management in a single platform. The software offers a product library and supports pinboard creation with automatic schedule and specification updates to streamline workflows. Interior designers and architects use it to refine and share updated project schedules without the need for version control. Additionally, it offers lead-generation and eCommerce integration to advance sales of interior design brands.

5. Advanced Robotics: Robotics is automating tasks in architecture, improving productivity, and safety. Robots are being used for custom building components, dangerous tasks, and site assembly. This reduces construction time, waste, and addresses the labour shortage. Startups are utilizing robotics for distributed timber manufacturing and 3D-printed formwork and reinforcement fabrication, enabling sustainable and efficient construction

Glass wall built by robot arm

processes. AUAR is an amazing and potentially world changing UK-based startup that enables distributed, robotically assembled timber manufacturing. The startup facilitates modular timber house manufacturing through robotic automation in its micro-factories. AUAR leverages off-the-shelf robots to pre-fabricate one and two-storey housing components and living spaces from standard timber that are assembled on-site. Contractors, builders, and developers leverage AUAR’s prefabs to create sustainable community homes rapidly with minimal material wastage. The real progress in this area will come with the advancement of micro robots walking and navigating on the structure of the building as its constructed and building the structure from much smaller unit parts but with a swarm approach reducing the need for the large impractical and often times cumbersome existing robot arms.

6. Building Information Modelling (BIM): BIM plays a vital role in the digital transformation of the AEC industry, enabling data-driven asset lifecycle management. It facilitates collaboration by centralizing data from various sources and project stages, reducing errors, conflicts, and delays. Startups offer BIM platforms that integrate tools for specific project stages like planning and design visualization. Architects leverage BIM to accelerate design, documentation, and coordination with clients. BIM software provides realistic design representations through 2D and 3D CAD models, enabling informed decision-making and minimizing rework. It also improves project planning, scheduling, and material management, enhancing productivity and cost savings.

Building Information Modelling

The Danish based Vitus Cloud develops a cloud-based platform for construction intelligence and data management. Their module, Vitus Advanced, connects with BIM software and utilizes data from external sources to provide actionable insights on project requirements. It streamlines data management through rule-based structuring, ensuring real-time data connectedness and improved project management. In the same space the Spanish Recloud develops construction deviation detection software. By analysing BIM models and 3D site scans, it detects deviations and enables project managers to create reports, share data, and prompt corrective action. Recloud simplifies construction supervision and saves time and costs by enabling real-time and precise defect detection.

7. 3D Printing: 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, empowers architects to create unique structures with creative design flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Architectural firms leverage 3D printing to prefabricate building components, advance modular construction, and reduce material waste. Startups develop 3D printers that support various materials, including concrete, plastic, and recyclable materials tailored for the architectural sector. Centauroos in Italy recycles and upcycles construction waste to produce new architectural elements. They recover residue building materials as aggregates for 3D printing blocks.

Concrete 3d printing

The 3D-printed blocks feature an interlocking mechanism, enhancing anti-seismic response and adaptability while reducing construction waste. With even further reaching potential the Australia based startup LUYTEN provides mobile 3D concrete printers with integrated AI software for large-scale construction. Their printers support complex architectural geometries and offer on-site quality checking and automated adjustments, improving fabrication precision and efficiency. This reduces the time, resources and man power required to deliver amazingly beautiful and complex projects

How it works

gas emissions, and lower operating costs. They design compact solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems for on-site clean energy generation. Renewables-based architecture also enhances indoor air quality and natural ventilation through green roofs and biophilic design elements.

One of our favourite companies in this sector is US based Aeromine Technologies with their on-site wind energy generation solutions for large buildings. Their aerodynamically designed energy units capture building airflow and generate energy, accommodating the building's complete energy needs sustainably using a force that we are used to mitigating now an asset and something to be cultivated.

9. Circular Architecture: The architecture industry adopts circular economy principles to improve resource efficiency and sustainability. As we have seen above there are a number of companies in this vein by using durable, recyclable, and reusable materials. Circular architecture promotes modular construction, material recovery, and computational design for retrofitting and repurposing existing spaces.

Box-In-Box in practice

Platforms provide data-driven insights for asset management and circular supply chain solutions, improving material reuse and incentivizing greener initiatives. Few embody this more completely than the Dutch company Respace: Dutch startup uses its parametric system, Box-in-Box, to provide custom, stackable, and switchable 3D modules made of sustainable laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The startup then utilizes parametric design software to generate custom designs for each project. New and existing building owners use the startup’s technology to redesign their building space using circular materials and systems.

10. Energy Efficiency Solutions : EES in buildings and structures eliminate heat and energy loss as well as reduce energy and maintenance costs. Artificial intelligence programs are used in advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that optimize energy utilization and reduce the environmental impacts of buildings also deliver provisions for high-performance building envelopes, such as insulation and air barriers, that reduce energy losses and operating costs. Similarly, building management and automation solutions use AI monitor existing systems such as HVAC and lighting, to optimize consumption. This significantly curtails maintenance costs while also retaining comfort for occupants

Stand alone micro homes

. Architecture software for energy-efficient solutions promotes passive design strategies and provides building energy simulations to improve natural lighting and building ventilation. Our number one startup this space is the New Zealand-based Space2 who develop custom, energy-efficient prefabricated eco-cabins. The startup leverages triple-glazed windows and high-density polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam insulation to improve thermal efficiency. This minimizes heat loss and lowers the heating and cooling requirements, increasing energy efficiency. Further, the startup utilizes recycled plastic bottles, biodegradable materials, steel exo-subfloor, and high-performance building materials in construction. All f these integrated solutions can be scaled up to be applied in the megastructures of the future.

We see and experience our industry rapidly adopt novel technologies like digital twins and the internet of things (IoT) to make smart buildings and change peoples lives for the better.

Working with the new companies above and many others that are leveraging advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology to further develop bioclimatic structures and eco-friendly paints and coatings. Sustainable and climate-positive architecture remains the top priority for us and for our clients.

The companies and the technology that we have touched on here that leverage AI are really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we have found in response to the demanding changes in global need and demand and we are incredibly excited about all of the tech and solutions we are anticipating coming to market over the next 12 months. We work with all of these companies and many more innovative and ground-breaking individuals to varying degrees in some cases implementing just one mall solution on a project to partnering and working end to end to provide innovative solutions and exceed our clients expectations and goals at every level of the development process.

For more information please contact us to arrange a consultation to discuss any of the above or your specific project and goals!