Introduction to Computer-aided Architectural Design (CAAD)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in CAAD

Contents

• What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• How does it relate to Architecture and Design
• Artificial Intelligence in Architecture:
• Automated Design
• Expert Systems
• Collaborative Design
• Pattern Recognition
• Robotics

Definitions Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is the study of how to make computers do things at which , at the moment, people are better.

Areas of AI:

• Game Playing
• Problem Solving
• Perception
• Natural Language Understanding

Game Playing To make intelligent moves
For example, in chess

Problem Solving
Problem solving involves a Start, a Goal, and a Strategy

Perception
How do we recognize patterns? How do we see?

Natural Language Understanding
How do we communicate?

Techniques of Artificial Intelligence
Search

AI in Design
Design is a mental process that requires intelligence

The goal of AI is to:

• Complement the human designer
• Simulate the process of design
• Replace the human designer (eventually)

Man-machine Interaction
What is the power of the machine?

AI in CAAD

• Scenario A: A computer can help the designer (CAD)
  Computers as design tools (CAD systems, pattern recognition)
  Computers as consultants (expert systems)
  
• Scenario B: A computer extends the designerÕs mind
  Collaborative design
  Virtual reality
  
• Scenario C: A computer replaces a designer Automated design
  Robotics
  

Scenario A
The computer can help the designer

Scenario B
The computer can extend the designerÕs mind

Scenario C
A computer replaces a designer

Possibilities

• The architect suggests - the machine executes
• Architects collaborate from miles away
• Architects show the robots how to build
• Computers become critics of Architecture
• Computers take over the job - architects starve
• Architects pull the plug - create a big mess
• Architects set the way for machines to follow

Deep Thoughts What are the limits of the human mind?

Why do we want to overcome ourselves?

Is Architecture a human invention or a human discovery?

Review

• Artificial Intelligence as a way of imitating our own mind
• Design can be imitated too
• Then Artificial Intelligence can be applied to design (senarios)
• If the mind is unlimited then the artificial mind is unlimited
•  

References

• Rich, E., Artificial Intelligence, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983.
• Terzidis, K. and Vakalo, E.-G., ÒThe Role of Computers in Architectural Design,Ó IAPS Proceedings, 1992.