AI in ArchiCAD
AI or Artificial Intelligence is the hottest thing right now and due to its powerful performance, all app developers are racing to integrate this technology into their software, such as Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft Office, to name a few. This is in addition to new applications and websites dedicated entirely to generative AI, which has sprung like mushrooms since 2022.
However, it is unclear whether they are doing it only to fall in line or to help the users. ArchiCAD for example, is pushing AI implementation at various levels, with Archicad AI Visualizer being integrated into AC28. The truth is that I am not impressed since it doesn’t tackle the issues I see with generative images. The way I see it, you can create anything you can imagine, except for the actual thing you have in mind. Yes, you can quickly generate design alternatives at early design phases by adding details and context, but it is all conceptual and architecture is conceptual to only a certain extent. There is a threshold where the design is supposed to leave the notional stage behind and become precise and practical, down to the millimetre.
ArchiCAD is a great design software, but it has its limitations when it comes to generating custom objects, especially when GDL object creation is still out of reach for most users and Library Part Maker is not the easiest tool to work with, either. In the context of clients and end users expecting to see a design as close to reality as possible, using actual building and design elements is key for delivering a comprehensive design. This is not only to meet the client's expectations, but the ability to visualise in 3D every detail of a project can make the difference so that when it hits the site, all permutations and risks will have already been considered.
Most manufacturers and suppliers now provide free BIM objects, which is extremely useful to demonstrate to clients how a particular building element or decor feature would fit within the design, but that is not the case for every single item out there. One thing I have been struggling with in the past was to model a specific furniture item when designing interior design schemes or refurbishments.
Modelling each 3D element is time-consuming, and sometimes in vain, especially when the design is not frozen. To tackle this, I had to rely on using generic furniture to demonstrate the layout efficiency. This approach is still relevant and can create a compelling design proposal, especially when complemented by a mood board. However, using actual furniture can push a design proposal to the next level and this is where generative AI comes into play.
Among its numerous functions, AI can help generate 3D objects easily, using a text prompt or an image to do so. Being able to create an object based on an image within seconds is a game changer, as this feature combines the power of AI with the specificity required in the design brief. Taking the cutouts, materials and textures from the mood board and transposing them into furniture and fixtures is, simply put, magic!
I experimented with various AI engines and I found one that is fast, accurate, and easy to integrate into many 3D CAD software programs. And no, it is not ArchiCAD. This is Meshy, a website where you can effortlessly create stunning 3D assets within seconds. All you need is a high-resolution image of the object you want to generate, ideally a perspective view, but a side view would also do.
In the examples below, I have used a Foku lounge chair and a Cielo armchair for demonstrating the power of generative AI. I started by obtaining a good image of what I
wanted to achieve.
To download a high-resolution image from any website, make sure you first open the image in a separate tab to check the size and quality of the image. If that is satisfactory, you can go on and download it. Alternatively, show the web inspector or right-click and inspect element and locate the large image in the webpage resources. This way, you can ensure you have downloaded the HiRes image, rather than the thumbnail preview – see the image below for instructions.
Next, drag and drop the HR image to Meshy, choose a name for your 3D asset and click on generate. You can preview and rotate the object on the right side of the screen. Once you are happy with the result, all you need to do next is to download it. Bonus, there is a mesh optimisation option to keep the project file size within decent limits.
Preview of the generated model in Meshy
There are more ways to do this, but I obtained the best result when I downloaded the objects as StereoLithographyraphy files .stl and opened them in Blender; from here I exported them as Collada file .dae and opened them in ArchiCAD – a drag and drop would also do. You can then add and change textures as you wish, within ArchiCAD. Given the high polygon count, I was prepared for my ArchiCAD to crash, but I haven’t experienced any lags or crashes, so this is another plus.
3D Furniture object imported in ArchiCAD
The result is a 3D, parametric furniture object that can add realism to the proposed design, making it more comprehensive for the client. This way, the client can see exactly what they get.
To test the ability of this image to 3D asset generation, I had a go at creating some miscellaneous elements out of curiosity and mostly for fun. Since I made an obsession lately for VIVOBAREFOOT shoes, I used these as a test. The results were great, and it took less than 2 minutes. Pareto principle at its height. Although this is not a literal depiction and you can still spot some flows once you pull your magnifier out, this AI engine is quite remarkable, given how little information is being fed to start with. If you are not familiar with these shoes, click here to check my muse.
Also, If you are still not convinced about Meshy and you wish to try it first, you can get 200 free credits for a start. You can upgrade your subscription at any time to benefit from all the features this quirky website has to offer. Happy designing!
VIVOBAREFOOT Primus shoes imported in ArchiCAD as 3D objects
To summarise, I believe AI can improve the design workflow when it automates time-consuming tasks. So next time you wish to impress your clients, or you just want to add a furniture item to test your design, don’t spend hours modelling that, just go ahead and use an image to 3D asset generator and save yourself some precious time. You can then spend time on what matters and not on modelling objects that may be changed/ omitted on the first occasion the client comes back with comments.
I hope you have found this as helpful as I did. AI is a great tool when used wisely to cut down on the more laborious tasks and gain more time to spend on concepts and generating amazing ideas. At the end of the day, that's why we're here.
P.S. Please note that some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. This helps to keep the lights on and the blog posts rolling. Rest assured, I only recommend tools and products I truly love and believe will help your architectural workflow and wellbeing. Yep, you read that last bit right, the VIVOBAREFOOT improved my poor posture that came with this dream job.
Really useful!! Thanks a lot!
Amazing article!