Pioneering the role of the Architect “They often say that Architects should mainly focus on design activities, but with that kind of attitude we are, in my opinion, going to lose our market position completely” (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
Artificial Intelligence (AI), is unfamiliar territory for the present-day Architect and would appear more appropriate within close reach of computer scientists or software engineers. However, this emerging technology can, and should, be harnessed by the pioneering Architect. “AI’s capabilities of pattern finding, design optimisation and risk identification offers ways to identify and mitigate unforeseen risks and amplify opportunities” (Ryan et al, 2019). Such opportunities that this technology could bring is of a very high value to not only the Architect, but the industry in its entirety.
The pioneering professional in Architectural practice are those that understand the need for the evolution of the Architect and aim high in their approach to tackling current issues surrounding their position in the construction industry. A study carried out by Bos-de Vos, M., et al (2018) showed Architects that engage in external practices outside of the traditional profession were successful in finding opportunities in different fields of practice. “They argued that they could regain control and have more impact by moving beyond their established professional work and adopting a different mindset” (Bos-de Vos, M. et al, 2018).
“The next wave in the era of computing will be outside the realm of the traditional desktop” (Gubbi, et al, 2013). This statement is referring to the vision of future technologies surround data manifestation, where communication systems are embedded in our urban environments, taking live data readings and managing them within a single network, the Internet of Things (IoT). Further to the manifestation of data, an Artificial Intelligence system can utilize the IoT’s “ability to measure, infer and understand environmental indicators, from delicate ecologies and natural resources to urban environments” (Gubbi, et al, 2013) [Fig.19]. This data driven design can have an incredible impact on the holistic design of our urban environment, yet, this can also be harnessed by the Architect as an extension of their expertise, to improve efficiencies within their workflow.
Management System Air Quality/ Pollution Park Maintenance
Automation
Risk evaluation
Live Data
Connectivity
Electricity Management Mobility Patterns
Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things
Limit values Traffic Management
Information Building Systems Management
[Fig.19] Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things
BIG Data
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Waste Management
Reactive Solutions
