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The blending of AI and BIM and its impact on modern methods of construction is set to accelerate.
With the arrival of open-source AI ChatGPT and DALL.E 2, it’s only a matter of time before AI finds a new home in modern methods of construction (MMC). And, when AI is combined with building information modelling (BIM), a seismic shift in the entire design and construction landscape is inevitable. (main image: DALL.E 2. Prompt: Build a mid-rise timber building in a suburban street in Sydney.)
In Darwin’s immortal precept: Adapt and survive.
The possibilities of what can be achieved with these tools will be endless, and they will change the way buildings are designed and constructed, forever.
Modern methods of construction draws its ‘lifeblood’ from BIM files, and BIM is already widely adopted in tier 1 construction companies in Australia, some tier 2, but it’s rare for a tier 3 to use BIM files.
In brief, BIM is a process that involves creating a digital model of a building or structure, and the model contains information about every aspect of the building, from its structural components to its mechanical systems. BIM allows for greater collaboration and communication among all stakeholders involved in the project, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
AI, on the other hand, is the use of computer algorithms to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. In construction, a blended ChatGPT and DALL.E 2 AI could be used for tasks such as image recognition, language processing, and decision-making.
In concert, BIM and AI are poised to revolutionise the construction industry. By using an AI construction algorithm to analyse BIM models, construction professionals could identify potential issues and errors before construction begins. This will save time and money and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
In addition, AI and BIM could, in theory, be used to create more efficient designs. By inputting parameters such as building height, materials, and desired aesthetic, AI can create multiple design options that meet the criteria of a property developer for example. This will save time and also may allow for greater creativity in the design process.
Voice recognition technology is also advancing rapidly, allowing for more natural interactions with BIM and AI systems. Instead of navigating through menus and clicking buttons, it’s likely users will be able to simply ask the system what they want to do. This will reduce the learning curve for new users and increase efficiency for experienced users.
While these technologies are still in their infancy, the possibilities are endless and potentially, uncomfortable. In the future, it may be possible to ask an AI system to “Design me a building that looks like it was designed by Richard Rogers” or “Show me the wall panels I used in the last project.”
Although the adoption of modern methods of construction in Australia is in its early days, when BIM and a construction AI ‘mature’ to the point being open-source like ChatGPT and DALL.E 2, it will play a major role in shaping the future of every construction project, and by implication, someone’s career prospects.
