Studio Tim Fu reveals AI-driven masterplan for luxury scheme

The Lake Bled Estate in Slovenia comprises six contemporary villas and the restoration of the historic Vila Epos on a 22,000 sq m on the shore of Lake Bled in the Julian Alps.

In an interview with Forbes announcing the development, Fu explained that the site is surrounded by listed buildings and is governed by strict building codes. “We see this as the perfect chance to show what AI can truly achieve. Our aim is to prove that, when used thoughtfully, AI can create designs that are both respectful of their surroundings and entirely practical to build,” he said.

AI has been used in the design optimisation (including interpreting and reimagining traditional Slovenian architectural motifs into a modern context), heritage preservation and environmental integration.

Fu discussed the combination of human and AI skills on the project: “One key example is our diffusion visualisation workflow, where we can plan architectural programming while AI generates design options in real-time. We’ve also integrated optimisation algorithms that enable machine intelligence to maximise key parameters like daylighting and room efficiency. By approaching architectural challenges with AI, we immediately see a boost in our own creative thinking.”

Fu emphasised to Forbes the importance of human curation of AI work. “In the paradigm of AI-aided design, the act of curation is key. We architects and designers are needed to uphold our human values – we dictate the direction of AI exploration, we curate the plethora of creative results, and we refine in the direction necessary to address technical requirements.

“While AI can provide a high quantity of creative inputs, humans should always decide which values to pursue. This decision is based on our collective understanding of culture, society, and values that we want to proliferate into our built environment.”

Fu set up his own practice, Studio Tim Fu in London, in 2023, after leaving Zaha Hadid Architects.

Don’t miss out on BIM, information management and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.

The Lake Bled Estate in Slovenia comprises six contemporary villas and the restoration of the historic Vila Epos on a 22,000 sq m on the shore of Lake Bled in the Julian Alps.

In an interview with Forbes announcing the development, Fu explained that the site is surrounded by listed buildings and is governed by strict building codes. “We see this as the perfect chance to show what AI can truly achieve. Our aim is to prove that, when used thoughtfully, AI can create designs that are both respectful of their surroundings and entirely practical to build,” he said.

AI has been used in the design optimisation (including interpreting and reimagining traditional Slovenian architectural motifs into a modern context), heritage preservation and environmental integration.

Fu discussed the combination of human and AI skills on the project: “One key example is our diffusion visualisation workflow, where we can plan architectural programming while AI generates design options in real-time. We’ve also integrated optimisation algorithms that enable machine intelligence to maximise key parameters like daylighting and room efficiency. By approaching architectural challenges with AI, we immediately see a boost in our own creative thinking.”

Fu emphasised to Forbes the importance of human curation of AI work. “In the paradigm of AI-aided design, the act of curation is key. We architects and designers are needed to uphold our human values – we dictate the direction of AI exploration, we curate the plethora of creative results, and we refine in the direction necessary to address technical requirements.

“While AI can provide a high quantity of creative inputs, humans should always decide which values to pursue. This decision is based on our collective understanding of culture, society, and values that we want to proliferate into our built environment.”

Fu set up his own practice, Studio Tim Fu in London, in 2023, after leaving Zaha Hadid Architects.

Don’t miss out on BIM, information management and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.