The Rise of AI is Impacting the Construction Planning Process

Many countries are experiencing a housing crisis and Israel is no exception. SWAPPs CEO and Co-Founder, Eitan Tsarfarti, believes that the solution lies in technology, and in particular Contech. The current construction planning process is long and cumbersome. In Israel today, moving from planning to completed construction can take between five and eight years. The permit application phase alone, which previously took several months, can now sometimes take several years. This makes it difficult for developers to act with certainty on what can be built, and the project’s economic viability. Israel’s not alone in these challenges. In the United States, it takes almost a year (and often more) to complete a multifamily building — and that’s after obtaining authorization, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Changes in the zoning codes that shaped New York now mean that 40% of Manhattan’s buildings couldn’t be built today, according to an Upshot article. In fact, zoning has become so complex, that Mike Ernst, director of planning at the civic group claimed that “To understand zoning, you have to have a law degree, it’s so convoluted and so dense,” adding that, “the whole process of how buildings get built these days is so confusing and opaque to people.”

Modern technology used in building construction is revolutionizing the industry

AI in architectural design is slowly entering a variety of areas — from the planning stage, through licensing, and various stages of execution, supervision, and construction materials. AI-generated architecture helps construction companies control every phase of their project planning process — providing AI-powered planning, financial estimation, and detailed construction documentation.

During planning, the designer incorporates the use, function, and needs of the inhabitants of the building project and produces workable and effective construction plans and specifications. Traditionally, this would be a linear and time-consuming process. The designer/architect would have to meet with each consultant (such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural, sustainability, energy, planning, services engineering, fire engineering, health and safety, and many more), in order to obtain the information needed and draw up workable plans to meet code requirements and the client’s needs. That’s the short list. Depending on the project, many other consultants could be involved.

Using AI in architectural design, architects, designers, and engineers can simulate and visualize building projects based on the most robust data sets possible. Data points include:

• Maps

• GIS

• Architectural plans

• Survey CADs

• Building layouts (“As Built”)

• Sustainability regulations (LEED, BREEAM)

• MEP drawings

• HVAC drawings

• Building manufacturer specs

• Weather data (EnergyPlus)

• PV Watts (PV analysis)

Using architectural technology, you can better design to meet the functional needs of the tenants or office workers and be more efficient when placing the HVAP, MEP, and other elements. lt supports construction coordination of structural, architectural, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans and produces detailed construction drawings and design models according to customers' needs and requirements. And it’s all carried out simultaneously.

AI in architectural design is a game-changer, reducing the process to weeks from months

AI-driven construction planning creates a complete and detailed blueprint and plan to get construction starting within a few weeks instead of the traditional 9-month process, thereby saving developers time and money. By harnessing the power of automated AI data analysis systems, customers reduce property assessment cycles by 85%, save 40% on the various planning stages’ time, such as pre-design, schematic design, design development, and construction document, and optimize the iteration process. Design smarter buildings & save on O&M costs

During any site evaluation, real estate developers need an estimation of development costs, construction costs, and the potential return on investment. ​Studies show that even once the construction project is complete, operating and maintenance (O&M) costs can amount to as much as 40 to 80 percent of the structure’s overall lifetime costs. These projected future costs are largely determined by decisions made before construction even begins. Using planning tech to minimize present and future spending and maximize value prior to construction makes sound financial sense.

Planning tech starts with SWAPP

SWAPP provides a flexible way to manage the financial parameters of different typologies and to optimize for the best result. Our AI-driven software platform improves the entire construction project’s planning process by transforming the entire property assessment and planning process into a transparent, data-driven, and financially-optimized procedure. Optimization algorithms enable developers to choose the best planning option that maximizes efficiency, minimizes construction costs, and significantly reduces risks and mistakes. The bottom line No matter how advanced AI construction planning technology becomes, it can never completely replace architects or engineers. The solution lies in the combination of qualified and experienced professionals and the most advanced technology. The integration of artificial intelligence into the design process, computer vision solutions and advanced robotics in the execution stages is revolutionizing architecture and construction as we know it. Together, they can accelerate and streamline the design and construction processes to successfully meet the growing housing demand.

Are you ready to discover how you can create planning value from Day One? Talk to us about your construction project. Click here to book a time with a planning expert.