Redefining Architecture:
The Comprehensive Role of Artificial Intelligence
Widi Cahya Yudhanta, S.T., M.Sc.
Founder and Architect of Gugus Gagas Studio
Redefining Architecture: Can AI Help Architects to Design?
The history of AI development has been ongoing since the 1950s with the introduction of AI technology as a decision-maker in chess games, which then evolved into various industries and aspects of life. In the realm of design, particularly architecture, the history of AI development began with modularity in the 1930s.
How can AI enter and assist architects in the design process?
One of the challenges architects face is time, coupled with many stages in the traditional design process that require iterations and consume a lot of time. AI can enter the traditional process and assist architects in performing several stages, from brainstorming to decision-making in the analysis stage, to creating visualization options, thus allowing architects to save time.
Ar. Bagus Harri Mardoyo, IAI
Chair of the Professional Field of IAI Jakarta
The Architect Profession
Based on Law No. 6 of 2017 Chapter VI Article 22, it is stated that architects are obliged to update their knowledge and technology through Continuous Professional Development, and strive for innovation and added value in Architectural Practice.
In general, AI can assist architects in both the design stage and documentary work. Furthermore, in Government Regulation No. 15 of 2021 Chapter II Article 5, the role of AI can be utilized to assist architects in maximizing the depth of information contained in work documents, as well as integrating functional rules and construction rules in designs. However, it should be noted that architects remain the decision-makers to apply aesthetic rules and ensure the final product is produced.
The Role of AI in Architecture
- Pre-AI
Programming languages/logic "if-then, else"
Already used in various architecture software such as ArchiCAD, Revit, SketchUp extensions, etc. It has weaknesses in the need for many and complex codes.
- AI
Types of AI can be divided into:
- "Narrow AI"
Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)
Created and trained to solve specific tasks. So far, the scope of architectural work can be assisted by this type of AI.
- "Strong AI"
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) - equivalent to human intelligence
Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) - surpasses human intelligence
The potential of AI in architecture can be used for:
- visualization of designs by creating image references
- regulation guidance by providing input on building regulations in a particular area
- task automation to handle repetitive tasks
- optimization based on specific parameters
- working drawings that can be prepared by AI-based applications
Risks of AI Usage
The nature of AI that constructs products based on learned data makes the risk of duplication and biased data high. Architects still need to be careful in reviewing and selecting outputs produced by AI.
"A reliable and professional Architectural Practice can enhance the added value, utility, and results of architectural works. The results of these architectural works must be accountable, both morally, materially, and legally, thus providing protection to society for Indonesian Architectural works."
- Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 15 of 2021
AI's role in the architecture industry greatly assists architects in various design processes. It should also be noted that AI currently generates outputs based on learned data, so architects need to carefully review the results of AI work. Furthermore, architects must be able to be accountable for the results of their work morally and materially as decision-makers.
Behind all these concerns, architects do not need to be too worried because the principle of Venustas or beauty remains a skill of architects that cannot be replaced by AI.