AI-Augmented Architecture

Dewan Architects + Engineers is set to unveil its latest innovations in AI-augmented BIM and automation alongside some of the world’s leading technology innovators at the Autodesk University (AU) 2024 in San Diego, USA.

This high-level event marks a significant milestone in Dewan’s digital transformation journey as the firm, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, joins over 12,000 design and make experts at the AU conference.

At AU 2024, Dewan will showcase its ongoing research and development (R&D) in automation tools, which significantly boost efficiency and project delivery in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Dewan’s bespoke suite of tools integrate seamlessly with Autodesk products, streamlining workflows and addressing critical challenges such as coordination inefficiencies and data fragmentation. Through a live talk, Dewan will illustrate how these tools are improving outcomes on ongoing projects, not only accelerating timelines but also enhancing data accuracy and team collaboration.

As the lead design consultant for the AMAALA Yacht Club, Dewan Architects + Engineers’ cloud-driven BIM workflows reduced design collaboration time by 43%, shortened total design time by 17%, and minimised change management efforts by 28%. These processes resulted in a 40% reduction in design-related activities, delivering significant operational savings and enhancing overall efficiency.

AI and Quible:

The Future of Smarter, Agile DesignDewan will showcase its progress in leveraging AI, with Quible as the centrepiece — a BIM-to-AI tool developed in-house to enhance data analysis and decision-making. By utilising deep learning and Large Language Models (LLM), Quible enables smarter, more precise designs, leading to greater design accuracy and improved project outcomes across all phases.

From Automation to AI-Augmented Decision Making

The integration of AI within BIM, as exemplified by Quible, enables near-real-time insights that significantly enhance the design process. AI algorithms can analyse vast datasets, including information from previous projects and environmental factors, transforming building design from a reactive to a proactive approach. This shift optimises project performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

As AI continues to reshape industry standards, Dewan’s innovative approach positions it as a driving force in the evolution of the AEC industry. The company’s forward-thinking strategy, centred on Outcome-Based Design, envisions a future where AI provides interactive insights into the performance, sustainability, and cost implications of design elements—leading to more informed decisions.

Christopher Stock, Head of BIM at Dewan Architects + Engineers, commented:

“The ability for data to be interactive and live opens the door to a more responsive design process, allowing teams to stay agile and informed, ultimately driving better project outcomes.”

Ammar Al Assam, CEO of Dewan Architects + Engineers, added:

“Our commitment to technological advancement is part of our DNA. With AI and platforms like Quible, we’re not just optimising processes; we’re creating a new paradigm for how architecture and engineering are practiced globally. This marks a key milestone in our 40-year journey of shaping the future of design.”

Unlocking New Frontiers

MAD, a dedicated technology research lab within Dewan, is focused on driving digital transformation through R&D. By integrating AI, automation, and emerging technologies like Digital Twins, Extended Reality (XR), MAD aims to optimise workflows across the company. The division also fosters digital innovation, spearheading R&D to develop pioneering solutions that address industry challenges and anticipate future trends.

Case Studies and Real-World Impact

Attendees at AU 2024 will have the opportunity to explore Dewan’s design automation and analytics solutions through practical case studies. Notably, the AMAALA Yacht Club project developed by Red Sea Global in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia demonstrates how cloud-driven BIM workflows reduced design collaboration time by 43%, shortened total design time by 17%, and minimised change management efforts by 28%. These processes resulted in a 40% reduction in design-related activities, delivering significant operational savings and enhancing overall efficiency.

Pioneering Innovation in Architecture and Engineering

Dewan’s development of Quible is just one of its many technological advancements in 2024. Alongside breakthroughs in BIM, cloud-based solutions, and AI-enhanced design processes, Dewan continues to lead innovation in the architecture and construction sector. The recent acquisition of a majority stake in Singapore-based DesignLab further solidifies Dewan’s leadership in the global hospitality sector.

Dewan’s adherence to the ISO 19650 standard ensures that project data and collaboration meet the highest international benchmarks. With AI, deep learning, and advanced analytics at the core of its operations, Dewan remains committed to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation and operational efficiency, shaping the future of the built environment.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Digital Excellence

Dewan’s initiative at AU marks the beginning of a broader vision for digital excellence. By leveraging AI for design and embracing near-real-time data analysis, Dewan is at the forefront of a sweeping transformation that promises to unlock new efficiencies, better outcomes, and limitless potential for future projects.

As Dewan continues to advance decision-making and digital integration, it remains focused on its mission: to redefine the possibilities in architecture and engineering by placing technology at the heart of its innovation strategy.