3 uses of AI to create architectural images
Find out how AI can be used to produce architectural images. And how you can use AI to design faster and more creatively.
AI is revolutionizing the world of architecture, particularly in the creation of project images by architects and interior designers.
But what are the use cases of AI for creating architectural images?
There are indeed many, as well as numerous tools to create architectural images.
If you've been following the development of AI in architecture, it can be a bit challenging to sift through what's interesting but not yet very applicable, versus what's now well-established and essential to quickly adopt to avoid being outpaced by architects using AI.
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Finding Project Inspirations
Architects haven't waited for AI to find inspiration for their architectural projects. In fact, it's important to note that seeking inspiration to generate ideas for a new project is entirely part of an architect's work.
For example, you can search for:
- Buildings with the same program, such as a house by the sea
- Examples of architectural treatment of a particular construction element, like green roofs
- Or even project concepts
And there are already many ways to find inspiration or references:
- Architect monographs
- Social networks: Instagram, Pinterest...
- Architectural project platforms: Architizer, Archicool...
But AI adds another possibility with many advantages, such as the ability to make very precise requests through a specific prompt.
It can also offer ideas for projects that don't exist yet, like what would a completely transparent house look like?
The possibilities offered by AI for imagining architectural projects are dizzying!
AI Renderings from a Schematic 3D Model
To create realistic images of an architectural project, we usually model a 3D design with modeling software like Archicad, Revit, Sketchup...
Then, once the project has enough details, we can possibly create a realistic rendering with rendering software like Enscape. This process allows precise control over lighting, materials, etc.
But 3D renderings are slow because you have to manually detail all aspects of the building, and the final image calculation can also take hours!
Because realistic architectural renderings are time-consuming and expensive to produce, they are generally only done at specific stages of the project. And of course, it's not easy to change everything if problems are noticed at the last minute.
Conversely, AI renderings are very quick to create, provided you've learned how to make images with AI.
And AI can work with a "control image," one that ensures the AI accurately represents your project, which can be relatively simple: a schematic 3D model, a sketch, or even a crumpled piece of paper will do!
AI is also very flexible regarding what needs to be modeled.
No urban context? No problem, AI can invent it!
No libraries of plants or furniture? Not an issue, AI has seen plenty during its training process!
On the other hand, AI renderings, especially when using Stable Diffusion, may be less precise, and you don't have 100% control.
There may be inconsistencies, but the tools are evolving quickly, and AI also allows for a more Agile workflow.
It's better to lose a little precision but gain speed, enabling more frequent exchanges with the client, for example, and getting closer to the optimal solution faster.
Modifying Apartment Designs with AI
If you work in renovation or are an interior designer, it's common that you don't want to drastically alter a space with AI. However, you might want to compare several layout options.
What if we:
- Change the wall to pink
- Replace the roof with a wooden pergola
- Add a pool
These are questions that many people ask, whether they are architects, interior designers, or simply homeowners looking to renovate their house.
AI makes this very simple, meaning you can take a base image and, using a prompt, a predefined style, or more sophisticated techniques, such as using Stable Diffusion, to edit images of apartments, houses, or public spaces.
In this AI use case, the base image is modified while maintaining precise control over the final result; for instance, elements of the image not involved in the renovation must remain unchanged.
There are numerous AI tools available to modify a design from an existing image, offering varying degrees of control depending on the target audience:
- Homeowners wanting to renovate their apartment or house
- Real estate agents or developers wanting to stage homes or create perspectives for new properties
- Interior designers or architects wanting to quickly propose a project using AI to their client
- Architects working on renovation projects