Embracing change is the ethos of architecture, writes Amy Bunszel, the executive vice president of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) solutions at Autodesk. Below, she outlines the ways AI is unlocking new possibilities for creativity, sustainability and efficiency in Australian architecture.

Since prehistoric times, architectural designs have reflected the cultural beliefs and technological advancements of their eras. 

Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids and the Taj Mahal are a testament to the social values of the period in which they were conceptualised, offering modern society a reminder of the past and present. In time, contemporary architecture will also serve as a reflection of today’s challenges and social values. 

AI is already shaping architecture

Increasingly, designs are showcasing the intersection between creativity, sustainability and technology. Since the turn of the century, the industry has rapidly increased its use of technology, from building information modelling (BIM) to the more recent adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

These tools are proving to be essential in addressing a progressively challenging environment. Designers are faced with the difficult juxtaposition between maximising building density and use of space, while reducing carbon emissions and harnessing sustainable building practices. 

Designers are already using AI as a supportive tool. By analysing complex environmental, material and structural data quickly and accurately, architects can use AI to test various scenarios, consider the use of resources and adapt designs to create more sustainable and resilient structures – giving more freedom to focus on innovative, human solutions. 

Optimism for AI in architecture

The Australian architecture industry is already starting to embrace AI. In my recent conversations with Australian architecture firms, trust and optimism in AI is high. Firms can see how AI can help them focus on innovation and enhance the way they work. 

These sentiments mirror the findings of the 2024 State of Design and Make’s Spotlight on Sustainability report, where 34 percent of leaders said they are using AI to be more sustainable, more than any other action.

For the progression of the industry, early adoption of AI is essential, especially as the tool becomes more efficient with increased data availability. For architects, the accumulation of project data can be used to glean insights that will drive innovation, simplify collaboration, accelerate sustainability initiatives, plug talent shortages, streamline costs and save time. 

As more data is generated, AI’s potential to optimise processes and enhance decision-making becomes increasingly powerful. By harnessing this wealth of information, architects can refine their approaches to meet sustainability goals and design demands more effectively. This not only fosters innovation and collaboration but also paves the way for practical applications, such as AI-generated carbon analysis, which is now being integrated into more traditional architectural technology. 

Real-world applications of AI in architecture

A real-world example of this is a 316-unit affordable housing complex in Oakland, California, where AI is being used to iterate optimal designs for prefabricated building elements between MBH Architects, Factory OS and Autodesk – allowing for a faster and more sustainable build. 

Targeting carbon neutrality, the housing units use façade panels made from a core of mycelium, the rootlike structure of fungi. The panels themselves are carbon-negative, as the amount of carbon captured in the mycelium core exceeds the carbon emitted by the process of making the panels. 

Similarly, in the region, we’re seeing architects creatively design sustainable, resilient structures while using AI for analysis and augmentation. 

One of the largest architecture firms in Australasia, Architectus, is a great example of pushing the boundaries of contemporary design by supplementing the creativity and diversity of its team with advanced technology. 

The firm has been integrating technology to help iterate designs and explore better floor area outcomes on projects like the waterside Collins Wharf residential development in Melbourne. 

“We’re all about three main things: delivering projects, boosting our staff’s digital skills, and fostering innovation through systems development and research. On the environmental side, the integration of technology has enabled us to conduct detailed studies to optimise design for solar and wind performance,” says Architectus digital practice lead and principal Steve Fox. 

These projects are just the beginning of what will soon be an avalanche of creative ways in which designers are harnessing AI to support creative and sustainable solutions for building structures that enhance occupant comfort. 

‘Embracing change is the ethos of architecture’

The industry is facing a transformative era at a critical time, but embracing change is the ethos of architecture, and the early uptake of the new technology is a testament to the adaptability of the industry. 

As trust in AI continues to grow, we can use these tools to analyse, organise and assess data. This allows designers to focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity while fostering a more sustainable future and ensuring a legacy of timeless design for future archaeologists to uncover.

Photo supplied.

Amy Bunszel is executive vice president of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) solutions at Autodesk. Amy leads Autodesk’s product and industry strategy, as well as software development.

View more about recent projects by Architectus.