Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation has embraced the power of artificial intelligence to streamline its architectural design processes. In March 2022, the company unveiled the AI-assisted design tool, "AiCorb," aimed at optimizing design tasks. Following continuous enhancements, the tool commenced full-scale operations in July. AiCorb allows users to set specific parameters and generate building designs from simple hand-drawn sketches, contributing to creative support in architectural design. The tool has generated approximately 1,000 images to date.

Developed in collaboration with the California-based research institution SRI International, AiCorb enables the proposal of various façade designs based on sketches and 3D models. The collaboration with the design platform "Hypar" from the US-based startup company Hypar allows for a comprehensive design approach, including volume design.

AiCorb proves especially beneficial in the early stages of design, reducing the time required to create design proposals for clients. However, Obayashi Corporation emphasizes that the tool is intended for idea exploration, intending to facilitate consensus-building discussions. Leveraging three-dimensional information, which may be challenging to convey through images alone, is expected to expedite consensus-building and enhance overall efficiency.

The company acknowledges "education" as a key challenge associated with AI integration. With potential risks of copyright infringement, Obayashi stresses the importance of correct and responsible usage. They foresee a significant productivity gap between companies that effectively educate their workforce on AI utilization and those that do not. As AI expands the scope and depth of design exploration, Obayashi believes that investing in AI education is imperative for future success. The corporation anticipates that AI integration will undoubtedly provide a competitive advantage by broadening the possibilities and themes in design exploration. (2023/12/05)