Session 2.3
AI’s Journey from Gimmick to Critical Visualization Technology
Synopsis:
Leading design firms are embracing AI as a critical visualization tool. The emerging AEC applications of AI will be shown through a review of available software tools, case studies from practice, and the latest research from the Chaos Group showing how AI will power the next generation of visualization tools.
Learning Objectives:
1. Attendees will be able to identify multiple ways leading design firms are currently employing AI visualization tools.
2. Attendees will be able to describe key functional differences between current popular open source AI visualization platforms.
3. Attendees will understand and be able to implement current open source models to address specific visualization challenges during design.
4. Attendees will predict the likely ways software companies will leverage AI to improve the experience of the user.
Body:
With AI image generation and manipulation gaining popularity, it is no surprise that the tech savvy AEC industry is exploring the potential of AI as a critical tool for visualization. With the rising popularity of AI comes doubts as to the practical reality and application of AI. Is it just hype or do these new applications of AI speak to a newly imagined future? This presentation will show the practical applications of AI in AEC, both today through a review of available technology and tomorrow, through a peek into the AI related research activities of the leading AEC visualization software provider.
Introduction to AI and Available Applications
A 101 level introduction to the core concepts and definitions of AI for the non-technical user will be presented along with an overview of the different types of AI developed with applicability to the visualization practices of the AEC industry. The presentation will cover generative AI and other foundation models that are redefining AI, taking assistive technology to a new, more visual level, with higher quality and believability than ever before, and bringing extremely powerful capabilities through low and no-code workflows. Currently available commercial and open source AI applications will be discussed that relate specifically to the AEC industry and visualization.
Case Studies
The rising popularity and potential of AI has not gone unnoticed within the AEC industry, with several leading design firms researching and incorporating AI tools within their visualization workflows. Several case studies will be presented, showcasing ways in which this nascent technology is being adapted and integrated within design processes to streamline visualization workflows, save time, facilitate client communication, and generate visualizations that would otherwise be impossible.
Research
With the growing capabilities and accessibility of AI, software companies are researching and implementing AI powered solutions to improve their products and services. The visualization industry is no exception, and the emergence of AI models capable of image generation is leading to speculation on what this technology could do to further innovate existing visualization tools. Chaos, a leading visualization software company, is researching the applicability of publicly available, open source AI models to improve the next generation of visualization tools within the AEC industry. This session will present Chaos’ research methodology and the results of their research, focusing on the implementation of open source AI image-generation in design presentation and ideation workflows.