We used PromeAI to rapidly generate conceptual imagery, shaped by the building forms we modelled.
Unlocking more digitally enabled ways of working
The team’s work revolved around connectivity, sustainability, generative design, and conceptual imagery.
For example, they explored how to shape building heights and massing to respond to design opportunities and constraints like views and over-shadowing. They also delved into challenges such as how to analyse urban activity hot spots around the city to better distribute functional uses. Creative, adaptive re-use was also a key consideration for ‘Team AI’ and the entire Charrette.
Focusing on those areas, the team showcased opportunities for designers to apply tools or programs to all or part of their work on a challenge, whether it was at the precinct level (macro), an element of building (micro), or something in between (meso).
“Our team wasn’t tackling a singular problem of the site, or a singular result,” says Gavin Crump, a Digital Lead and team member known in the industry for his mastery of BIM. “Instead, we were looking at paths – methodologies – that would help everyone achieve a better result.”
“It was about sharing digitally enabled ways of working, especially in the earliest stages of a project. And building better connections between our digital experts and our designers.”
Gavin Crump, Digital Lead
“We have common goals, but we just don’t always get there via the same route.”
We applied computational algorithms to our master plan to optimise the use and distribution of space.
Out of the box + bespoke tools: a powerhouse pairing
The technologies the team showcased were a mix of ‘out of the box’ tools and customised solutions by our in-house Digital group.
One that made a big impression was PromeAI, which transforms hand-drawn sketches or 3D models into realistic photos and high-quality videos.
“It was the first time a lot of people got to use AI image generation – and they were really impressed by the power,” says Steve, who offered training on sketch-to-render tools before the event to build up our knowledge base.
Even this seasoned digital expert was surprised by the tool.
“Feeding the tool artwork references by local artists to generate conceptual imagery, we could generate design solutions,” Steve points out. “We even explored referencing local stories via a ‘text prompt to image’ generator – and were able to apply these to a landscape response at different scales.”
The team also drew on everyday tools like Mapbox for city-scale data visualisations, plus the leading-edge Autodesk Forma tool, now being rolled out in the practice. It provides data-driven modelling for area studies and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).
The team drew on computational solvers to crunch data and design options, creating valuable data sets “we couldn’t ever process as humans,” says Steve. “The matrix of possibilities and prioritisation was really complex.”
The thrill of the new
Our tech-focused team generated great buzz at Charrette – if the flood of positive emojis after their final presentation was any indication.
Some designers were seeing a few of these new tools for the first time, but they embraced them with gusto.
“It was an excellent opportunity to test and learn together,” says Tahlia Farrant, a dual Master’s student in Architecture and Urban Design and a member of ‘Team AI’. “It made perfect sense to apply these innovative tools to an event that’s all about thinking outside the box – to re-imagine the future for Canberra.”
“For our clients, the Charrette solutions are a powerful demonstration of how our design work is backed by data and innovation.”
Steve Fox, Digital Practice Lead
Momentum has already led to action on key projects. For example, one sector is working with Gavin to capitalise on program he used to analyse Canberra ‘hot spots’, gathering real-time feedback.
We used Forma to quickly compare and analyse multiple options for a site.
Expanding our skills – and horizons
Like anything new, AI and automation also come with obstacles that can slow their uptake.
“Resourcing and skill sets are a challenge,” says Gavin. “Heavy coding is also increasingly important in our industry, but it’s really difficult – it can make your head hurt.”
Anyone who’s used tools like ChatGPT also knows that AI is only as useful as the targeted prompts you feed it. “That prompting requires good technique – it’s a language you need to learn, just like we had to figure out how to google for the best results,” says Gavin.
Right now – and every day – our Digital team is on a mission to keep expanding the capability (and toolkit) of our specialists and designers.
“AI and automation are not good at coming up with the big design gesture,” says Steve. “They’re not going to design for us. But they are going to support our work – to improve our speed to solution when we use the right tools.”
“One of the most powerful ways for new technology to spread is to see the person sitting next to you using the tool,” he adds.
“The people who take technology on board will be the ones who thrive.”
