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How AI is shaping the future of workplace design

Siddharth Aryamane, assistant director of architecture and workplace design, Concept Consilio India, on what’s changing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had an immense effect on a variety of businesses. It has revolutionized the way companies process data points and interact with their customers to provide solutions. Using “Predictive Analysis” done by AI, one can understand consumer behavior and anticipate trends to maximize customer base by transforming data processing and engagement.

On the other hand, in terms of workplace design, workplace strategy is a trend that has helped set new grounds for efficiently designing a workplace. Workplace strategy talks about collecting data and churning out a design as per said data. This includes data about each level of employee in each department and their behavourial patterns in terms of how they utilize the workplace and how smart designing can help them be more productive while providing a balance of health and well-being.

AI can help in effective space utilization by identifying what percentage of office space is being used on each day and how it can be optimized. AI presents the designer with multiple possibilities of utilizing the space and creative solutions for the layout and design elements that can be incorporated basis the client brief. The design of workplaces has undergone major shifts in recent years, moving away from conventional office layouts and hierarchical systems. The rise of hybrid work environments, where internet work and in-office cooperation coexist, has initiated this evolution.

AI’s ability to assess and optimize space usage is one of the key advantages of office design. Traditional offices frequently utilized predetermined plans that gave little thought to how the working environment was actually used. By providing real-time insights into office space utilization, AI alters the game. It can keep tabs on which office spaces are filled at any given time, how frequently they are utilized, and even which workstations or conference rooms are most popular with staff members. With this data in hand, AI may offer a variety of utilization of space alternatives, enabling designers to design layouts that make the best use of the available space.

In addition, AI provides imaginative layout and design solutions depending on particular project briefs. AI-powered design uses the company’s requirements and objectives to analyze the problem statement. AI’s role in promoting employee well-being, productivity, and cooperation is a key component of workplace design.

AI, for instance, can spot trends in teamwork and offer design adjustments that encourage involvement. It may suggest strategically positioning workstations, meeting spaces, and common areas to promote impromptu cooperation and idea sharing. Designers are enabled to create an atmosphere where employees become more connected and engaged by optimizing the workspace according to these insights, which will eventually end up in higher employee efficiency and satisfaction with their jobs while curtailing costs.

It should be noted that AI, in itself is not a solution. It should be used as a tool by skilled designers to help expedite the process of design. Existing web-based software like FOYR, HOMESTYLER, and COHOOM generate wonderful designs in a few minutes. But these designs are not a one-stop solutions that novice users can take and go ahead with.
It is known that few architects and designers are using data points and analytics prepared by AI to design workplaces and increase space optimization and workplace efficiency. That is where the future of AI and workplace design lies.

Another use of AI algorithms can be to transform 2D models into realistic three-dimensional representations of spaces. This means designers can create 3D virtual models that allow them to explore different design options, play with space layout and try out different colour and material combinations. Example of such applications are Fotor, 3DFY.
It is a thin line to make use of AI in a way to achieve design solutions that were previously achieved with deep study and data crunching and to use AI to get workplace layouts that don’t make much sense if not given enough data or left without human intervention. AI acts as a catalyst for great design to be developed with ease where it took many iterations and workhours to do the same before. AI can be an important mechanism to study and develop better design in any field, but with the help it provides in understanding data, the impact it can have on workplace design can be tremendous.