Welcome to this week’s edition of Architecture Insights. A weekly newsletter on artificial intelligence for architects, landscape architects, and designers.

A Quick Message

This week we are implementing a new format.

Every week you can expect the following: 3 main topics. This will continue to include only the most relevant news in artificial intelligence for design professionals, a breakdown of existing or newly released software, real-life applications of AI from design to construction, or a theoretical idea/approach of AI in practice.

Each week there is one goal: to inform, evaluate, and inspire architects, landscape architects, and a range of design professionals on using artificial intelligence in practice. As always, we aim to keep every newsletter as informative as we can and do so in a short amount of time.

We sometimes partner with sponsors to ensure this newsletter remains free for everyone. You will only see tools and resources that we have vetted ourselves. We understand the AI landscape is cluttered with subpar options, and we are committed to recommending only the best options.

We will continue to conclude the newsletter with the AI image of the week and will begin taking user submissions so send us your AI-generated renderings to get featured in future posts.

Let’s get into this week’s edition of A.I.

Architecture Insights Edition #37:

• AI From Concept To Construction: An architecture project that used AI from design to implementation.

• OpenAI Safety Concerns: The team behind Chatgpt undergoes scrutiny from ex-employees and the public on the lack of AI safety.

• Canva AI Updates: A tool capable of replacing Photoshop?

AI Design & Build

This innovative conceptual image originates from the creative vision of computational designer Arturo Tedeschi, who is at the forefront of utilizing artificial intelligence tools in design. Tedeschi initially employed Midjourney and Stable Diffusion to generate the preliminary design. Subsequently, he converted this design into a 3D mesh model through the application of an advanced edge-detection algorithm, followed by a triangulation algorithm and manual adjustments.

This model was created by leveraging the advanced capabilities of StudFinder, a powerful tool from STUD-IO. This sophisticated software significantly simplified the modelling and detailing process, guaranteeing precision in the mockup's development. With a deep understanding of fabrication and assembly constraints, it automatically produces manufacturable solutions tailored to the design.

The software generated machine files for a FrameCAD steel stud roll forming machine located at Wies Offsite, an offsite construction company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Wies Offsite fabricated and assembled the complex frames for this mockup in a single day.

This project shows how important and useful AI and parametric tools are becoming in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. It demonstrates that AI is not just for creating visual designs.

You can visit each of the parties involved websites here:

• Studio-construction.com

• Arturotedeschi.com

• Wiesdrywall.com

OpenAI Safety Concerns

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has recently undergone significant changes in its AI safety team following the departure of key members. The original "superalignment" team was disbanded due to internal disagreements over the company's priorities, with former members criticizing OpenAI for prioritizing product development over robust safety measures.

In response, OpenAI has formed a new Safety and Security Committee tasked with evaluating and enhancing safety processes over the next 90 days, after which they will present their recommendations to the board and share an update with the public.

The implications of these changes are significant. The restructuring aims to restore confidence in OpenAI's commitment to responsible AI development, addressing concerns about ethical considerations and safety. However, the departures and criticisms highlight ongoing challenges within the company.

For those in design professions, these changes could lead to increased scrutiny of AI tools. Designers might prioritize AI technologies that emphasize safety and ethical use, influencing the selection and integration of AI in their workflows. This cautious approach could shape the future of AI-driven design processes, ensuring they align with industry standards and ethical considerations.

Canva AI Updates

Canva has been around for quite some time now but it has mostly been used as a graphic design tool with minimal applications for architects or landscape architects to use it for projects when it comes to detailed designs. It was great for quick and easy mockups of images or text, but up until recently, that was all.

This week they released some major updates that bring it closer to being a viable option for image generation and editing.

The main benefit of Canva over typical editing tools like Photoshop or AI driven tools like Stable Diffusions ControlNet is the low learning curve.

Here is a short comparison of Canva and Photoshop.

• Canva: Canva excels in collaboration, offering features like shared workspaces and real-time editing. The platform’s integration with other tools and its content planner further enhance its utility for team-based projects.

• Photoshop: While Photoshop also supports collaboration, it is not as seamless or intuitive as Canva’s offerings. Photoshop is more focused on individual, detailed work rather than collaborative, iterative processes

• Canva: Canva’s pricing is more affordable, especially for teams.

• Photoshop: Photoshop, part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, is more expensive, which can be a barrier for smaller firms or individual designers.

• Canva: Canva features an online platform that is accessible from any device with internet connectivity.

This is not an attempt to convince you that Canva is better than Photoshop, we simply want to lay out an option that is growing and improving at a fast rate relative to traditional tools. Photoshop still remains the top tool with maximum editing capabilities.

This week’s newsletter is not sponsored by Canva, however, it is a tool with great benefit to design professionals that deserves to be shared.

AI Image of the week

Thank you for reading this week’s issue, check past issues here. Share this newsletter with colleagues, friends, or anyone interested in the combined world of architecture and artificial intelligence.

Until next Friday,

A.I.