Architecture ex Machina: A Forum to Discuss AI and Design

Rapid progress is being made on the development of machine learning models that are capable of producing original images, text, and audio. This prompts the questions: what changes when architecture comes from the machine? Is it possible to leverage this technology to design buildings, cities, and structures? Architecture ex Machina™️ (AexM) is a working group and knowledge share that is focused on exploring issues around the incorporation of machine learning into the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

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Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to drive dramatic change and disruption. As our industry is built on partnerships, we feel strongly that giving a voice to all parties is critical. The multidisciplinary nature of the work will necessitate engagement from professionals of all kinds. AexM calls on participants from various backgrounds — from computer science and architectural design to neuroscience and AI ethics — to help invent the future of our practice.

How do we get from a present where design professionals don't need to consider software development a core part of their work to a future where some understanding of machine learning and its software becomes part of the daily conversation? How do we engage machine learning experts to communicate the nuances of architectural design, the complexity of construction projects, and the very real engineering challenges that surface during every project? How do we do all of this ethically and sustainably?

We need help answering these questions, so we've created a forum to share ideas, engage in dialogue, and host our community. Join the discussion! Follow @ArchExMachina on Twitter.