Unfolding Possibilities of AI to Architectural Practice in Nigeria – A Fifteen-Year Forecast

?“The dynamics of design have evolved, and we are at the forefront of this adaptation, blending human creativity and machine precision to produce non generic designs that are efficient and responsive to the prevailing needs of humanity and the environment.” –? Joseph Abba , Head, PrimeTech's Architecture Department

Inventions, discoveries and innovations always challenge old ways of doing things. However, at no point in history have we experienced such rapid acceleration toward change and improved results as we are witnessing now, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learnings - The possibilities are endless and, at alacrity, poised to sweep away non-conforming and archaic practices – much like how the advent of design software initiated the exodus that impacted the architectural drawing board era. Similarly, Building Information Modeling (BIM) revolutionised collaboration and efficiency across design disciplines in the built industry.

With changes as disruptive and imminent as AI and machine learning, it is crucial for stakeholders to critically assess the future and make immediate adjustments to current practices.

For the team at PrimeTech’s Architecture Department, the first step towards this adaptation was to study the emerging technology, its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The team reviewed several articles and analysed top AI tools for architects and designers. These tools include Midjourney, which creates photorealistic images from conceptual thinking, Maket.ai, which generates design alternatives and options, and 13 other AI systems with applications ranging from rendering to producing design schematics – systems that simplify and speed up arduous tasks that would traditionally take a long time. However, all of these systems require proper prompting to yield effective results.

It is important to view AI, and by extension machine learning, as a tool to reach the solution rather than the solution itself. Imagine a future where a significant number of Nigerian architects use a particular AI tool (most likely the one widely considered the best at the time) to produce their designs. The outcome could be a concoction of monotony between designs. It wouldn’t be long before anyone could tell that AI played a significant role in the creating of certain designs – a likely occurrence in the next few years.

Now, here lies the opportunity: Only professionals who are willing to push the boundaries of what is possible with this technology will stand out. Innovation will not be driven by AI, but by those who wield it. The imperative, therefore, is that architects must develop new skills to maximise the opportunities that will arise over the next 15 years and beyond.

?For PrimeTech’s team of architects, continuous learning, adapting to emerging technologies, and embracing change are some of the strategies adopted to stay relevant in this new landscape.

The possibilities of AI and machine learning are endless, making it almost impossible to predict the future of architecture in Nigeria. However, it is apparent that architecture in the next 15 years will be very different from what it is today. No doubt, mediocrity and the proliferation of charlatans would abound, but there will be clear distinctions between the thoroughbred and the quacks.? Therefore, alongside embracing this technology, Nigerian architecture, and its professionals will need to raise the bar higher to stay ahead of the competition.

Nevertheless, architects must leverage the capabilities of AI and machine learning to unlock new possibilities and create a built environment that is much more sustainable, efficient, and responsive to human needs.

What do you think? Please share your opinion on this matter.?