This story was originally published by Diana Kightlinger on the Bluebeam Blog.

In 2022, the visual generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools Midjourney and DALL-E hit the scene, both letting creators input text prompts to bring wild conjurings to life as realistic renderings. According to Stanislas Chaillou, author of “Artificial Intelligence and Architecture,” AI is the latest major development in architectural technology. Although it’s easy to get swept up in the glitzy generative side, designers are finding many more ways that AI can expand creativity while saving time, money and brainpower for more rewarding tasks.

In London, for example, the Applied Research and Development Group (ARD) at Foster + Partners began applying AI and its offshoot machine learning (ML) in 2017. The group used it for models ranging from design-assist, surrogates, knowledge dissemination, business insight—and, yes, its own take on diffusion models that generates images from natural language. Los Angeles-based Verse Design tapped AI to meet aesthetic and performance criteria for a structure that recently won a 2023 A&D Museum Design Award.

But implementing AI doesn’t come without obstacles—including questions about protecting intellectual property (IP), training with appropriate datasets and defining creativity when it seems to lie with the designer of the AI script.

AI design assistance arrives

One ARD Group study involved laminates that self-deform when subject to temperature, light or humidity. The materials would enable a façade that responds differently depending on conditions to provide shading, prevent overheating or increase privacy. But to simulate the laminates’ nonlinear and unpredictable response, the group turned to ML.

“We used ML to predict how a passively actuated material would react to variable temperature changes,” said Martha Tsigkari, senior partner. “With the help of our bespoke distributed computing and optimization system, Hydra, we ran thousands of simulations to understand how thermoactivated laminates behave under varied heat conditions. We then used that data to train a deep neural network to tell us what the laminate layering should be, given a particular deformation that we required.”

Predicting material deformation was just one application. To help automate mundane tasks and turbo-power productivity, the ARD Group is working on many more ideas around AI-powered design assist tools.

Verse Design faced similar performance constraints when designing the façade of Thirty75 Tech. The designers needed to find the optimal pattern of louvers to mitigate heat gain and meet California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards.

“The final geometries were generated parametrically with real-time simulation data,” Tang explained. “The geometries were fed back to the energy model to find and confirm the most energy-efficient combination of louver variations that met the intent of the visual expression and performance objectives.”

Extraordinary content delivered faster

Foster + Partners has also used surrogate models to replace slow analytical processes—and keep costs in check—when exploring the impact of changing design variables. These ML models train on huge datasets to deliver a prediction that is sufficiently exact and, most critically, available in real time. In early design stages, the surrogate model lets designers balance accuracy with the ability to make sound decisions sooner.

Foster + Partners’ in-house application programming interface (API) lets clients connect from digital content creation tools. With these plug-ins, users can run predictions directly. The interface also lets designers deploy diffusion models like Midjourney to stir imaginings.

“The capability of these transformers-based models to describe images, understand their context and make suggestions based on it has moved the discussion from image manipulation to natural language processing for content creation,” Tsigkari said.

Intellectual property creates a conundrum

Some creators express concern about losing control of intellectual property when feeding their own assets into AI apps. For instance, class-action lawsuits against software providers contest use of copyrighted images to train systems. Tsigkari stressed the need to understand security and IP considerations and read terms and conditions before using any software. But the challenges go beyond IP.

“It is not only the fuzzy boundaries around IP that are argued,” she said. “The lack of robust legal frameworks to deal with AI and ringfence how data may be used are going to challenge how these technologies are implemented.”

Tang doesn’t have the same concerns about IP. “As Voltaire said, ‘Originality is nothing but judicious imitation,’” he commented. “The idea is not to mindlessly copy but to critically apply the technology as a tool with generative capabilities. It requires that human intellectual and critical content to tease out the real meaning to us as designers and therefore become something slightly different.”

Input determines outcome

Given the dependence of AI output on the data that are input for training, another consideration for Tsigkari is the quality of AEC datasets. “There is one universal truth behind AI: data is king,” she said. “If we want to use and control these technologies to the best of our ability, we need to learn to control the data that drives them first.”

She noted the need for consistent tagged building datasets that are “contextualized, socially appropriate, structurally viable, sustainability sensitive and code complying. Our first challenge is to collect, organize and process our data across disciplines in a meaningful manner so that we can leverage it. Deploying in-house trained—rather than pre-trained—models is also a very robust way of ensuring the quality of your results,” she added.

Creativity balances AI and CHI

As AI becomes more embedded in the work of architecture, how does the definition of creativity change? Tang evoked the “Star Trek” character Data when discussing the imperative of human agency to refine the outcomes AI generates. “Data is an artificial intelligent being constantly looking for the human side of himself,” Tang explained. “I don’t think AI can ever supersede or replace human intelligence, particularly CHI.”

Tsigkari noted that humans have the upper hand on several qualities that enable creativity—including aesthetics, emotion, collaboration, communication and responsibility. “We should be focusing on how AI can become a creative assistant that is augmenting, rather than replacing, creativity—and the values we bring to the table are driving the changes we want to see.”

This story was originally published by Emily Beyda on the Bluebeam Blog.

Roughing it in the great outdoors is a little more luxurious in these cabins, which underwent a painstakingly detailed and complex design and construction process (from 2023)

hen it comes to roughing it in the great outdoors, most of us would be excited to spend the night in a simple log cabin or lean-to. But in Australia, which boasts thousands of miles of hiking and camping trails throughout its many national parks and wilderness areas, they do things a little differently.

So when it came time to design and construct the campsites along the challenging 13-day Grampian Peaks Trail route, planners knew they needed something special to match the natural scenery. But how could they create breathtaking structures in remote areas, many of which are unreachable by road?

Nick Griffin, Melbourne Co-Studio lead and associate director at McGregor Coxall, and Justin Noxon, architect and studio partner at Noxon Giffen, were ready to rise to the challenge.

An unmatched location

For Griffin and Noxon, the natural beauty of the site inspired an expansive creativity in the team’s approach to the design process. Also known by its aboriginal name, Gariwerd, Griffin described the area as “a significant landscape,” adding, “The environmental and cultural significance of Gariwerd drew us to the project.”

A look inside one of the cabins. Photo: Adam Gibson.

One of the most biodiverse places in Victoria and home to about a third of all native area plant species, there’s a reason this remote trail has been so perennially popular with ambitious hikers from all over the globe. “With such diverse terrain and unique natural resilience, the landscape and its systems form the primary inspiration for our design response,” Griffin said.

For Griffin and his associates, taking the time to truly immerse themselves in this landscape was an essential part of the design process. “The design team made multiple trips out to Gariwerd to spend time observing and documenting site conditions,” he said. “Immersion in each individual site took place to gain a holistic appreciation for and knowledge of the landscape in different weather conditions and at times of day.”

After spending time within each site, Griffin said the team created structures that mirrored the natural landscape that surrounded them, drawing both visually and materially from the park. “The form and placement of the architecture were inspired by the large-scale sandstone uplift evident throughout the Grampians; this is echoed in the single pitch of roof elements,” Griffin explained.

Photo: Adam Gibson.

Each structure even makes use of materials drawn naturally from the landscape. “The design vision included a robust and natural materials palette, considered in response to each individual site’s nature, colors and textures,” Griffin said. “For example, all rock was sourced from within each campsite.”

Designing with hikers in mind

The team knew how its structures needed to respond to the landscape—but what about the people who would be using them? Griffin said that throughout the project, the design team kept the specific experience of hikers at the forefront of their processes.

“The experiential design of all campsite elements was mindful to be specific to that of a hiking experience, therefore the comfort target for architectural elements sought to elevate only slightly from that of a tent,” he explained. “The aim was to feature architecture that would grow in parallel with the nature that surrounds it, minimizing harm to environments and keeping Gariwerd’s stunning landscape as the hero.”

Noxon said this commitment was clear from the moment the team read the key parameters that would define the project. “The brief called for the campsites to ‘touch the ground lightly,’ minimizing the impact on the environment and maintaining Gariwerd’s iconic, biodiverse landscape as the hero,” he said. “The structures were built to provide comfort and amenities for hikers, using materials that would blend into the landscape over time. Structures provide the essentials of weather protection and basic shelter, collect water, treat wastewater on-site and provide solar-powered battery charges for hiker safety for mobile phone navigation and safety within the context of a remote hiker trail experience.”

Where and how the cabins were constructed was as important as the amenities they contained.

“Off-grid campsites are designed with mindfulness to guidelines and tracks—intuitive circulation allows for more sustainable campsites that minimize public access to dense vegetation,” Noxon said. “Accommodating to a variety of users, abilities and intensities, the walk will conserve and protect Gariwerd’s beauty, achieving the highest possible grade of environmental sensitivity through the protection of site-specific conditions such as biotope preservation, overland flow management and microclimate.”

Construction complexities

Once construction began, Griffin said the complexity of the project became clear. “The remoteness of the 11 sites represented a lot of obstacles,” he said. “One of the major challenges was to ensure a consistent quality was achieved across several sites under construction concurrently.”

Collaborating closely with their contractor and Parks Victoria, which backed the project, Griffin and his team made regular visits to the Gariwerd sites throughout the construction process, which used a modular approach that allowed for the prefabrication of all of the elements, which could then be transported via airlift or vehicle to their designated sites.

Several sites were constructed concurrently as part of a prototyping process whose lessons would be applied to the next batch of sites—a unique method that allowed the team to meet their timing and budgetary goals. When lockdowns made in-person site visits challenging, the team figured out how to do virtual inspections from afar, so construction could stay on track.

Photo: Adam Gibson.

Now that the project is open to the public, Griffin and Noxon say the response has been enthusiastic. “The feedback that the project team have received on the project has been largely positive,” Griffin said. The campsites provide a great level of amenity for hikers without inhibiting the sense of nature. The campsite interventions are true to the brief of being subservient to the natural landscape; they simply add a layer of comfort to those seeking to immerse themselves in the magical Gariwerd landscape.

Noxon added that he hopes the structures will enhance hikers’ appreciation for the beauty of the region. “The campsites are designed to support the hiker experience of Gariwerd; to become part of the landscape; to promote connection and understanding of Gariwerd,” he said. “The architectural response fosters a slow, gentle and quiet interaction, an elemental experience of place.”

This story was originally published by Caitlin Davidson on the Bluebeam Blog.

By combining Bluebeam’s digital tools with a commitment to Indigenous partnerships, Modern Fire Protection is setting new industry standards

Australia-based Modern Fire Protection is a family owned and operated fire protection company that has been providing high quality services since 2015. Delivering comprehensive, cost-effective fire protection solutions, Modern Fire Protection works alongside its partners from concept design and supply to installation and ongoing service and maintenance for any size project.

Recognized as a Certified Supplier for Supply Nation, Modern Fire Protection has developed a range of partnerships with other Indigenous-controlled organizations and is focused on developing a culturally safe and capable environment.

“We are continually striving to increase our Indigenous workforce and the employment of women undertaking apprenticeships,” said Bill Hockley, the company’s managing director.

With extensive experience across diverse requirements such as high-rise residential buildings, shopping centers, major commercial buildings, mine sites and complex special hazard installations, Modern Fire has a broad footprint across southeast Queensland. Robina Shopping Centre, Sunshine Coast Plaza, Brisbane Airport, Logan Hospital and Brisbane Racing Club are among the sites its expert service has helped protect.

A trusted solution

Trust is central in a business where its stock and trade is building safety.

Modern Fire ensures its trusted reputation is backed by accreditations and industry certifications, and that its workers are all suitably qualified in their roles.

Alongside its strong team presence, the organization is firmly focused on implementing tools that enhance its reputation through increased transparency, accuracy and productivity, including Bluebeam.

Crossing the digital divide

Modern Fire first deployed Bluebeam tools in early 2023. “Before Bluebeam we printed everything out and used highlighters,” Hockley said. “It meant that after the bid was developed, the project manager didn’t have easy access to all the information he needed.”

Deploying Bluebeam not only built time and accuracy improvements into the bidding process, but it also meant digital information was accessible when projects came to life.

“Bluebeam has revolutionised how we operate; it is one of our foundational tools,” Hockley said. “Through using its tools we minimise redundancy, boost accuracy and expedite critical tasks—all of which cultivate trust with our customers.”

Designing success through Bluebeam

Construction Manager Dan Sawyer implements Bluebeam from the inception of the design process.

“I use if for everything I touch—I live in it,” he said. “When competing for tenders I am able to save the detailed drawings and all detail that underpins our bid development. We then use this detail to inform and develop an accurate project plan when we win the contract.”

Bluebeam offers a plug-in for Revit that enhances the design process by integrating 3D components with 2D drafting annotations. This tool facilitates coordination with design teams and streamlines the development of design solutions.

Managing multiple and diverse priorities with ease

Project Manager Josh Hall considers real-time collaboration as key to his successful delivery of multiple and concurrent priorities. “The simple fact is that Bluebeam does exactly what I need it to do—it makes my job easier to do and do well,” he said. “It should be a non-negotiable tool across all organizations in the construction industry.

The key tasks Hall deploys Bluebeam for include:

– To communicate clearly using AEC-specific tools to mark up contracts, drawings, photos and documents.

– To complete drawing overlays and dimension planning up to scale.

– To review detailed planning and information and confirm project delivery requirements.

A long-term Bluebeam user, Hall joined Modern Fire on the condition that the product was a key tool he could access. “I’ve been using it for five years across various roles and it underpins my success in delivering optimized outcomes in project delivery,” he said.

Modern Fire Project Administrator Hanna Greaves first began harnessing the capability of Bluebeam and its tools six months ago.

“I do all of the quantity takeoffs for tender submissions—it’s a critical tool to ensure accuracy,” she said. “It is relatively straightforward to use and quite intuitive—it was easy to self-teach and to build my skills in unlocking the Bluebeam tools as I go. Before this everything was printed out and counted out using a highlighter. Time saving and accuracy has been a great outcome for me—in particular thanks to the search tool capability and categorization tools.”

Looking toward the future

“Tools such as Bluebeam mean we are better able to position Modern Fire Protection as a trusted and permanent force in the industry,” Sawyer said. “It provides the opportunity to embed better systems and processes and reinforce the foundation of our business as we head into the longer term.”

Bluebeam is a tool that is deployed prolifically among Modern Fire’s project partners.

“When working across projects such as staged medical or shopping center precincts with multiple partners, we are all able to talk to a common language, so to speak,” Sawyer said. “These tools enable real-time agility and responsiveness—enhancing our professionalism and elevating our position in the industry. It underpins our value and supports our future growth.”