Today, many fields in the industry have already been affected by artificial intelligence (AI). We spoke with Dr. Bella Barda-Bareket to understand what the expectations are for the future in the field of architecture, design, and construction. Houses replicating nature and robots able to paint houses are just a small part of it.
As an attorney who deals in strategic real estate investments, how did you come about writing a book about AI?
I wrote the book Building with Intelligence - Construction and Design, Architecture in AI as part of my learning experience. Since being exposed to the field of AI a little over a year ago, I have taken a few courses and had private lessons and was quite quickly drawn into this amazing world – a world that enables you, literally in a matter of seconds, to create countless simulations of non-existent products, futuristic buildings, and specially designed cars. In fact, any ideas that one can think of, which until now were difficult to present by visual means without having experience in drawing or design, can be created.
For someone who has been dealing in real estate for more than a decade, and who really loves the field, especially its creative-architectural aspect, it was like entering a toy store that could produce any toy I could only dream about. I really enjoy reading professional literature and, when I could not find any book about architecture, design, and construction, I thought that writing a book could be a fascinating and enriching challenge.
So when we talk about AI in the field of design, architecture, and construction - what will houses look like with the help of these technologies?
The artificial intelligence generators that exist in the market today produce products, which are combinations on one level or another, from the knowledge bases that have existed since man began designing his own home. We are talking about hundreds of years of architecture, design, and planning; thousands of artists, and a very wide range of possibilities for combinations and innovations in all the fields.
The more we integrate artificial intelligence generators in the field of architecture, design, and construction, the more we will see construction that replicates nature, due to both energy efficiency as well as the social and psychological advantages of buildings being built as part of nature and not alongside it. Over and above that, we are expected to see more rounded lines as opposed to the straight lines we see in construction today, as well as the use of more natural materials like trees, corals, shells, etc., and less concrete and glass. As technology improves and enables robotics in the field of construction, we will see much more printing of building frameworks as well as products such as furniture, lighting, and a variety of design items that incorporate transitional styles – like Baroque and Romanesque.
Can anyone design his or her dream house with the help of artificial intelligence?
Anyone can definitely plan, in terms of inspiration and digitally, their dream house, personally design furniture and choose the tiles, claddings, and other elements required for tailored construction. However, to turn this dream house into a reality - into the physical dimension, there is a need to involve several professionals, to ensure that the plans meet the requirements of safety, licensing, and human comfort required to live in such a house. The architects' and designers' roles go beyond conceptual planning and their expertise is required to create a dream house applicable beyond the digital dimension.
It is important to remember that at this stage AI can create simulations and designs that do not yet exist in the market, for example – tiles with a special design, color, or pattern imprinted on them. The next step will be producing these custom-made tiles for the client.
This next stage, in which the client will be able to self-produce the finishing materials, will be made possible with 3-D printers and through other technical solutions, which will enable optimal personalization in the design and planning of our homes.
As a result of these technologies, what will houses look like in the future?
We will see a lot more automation in every stage of the construction – from robots that will paint the walls, to robots that will lay the flooring, and to technology that will warn of leaks or blockages in the different systems of the building. We will see building parts being printed by huge printers and the use of innovative and more environmentally friendly materials, and the most significant changes will occur once the buildings are dynamic-responsive.
Buildings and their environment are going to play a much more active part in our daily lives. The buildings will react to environmental changes – changes in the weather, changes in the use of space, and changes as a result of the identity of the users and those akin. These changes will enable energy savings, faster adjustment of the built spaces, and of course personal adjustment according to gender, age, mood, psychological, or other biological needs.
Looking at real estate investments in the current period - can artificial intelligence also be of help to us - in either purchasing or designing an apartment we have bought?
AI is already of help to us. Various websites are already using AI to analyze past transactions, trends of increase or decrease in the volume of transactions, or their prices. Over and above the analysis of past transactions and different trends, we are already exposed to AI-based technological developments that predict future prices.
It is important to remember that there are various usages of AI – using AI for numerical economic analysis is not the same as using it for design-related issues. As far as the numerical economic field is concerned – I do not doubt that we can make more correct and personalized decisions, allowing us to save time and economic resources. In the design aspect, as mentioned, at this stage it is more on the inspirational level rather than the practical one, as far as personal usage is concerned.
It is evident from Ms. Barda-Bareket's words that artificial intelligence is a fascinating tool. However, Ms. Barda-Baraket has pointed out that it is important to acknowledge that history teaches us that any new technology can be used for the benefit of humanity as well as its detriment. The question of how it will be used depends on us and therefore, it is important to make sure that the current technology is used for all of humanity, with strict human control, and will be accessible for use by all of the human race and not just a part of it.
