The MaCAD is a unique online programme training a new generation of architects, engineers and designers ready to develop skills into the latest softwares, computational tools, BIM technologies and AI towards innovation for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.
Abstract As we advance into the 21st century, addressing the global housing crisis becomes imperative. By 2025, approximately 1.6 billion people will lack adequate housing, necessitating the construction of 96,000 affordable homes daily to meet the demand of 3 billion people by 2030 (Masterson, 2022). Urban areas, which now host over 50% of the world’s … Read more
A Self-Reflection on AI’s Replication and Innovation in Architecture Our group explores the topic of AI-chitect, a self reflection on AI’s replication and innovation in architecture. The proposal is to initialise Vitruvius’ De Architectura using RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and set the volume of text as a knowledge base from which our journey as the AI-chitect … Read more
In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, understanding its potential and risks is crucial. To explore these dimensions, we staged a fictitious debate featuring three contrasting AI agents. This debate delves into the ethical implications, societal benefits, and possible downsides of an advancing AI era. Project Overview This project staged a fictitious … Read more
Studying migration is crucial for urban planners and architects to anticipate and accommodate the influx of people into cities, ensuring the development of robust infrastructure that can support this growth. As migration patterns shape demographic changes, understanding these trends allows cities to plan for adequate housing, transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities. This foresight is essential … Read more
In a world where urban areas are predominantly developed and the heat island effect is intensifying, the construction industry significantly contributes to environmental challenges. Instead of focusing on tools that promote new construction, our goal is to provide a tool that analyzes existing buildings and suggests improvements. This approach aims to enhance sustainability and mitigate … Read more
https://github.com/ronmaccms/llm-chatbot.git Can AI Help Us Regulate Itself? AI is rapidly transforming the world. One critical question is whether AI can help regulate itself. By training a LLM on a comprehensive set of research papers, we can explore AI’s potential to provide insights into its own governance and ethical use. The research investigates how national policies … Read more
Introduction The architectural profession is on the cusp of taking a revolutionary turn with the emergence of AI that is rapidly gaining momentum, but, in the midst of potentially great deviations that will come along not because of the involvement of AI in the architectural design, there exists certain downsides to it that must be … Read more
In our increasingly interconnected world, the relationship between humans and AI has often been characterized by a master-slave dynamic. This imbalance raises significant ethical and social implications, necessitating a shift towards mutual respect and collaboration. Our vision reimagines societal structures as rhizomatic connections: non-hierarchical, interconnected, and decentralized. We envision a coalition of all intelligences—biological, artificial, … Read more
Our study aims to explore the history and impact of artificial intelligence on interactions of young people, examining how integrating AI technologies into everyday life influences self-perception and interpersonal interactions, ultimately transforming societal structures and relationships. The pervasive presence of AI in the lives of young people is reshaping social norms and identities, blurring the … Read more
Introduction In 1950, Alan Turing posed a fundamental question, “Can machines think?”. Our exploration aims to extend this quest by considering additional questions: can machines develop the higher-order thinking described, as described in Bloom’s taxonomy? Can they create, dream, or imagine? To understand imagination and machine creation, we first examine perception, i.e., the processes of … Read more
Setting the Scene In today’s digital landscape, our interactions are increasingly mediated by technology itself rather than as a medium for human communication. This shift creates an illusion of connectivity while fostering isolation, often trapping us in algorithm-driven echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs. Artificial intelligence now guides our lives, listening, learning, and providing information … Read more
AI in the Anthropocene The architectural profession is currently at a critical juncture, faced with the dual challenges of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and the escalating climate crisis. Many architects harbour fears of obsolescence as AI’s capabilities expand, potentially automating tasks that traditionally require human expertise. This concern is not unfounded, as AI-driven tools increasingly … Read more
Digital twins or “digital replica” refer to a highly detailed virtual model of a physical building or infrastructure project, and through real-time monitoring the delivery of continuously updated data about systems and construction processes can be recorded within BIM. In a “House of Digital Twin”, the foundation of the house is Building Information Modeling (BIM), … Read more
Project Concept Aggreculture is a Mars colony architectural project focused on food production. The design concept is inspired by the way plant roots grow to find necessary nutrients within soil aggregate. Our project is unique in that it occupies a speculative Martian lava tube. By building in a lava tube, we use existing natural resources … Read more
Concept In this custom webapp, we seriously (and jokingly) consider and design for the non-human. While walking my dog, Lumen, and thinking about this project, I noticed how he always picks up a stick and brings it home. This brings him happiness and reason to behave while on our walks. In the spirit of thinking … Read more
3 Pocast Episodes with Immanuel Koh, Håvard Vasshaug, and Angelos Chonics Architects often face challenges when dealing with diverse data formats and the manual recreation of forms in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. These obstacles can result in time-consuming processes, errors, and discrepancies between design intentions and construction execution. AI tools such as LunchboxML, PlanFinder, … Read more
Abstract Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing global industries, with the AEC sector being no exception. This study embarks on a comprehensive examination of AI’s role within Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, exploring its implications and envisioning the industry’s future post-AI integration. Initial Research Among the available AI aided BIM tools, we looked at the commonly used … Read more
Introduction BIM has long been established as a disruptive technology in the construction industry. It has significantly changed how we approach construction projects, making it possible to plan, manage, and execute projects more efficiently with digital models. Despite its potential, our experience is that the implementation of BIM into comprehensive processes and workflows involving multiple … Read more
•Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Printing technologies offer a transformative potential in addressing housing challenges in third-world countries. BIM facilitates a comprehensive digital representation of construction projects, enhancing collaboration, reducing errors, and optimizing resources. In tandem, 3D Printing enables cost-effective and rapid construction, allowing for the creation of affordable and sustainable housing solutions. Together, … Read more
“Building Information Modeling (BIM) in urban scale data management refers to the strategic integration of digital modeling techniques, for the thorough organization and oversight of urban infrastructure and services. This process entails crafting 3D models that encompass sets of data layers—including architectural, infrastructural, and environmental aspects—to streamline city planning, design, and operation.” The use of … Read more
PROBLEM STATEMENT The predominant usage of digital processes in the current practice of architecture. However, with the many positives there are known inherent and latent constraints (e.g., data encryption, cloud breaches, and copyright issues) and other possible complexities and challenges. THESIS STATEMENT To inquire the understanding of the adoption of digital processes in the practice … Read more
We’ve witnessed a fascinating shift from conventional to computational approaches, responsive designs, and the era of automation. Machine Learning, a term buzzing everywhere these days, has made its mark in our industry as well. In architecture, ML, a subset of artificial intelligence, utilizes data to tackle challenges in computer-aided design by simulating various design alternatives … Read more
Challenge The available Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications in the AEC industry help create geometry and add meta-data. However, the files generated by this software are neither readable nor editable by any other application. Additionally, the metadata added to geometry lives as disconnected copies in several models. These issues lock AEC companies to particular software … Read more
Abstract Informal settlements across all of Egypt are characterized by complex socio-economic situations aggravated by the immense size of the population and its rapid growth. As a result of lack of building regulations, extreme poverty and continuous need for expansion, the rise of uncontrolled informal settlements remains a significant challenge for Egypt. Our research explores … Read more
