Publication In the press
Interview in the BAU-Special by Baunetz
Smart Architecture: Artificial Intelligence is rethinking construction from the ground up.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the construction industry. Kajetan Szostok from the Munich-based architectural firm CSMM explains in an interview why the planning and consulting company is now establishing its own AI Competence Center.
Mr. Szostok, CSMM is currently setting up an AI Competence Center for AI-assisted architectural planning. What does this step reveal about the role of AI in architecture?
There is no doubt that AI is already deeply embedded in our industry. This is not a passing trend. AI is fundamentally reshaping how we work—not just through specific tools and solutions but by redefining how we think and approach projects. We strongly believe that AI has enormous potential to optimize and accelerate our daily workflows, which is why we decided to take this step. The center will coordinate the use of AI at CSMM, curate the selection of suitable tools, and explore new possibilities. Another key task will be keeping an eye on the rapidly evolving market to determine which innovations should be meaningfully integrated.
What are your objectives?
The AI Competence Center's research focuses on four main areas: generative planning, urban mass studies, sustainable solutions, and competitive strategies. Each area will be developed separately while closely monitoring the market. Many tools are still in their early stages, but they could soon become valuable assets. We carefully select software for testing and implementation, aiming to integrate them into our official workflows. Beyond research and implementation, we work closely with our other competence centers to develop tailored solutions, foster creativity, and streamline our team's work. These cross-disciplinary meetings often lead to new workflows and a fruitful exchange of ideas and experiences.
How does AI help you calculate the carbon footprint of projects more accurately and make more sustainable decisions?
With AI, we can manage vast amounts of data and aim to leverage this data at all project stages. Even in the early design phases, we can use AI tools to roughly estimate the energy consumption or carbon footprint of our proposals. This allows our clients to directly compare alternatives. Later, more advanced AI tools help refine these analyses.
What specific AI tools are you currently using, and what benefits do they offer in the early design and planning phases?
We use ChatGPT for various everyday tasks, from research to creating custom GPTs. Graphic models like MidJourney and LookX assist us with design iterations and mood boards. Magnific AI is used for image enhancement, while Luma, Runway, and Krea help with animations. We are also exploring tools like Qubik and Laiout for plan generation. These tools enable faster decision-making and more informed design choices.
How is AI changing workflows?
For me, AI fosters a new mindset—an openness to new solutions and innovative approaches. AI-generated visuals allow us to communicate ideas, moods, and atmospheres more quickly and accurately within teams and with clients. Rapid iterations help us define our goals more clearly.
CSMM has been using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for over a decade. How does the AI Competence Center integrate existing BIM data into new AI-driven processes?
Our AI Competence Center collaborates closely with our BIM Competence Center. Together, we evaluate and implement solutions for generative designs, urban studies, and sustainability. We are also exploring AI-assisted scripting to automate data processing within and beyond our BIM files, making them usable for AI-based sustainability models.
You mentioned that AI accelerates the design process and provides more design options. How?
AI has transformed our design approach by enabling us to generate multiple solutions in visual media. We use these tools for mood boards, competition entries, and design iterations. AI-supported workflows speed up our work, offer more options, and enhance the quality of our designs. This improves our communication with clients and simplifies the decision-making process.
Does AI also influence architectural aesthetics?
The aesthetics emerging from generative models are fascinating. For me, AI is more than just a tool—it is a “design partner.” It’s essential that humans maintain control, using AI to realize their visions rather than letting it lead the way. At CSMM, we strive to explore the boundaries of these tools and learn from each other to leverage AI effectively.
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