Nowadays, AI’s influence is everywhere, from personalized shopping recommendations to predictive text that finishes our sentences. AI has become a part of our daily lives, shaping routines, enhancing capabilities, and transforming whole industries. As such, AI is also reshaping how construction projects are conceptualized, designed and executed.
One of the most popular present applications of AI in architecture is the use of image generators like the popular tool Midjourney to quickly ideate and iterate on design concepts without the need to master complex 3D modelers like Maya or Blender. Moving on from the concept design to the architectural design and planning phases, use cases for AI become much broader – and experimental.
It can help automate compliance checks. AI-driven systems are now capable of reviewing construction plans against comprehensive databases of building codes and regulations, greatly speeding up the planning phase. For example, AutoReview.AI uses semantic natural language processing to review site plans against municipal codes. UpCodes AI scans 3D models for compliance, serving as a constantly available code consultant.
Another beneficiary of AI innovations is BIM. AI’s strength is its ability to analyze large amounts of data, find patterns and make predictions. For example, companies like nCircle Tech use AI algorithms to automate certain parts of BIM. For example, in the past tasks like clash detection required manually evaluating models to find conflicts between various building elements. Now AI can quickly and automatically evaluate complicated BIM models – a previously very time consuming task.
BIM @ dormakaba:offers comprehensive BIM support, providing up-to-date product data for the planning, construction and maintenance of buildings. Our suite of BIM-enabled planning tools and plugins is designed to streamline the specification process, ensuring easy coordination between BIM models and specifications. An extensive library of BIM objects supports consistent and convenient specification across projects, facilitating improved collaboration, project visualization, risk mitigation, cost-effectiveness and streamlined facility management.
These examples underscore the transformative potential of AI. No wonder that globally renowned company VINCI, which is operating primarily in the construction, infrastructure and concessions sectors, fully embraces its potential.
Deep Dive: VINCI Construction’s exploration of novel AI applications
VINCI Construction is a subsidiary of VINCI Group, headquartered in France. VINCI Construction’s foresight and innovation platform, Leonard, is committed to exploring how AI and other digital technologies can enhance and transform traditional tasks in construction and planning. During a recent industry event, VINCI gave a glimpse into its in-house applications, research efforts and collaborations with promising AI startups.
Aria – the legal AI assistant:Aria revolutionizes how the legal department approaches tender risk assessment. By automating the initial review process, Aria frees up legal professionals to concentrate on more strategic tasks, enhancing overall productivity.
Formwork’s generative design:Demonstrating AI’s capability in tackling complex planning challenges, this tool aids engineers in efficiently drafting initial plans for the rotation of construction guiding structures. This application of AI highlights its role in simplifying complex logistical tasks within construction projects.
Deepomatic’s visual AI: This startup’s visual AI technology improves installation quality across various industries. By enabling real-time, standardized quality checks through photographic evidence, it ensures adherence to best practices and reduces the need for costly post-installation corrections.
Alteia’s visual data integration:Alteia’s tools for assessing road quality and managing vegetation around power lines illustrate the innovative use of AI in maintaining infrastructure and mitigating risk. These tools exemplify AI’s potential to provide actionable insights for infrastructure management and planning.
These initiatives and collaborations fostered by VINCI’s Leonard platform not only showcase AI’s current capabilities in transforming construction planning, but also hint at the vast potential for future innovations in the field.
A glimpse into the future
The examples of VINCI’s ventures into AI-driven construction and planning offer a compelling glimpse into the future. As we look forward, several potential developments stand out:
Predictive analysis for urban planning:AI’s capability to process and analyze vast datasets can lead to predictive urban planning, where city layouts are optimized for future needs, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.
AI in materials science:The development of new, sustainable building materials could be accelerated by AI, which can predict material properties and outcomes, reducing the trial-and-error process in labs.
Robotic construction and automated maintenance:AI-driven robots and drones could take over certain construction tasks, work in hazardous environments, and perform maintenance checks, thereby increasing safety and efficiency on construction sites.
Smarter, adaptive buildings:AI could lead to the design and construction of buildings that adapt to their environment and occupants’ needs in real-time, optimizing energy use and enhancing comfort.
With every new AI-powered tool, architecture and planning evolves and changes. With openness to change at our core, dormakaba is part of this transformation, ensuring our access solutions are as forward-thinking as the spaces they secure. Like the pioneering spirit of VINCI's ventures, we embrace change, driving towards smarter, more connected environments.
Explore the future of secure, intelligent access with dormakaba.