A blessing or a curse: Artificial Intelligence in the design process
Exciting time to come for the design process of workplaces. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on it’s way and the more AI technology evolves the more it will impact the development of architectural and design projects. For some architects and designers, a blessing for other a curse. Our Workplace Senior Designer, Igor Bialorucki, shares his personal view on AI and its power to disrupt creativity in the design process.
Igor, shall we get interested in AI for design purposes?
Yes, of course! AI offers countless possibilities and is already being used to support architects and designers. Many already use so-called “text-to-image generators” and “AI rendering plugins”. Dall-E or MIDJOURNEY, for example, are important tools for visualization. I think it’s important to deal with the opportunities, but also the challenges, of AI at an early stage – on the one hand to remain competitive, but on the other hand also to be aware of possible pitfalls.
Where do you see the benefit in AI – especially when it comes to design workplaces?
Especially in the creative process – for example regarding the design of modern working environments – the integration of AI is immensely helpful. The ability to visualize ideas and designs at the push of a button gives you a quick idea and allows you to do a reality check. AI also offers real added value when working with customers. Coordination can be greatly facilitated, as images can be quickly generated to illustrate spatial moods, design directions or equipment ideas. AI is very helpful, especially during the pitch process and in early project phases, as we can present initial ideas and design directions and, in many cases, first of all compare possibilities and common ideas. And that without much effort and cost.
But AI can also be a real enrichment in project management – especially in risk and cost management. Controlling in large-scale projects is sometimes so complex that AI can offer a useful supplement and relief here.
And what about the curse – the critical sides of AI?
It is inevitable to deal with the possibilities of AI in architecture and design. But it is also important to keep a critical eye on the use of these technologies. Sometimes I feel a bit ambivalent about the application. On the one hand, I’m overwhelmed by the tons of results that can be produced within minutes. On the other hand, I also see a lot of “useless” content. For example, when I use MIDJOURNEY, I get results quickly, but at the same time I have to invest a lot of time in sifting through the results. The challenge for us as workplace designers is therefore to take a critical look at it and reduce complexity. And finally, to select the most suitable result – according to the project needs and scope.
To put it in a nutshell: AI is only as good as the designer who controls it. Therefore, my advice: AI should be a tool that supports one’s own creativity – and does not replace it.
And what’s your opinion on AI? Igor is very much looking forward to discussing with you: igor.bialorucki@workingwell.com
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