A.I and the home design process. Revision 1.0

This is a very interesting topic and we cannot even scrape the surface in one blog entry, so I'll spread this one out over a few entries at least. Now, I must admit, I'm no expert on A.I, but I do know architecture and I understand the development of the architectural process over 20 years. I have also studied architecture back to ancient times, but I digress.

Artificial Intelligence stands to be the next BIG technical innovation in modern culture (after bitcoin). It is already having an impact, making people lazy by doing things for them that we should be doing ourselves, like writing blogs (not mine) and doing our marketing, etc. It is also, quite helpful. But I digress again.

In the future, the architectural documentation process looks like it will be largely done by A.I and design professionals will be managing the A.I documentation process to get consents, and ensure building compliance. This may also get handed to an AI project manager, who tenders trades and works on the building process. The bulk of the construction could be automated. Like self-driving cars, I'm sure there will be "teething" issues, but that's for the next generation to resolve, not mine.

One of the things I know to be the case is that design has "a human interface". I think most people understand that there are certain professions where human to human contact is needed. Medical, is a prime example. Yes, Doctors can video consult with their patients to diagnose problems, but being in the room, testing blood pressure, heart rates and temperature is going to be far more effective in being able to prescribe. Same is the case with Architecture.

You cannot teach A.I this human interface when it comes to architecture. It involves experience, interpretation and an innate sense of understanding of the human condition that cannot be programmed or questioned. I think it is likely, the Architect or Building designer role will always exist, but the documentation process will be undertaken by computers and this will expedite the process, but it may not make it better.

Many years ago, I worked as a metal polisher. It was my second job out of school while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. The Manager, who was a bit of a dick, decided he wanted to import an expensive machine to do my job. The machine had problems from day one and it was clear that it was a stupid purchase. Luckily for me, I found a talent in Architecture and moved on before the machine even showed up. That warehouse was to later burn down and the machine with it, so the humans won that day.....and that manager has long disappeared. Funnily enough, I saw him a few years ago. On appearances, it was clear life had gone downhill for him, but I think the simple message is "don't be a dick".

Humans beat robots (for now, and maybe not in an arm wrestle), but yet to see if we beat A.I.

It's clearly helping people now, but we need to limit our interaction and keep the skills we have learnt so that we don't become lazy.

Signing off,

Revell