The use of AI algorithms in architecture, engineering and construction: A tool for crisis prevention? The uncertainty perspective

Sanja Mrksic Kovacevic; Frederic Bouder

doi:10.47818/DRArch.2023.v4si108

The use of AI algorithms in architecture, engineering and construction: A tool for crisis prevention? The uncertainty perspective

Authors

Sanja Mrksic Kovacevic Short Bio University of Stavanger

Sanja Mrksic Kovacevic has background in Economics, Engineering Management and Risk Management. She is currently conducting her PhD, at the University of Stavanger in Norway, where she is working on developing a risk-science approach to managing and communicating uncertainty in the Big Data age. She is a PhD board member of the Society for Risk Analysis Europe - Nordic Chapter.
Frederic Bouder Short Bio University of Stavanger

Frederic Bouder is Professor in Risk Management at University of Stavanger, Norway. He is a recognised expert in risk policy analysis. He has integrated cognitive insights from decision science into making risk policy more science-informed. He has directed research on the energy transition, pharmaceutical risks, genetic risk communication, AI, food safety and construction among other topics.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2023.v4si108

Keywords:

AEC, AI, algorithm, crisis, uncertainty

Abstract

Within the Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector we see movements toward greater use of industrial robots, machine learning, algorithms, and other artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Yet, the AEC industry, despite being one of the largest fields on a global scale, is known for being the slowest to digitalize and innovate. Factors such as unrecognizing the value of digitalization by the decision-makers and making safety-related decisions under high levels of uncertainty, appear to be critical in preventing successful large-scale digitalization. This situation raises multiple questions from a risk science perspective. How, among other things, might the expansion of AI and more specifically AI algorithms usage in the AEC field affect uncertainties, and could AI be considered a tool for preventing crises? To obtain responses to these questions, we conducted 21 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with AEC employees who are currently using AI and AI algorithms or will soon be doing so in their everyday work. Our findings show potential for wider use within the AEC field, subject to overcoming knowledge gaps. Moreover, although having the potential to reduce some uncertainties, the increased use of AI and AI algorithms appears to be introducing an entirely new set of uncertainties. As a result, although AI may effectively prevent certain crises and be regarded as crisis prevention tool, its inadequate implementation could potentially create new risks.

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Published

2023-12-31

How to Cite

Mrksic Kovacevic, S., & Bouder, F. (2023). The use of AI algorithms in architecture, engineering and construction: A tool for crisis prevention? The uncertainty perspective. Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 4((Special Issue), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2023.v4si108