Architecture & Generative Design

What is the role and future of generative design and machine learning in the field of architecture? Lilli Smith, Senior Product Manager AEC Generative Design at Autodesk, joins us to discuss these emerging technologies.

Architecture, in collaboration with Engineering and Construction, leads to the creation of the millions of buildings around the world. Like many other creative professions, architecture is being transformed by smartware in the form of things like generative design applications and additive fabrication, which is better known as 3d printing. Autodesk’s Lilli Smith brings more than 20 years of personal history and insight to our conversation on these topics.

 

Memorable Quotes

“By the year, 2050 there are going to be 10 billion people on earth and if you do the math, we're going to need to build about 13,000 buildings a day to accommodate all those people.”

“Humans are still going to be critical in these design efforts because they're gonna be setting up the problems, deciding what kinds of problems to solve using machines to help them to do a better job.”

“Machine learning algorithms lessen the number of design options that the designer has to sort through.”

“The computer can actually surprise you with combinations of different inputs that you might not have thought about before.”

“Computer literacy and coding literacy are really seen now as core competencies for architects and engineers in school.”

“When there are several inputs to the design, it becomes really hard for the human mind to keep track of all the combinations of those inputs.”

“We have tools that can actually predict the next node that you should place in a design sequence and give you ideas about what can come next.” 

“Technologies like machine learning can help people to code better and they'll be able describe their design ideas better for other kinds of automation.” 

“What people say they do and what they actually do is usually different.” 

“My 10-year-old has been coding in Scratch since before she could read. It’s really exciting to think about what her generation, the creative things that they're going to be able to come up with to deal with these technologies.”

“Generative design is really not new. There's a long history of generative art.”

 

Who You'll Hear

Dirk Knemeyer, Social Futurist and Producer of Creative Next (@dknemeyer)

Jonathan Follett, Writer, Electronic Musician, Emerging Tech Researcher and Producer of Creative Next (@jonfollett)

Lilli Smith, Senior Product Manager AEC Generative Design, Autodesk (@LilliMSmith)

 

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Sponsors

GoInvo, A design practice dedicated to innovation in healthcare whose clients are as varied as AstraZeneca, 3M Health Information Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. www.goinvo.com 

Design Museum Foundation, A new kind of museum, they believe design can change the world. They’re online, nomadic, and focused on making design accessible to everyone. Their mission: bring the transformative power of design everywhere. You can learn about their exhibitions, events, magazine, and more. www.designmuseumfoundation.org

BIF, As a purpose-driven firm, BIF is committed to bringing design strategy where it is needed most - health care, education, and public service to create value for our most vulnerable populations. www.bif.is