BIM Heroes Podcast Episode 11: The State Of Generative Design
In this episode, host Cody Whitelock explores the evolving landscape of generative design with Laura Paciano, the Senior Vice President of Growth at TestFit. Laura, who transitioned from the AEC sector to real estate technology, shares insights into how TestFit uses AI to optimize site planning and building designs. She recounts the company's origins, driven by the need to streamline repetitive tasks in architecture, and discusses the potential for AI to transform the construction industry.
Show Highlights:
Current State and Challenges of Generative Design:
The episode addresses the present capabilities of generative design in real estate and AEC. Laura discusses the promise of data efficiency and the ongoing challenges in realizing the full potential of AI in this space. Rising housing costs and land shortages underscore the need for optimization in generative design.
Test Fit's Approach and Impact:
An overview of TestFit’s journey from a simple application to a comprehensive platform that addresses various architectural and development challenges. Laura explains how TestFit connects stakeholders by generating design options and facilitating collaborative decision-making. The platform's ability to automate error-prone tasks and provide quick, data-driven answers is emphasized.
Future Potential and AI Integration:
Laura shares her vision for the future of generative design, emphasizing the untapped potential of AI and machine learning in the industry. The discussion touches on the importance of integrating real-time data and the possibilities of using AI to enhance site planning and building optimization.
Adoption Challenges and Industry Impact: The conversation covers the challenges faced by architects and developers in adopting new technologies. Laura highlights the differences in adoption barriers between architects, who are accustomed to design tools, and developers, who often rely on spreadsheets.
Innovative Solutions and Urban Planning:
TestFit’s new free tool for urban planning, Urban Planner, is introduced, democratizing access to site planning resources. The potential for integrating contextual data, such as environmental risks and zoning information, into the site planning process is discussed.
Listen to the BIM Heroes Podcast on:
Spotify: evr.cm/spotify
Apple: evr.cm/apple
CZcams: evr.cm/youtube
00:00 - Highlight
00:43 - Introductions (Testfit.io)
01:05 - What Testfit.io, History, Why it formed and Created
03:37 - State of Generative Design
04:33 - State of AI in Generative Design
05:28 - Laura Paciano Journey to Testfit.io
07:52 - What are the biggest challenges of adoption for Testfit.io
09:54 - Deal Evaluation within Testfit.io
11:44 - Cost Estimating using Testfit.io
12:58 - Site Planning using Testfit.io / Value Engineering
13:44 - Data Sets inputted into site planning
16:12 - AI using Testfit.io (Redevelopment)
16:45 - Integrations to Testfit.io
17:26 - Testfit.io Export to Authoring Tools
17:43 - Urban Design using Testfit.io - Site Solver
19:35 - GIS into Testfit.io
21:37 - Reality Capture into Testfit.io
23:09 - GC Usage of Testfit.io
26:54 - Could you use Testfit.io for 4D
27:34 - Could you use Testfit.io for 5D
27:56 - Testfit.io Design of Circulation - Parking
28:26 - Testfit.io Interior Design Circulation
28:47 - Different Buckets of Construction using Testfit.io
30:41 - Testfit.io Biggest Hurdle / Design Code Solution using Generative Design
32:03 - What is the Future of Testfit.io
33:27 - Testfit.io used for Site Logistics
34:06 - Final Thoughts of Where AI will take us with Generative Design