The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of architectural design is unstoppable, but it is not all-powerful; at least for now, it cannot replace human creativity.

Kostika Lala, founder and head of Toronto's Flashcube Labs, believes that while AI has brought significant changes to the industry, it is still in its early stages, and the current design outcomes are "still quite basic." He emphasizes that AI will not replace creativity but can enhance the creativity of architects. Flashcube Labs is currently using AI to generate renderings, which can be quickly modified without the need for re-modeling.

At a recent seminar during the Toronto 2024 Architecture Expo, experts discussed the impact of AI on the architecture industry. One of the attendees, Victoria Ikede, a BIM coordinator at Architecture49, stated that while some people worry that AI will take away jobs, it will also create new employment opportunities. She mentioned that the role of BIM coordinator, which she has been in for ten years, did not exist a decade ago.

Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, image licensed from Midjourney

At the expo, visitors could experience various AI technologies firsthand. Ikede mentioned at the seminar that AI excels in text recognition, allowing for faster use and fine-tuning of data in BIM models. The best results can be achieved by training AI on a comprehensive database, and she is exploring how to extract more information from coding using 3D models. However, she also emphasized that AI is more like a collaborative tool rather than a search engine; it requires substantial guidance and correction. "It’s like an intern that knows what to do but doesn't know when it’s done right or the reasons behind it." Ikede added that the outputs from AI are highly random, "You can almost never get the same output twice."

Lala stated that AI's "hallucinations" (information generated that is not based on input data) can be frustrating for architects, but there are ways to control it. He believes the greatest advancement of AI will be the conversion from images to 3D models. He sees AI as suitable for use in academic environments, serving as a research assistant for students and teachers. However, Indrit Alushani, a researcher at the University of Miami's School of Architecture, pointed out that some universities are not welcoming AI into their curricula. He believes students should have the opportunity to understand and appropriately utilize AI technology, even though new technologies always face resistance. One exercise he assigned to students was to create multiple AI iterations for a specific system and then analyze the various outcomes.

To enhance security, Ikede suggested that design firms should train their own large language models (LLMs) instead of using open-source AI like ChatGPT or Gemini. LLMs can also be trained according to the specific needs of the company.

Monifa Charles-Dedier from ZAS Architects + Interiors, who also teaches at the University of Toronto and OCAD University, expressed concern that introducing AI into schools too early might hinder students' learning processes, especially before they have mastered drawing and modeling skills.

The panel also discussed the impact of AI on design copyrights. Canada enacted the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act in 2022, aimed at ensuring that AI design and deployment are safe, transparent, and non-discriminatory. However, Ikede noted that the legislation does not explicitly address ownership issues. She pointed out that copyright laws are designed to protect works created by humans, not machines, and designers may be co-creating with AI, leading to a gray area.