Today, AI's influence permeates every aspect of our lives, from personalised shopping suggestions to predictive text completing our sentences. AI has become integral to our daily routines, expanding our capabilities and revolutionising entire industries. Similarly, AI is reshaping how we conceptualise, design and execute construction projects.
One of the most common current applications of AI in architecture involves image generators like Midjourney, enabling quick ideation and iteration of design concepts without requiring mastery of complex 3D modelling software like Maya or Blender. Beyond concept design, the applications of AI in architectural design and planning phases become more extensive – and experimental.
It can streamline compliance verification. AI-powered systems now review construction plans against comprehensive building code databases, significantly accelerating the planning phase. For instance, AutoReview.AI employs semantic natural language processing to evaluate site plans against municipal regulations. UpCodes AI analyses 3D models for compliance, functioning as an always-available code consultant.
BIM is another area benefiting from AI innovations. AI excels at analysing vast datasets, identifying patterns and making predictions. Companies like nCircle Tech utilise AI algorithms to automate certain BIM processes. Previously manual tasks like clash detection, which required evaluating models to identify conflicts between building elements, can now be performed swiftly and automatically by AI – a significant time-saving advancement.
BIM @ dormakaba: provides comprehensive BIM support, delivering current product data for building planning, construction and maintenance. Our suite of BIM-enabled planning tools and plugins streamlines the specification process, ensuring seamless coordination between BIM models and specifications. An extensive library of BIM objects supports consistent and convenient specification across projects, enabling improved collaboration, project visualisation, risk mitigation, cost-effectiveness and efficient facility management.
These examples highlight AI's transformative potential. It's no surprise that the globally renowned VINCI, operating primarily in construction, infrastructure and concessions sectors, fully embraces these possibilities.
Deep Dive: VINCI Construction's exploration of novel AI applications
VINCI Construction, a French-headquartered subsidiary of VINCI Group, drives innovation through its foresight platform, Leonard. This initiative explores how AI and other digital technologies can enhance traditional construction and planning tasks. At a recent industry event, VINCI showcased its in-house applications, research efforts and collaborations with promising AI startups.
Aria – the legal AI assistant:Aria transforms tender risk assessment in the legal department. By automating initial reviews, it enables legal professionals to focus on strategic tasks, boosting overall productivity.
Formwork's generative design:This tool demonstrates AI's ability to address complex planning challenges, helping engineers efficiently draft initial plans for construction guiding structure rotation. It exemplifies AI's role in simplifying complex logistical tasks.
Deepomatic's visual AI:This startup's technology enhances installation quality across industries. Through real-time, standardised quality checks using photographic evidence, it ensures best practice adherence and reduces post-installation corrections.
Alteia's visual data integration:Alteia's tools for road quality assessment and power line vegetation management showcase innovative AI applications in infrastructure maintenance and risk mitigation. These solutions demonstrate AI's capacity to provide actionable infrastructure management insights.
These Leonard platform initiatives illustrate both AI's current capabilities and its future potential in construction planning.
A glimpse into the future
VINCI's AI ventures in construction and planning offer fascinating insights into future possibilities. Several potential developments emerge:
Predictive analysis for urban planning:AI's capacity to process vast datasets could enable predictive urban planning, optimising city layouts for future needs, environmental sustainability and social well-being.
AI in materials science:AI could accelerate new, sustainable building material development by predicting material properties and outcomes, reducing laboratory trial-and-error processes.
Robotic construction and automated maintenance:AI-powered robots and drones could handle certain construction tasks, operate in hazardous environments and conduct maintenance checks, improving site safety and efficiency.
Smarter, adaptive buildings:AI could enable buildings that adapt to environmental conditions and occupant needs in real-time, optimising energy usage and comfort.
Each new AI-powered tool advances architecture and planning. With innovation at our core, dormakaba participates in this transformation, ensuring our access solutions match the forward-thinking spaces they protect. Like VINCI's pioneering spirit, we embrace progress, working towards smarter, more connected environments.
Discover the future of secure, intelligent access with dormakaba.