Unleashing AI for the Built World: Highlights from the 2024 Symposium & Expo

From September 10th to 12th, 2024, thought leaders, researchers, and industry pioneers gathered for the GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World. Over three days, participants explored groundbreaking AI applications aimed at transforming architecture, urban planning, and construction. Through inspiring keynotes, collaborative workshops, and a dynamic expo floor, attendees gained insights into the latest innovations—uncovering how AI is reshaping sustainable building, optimizing resources, and designing the cities of the future. This year’s symposium underscored the power of collaboration between academia and industry, sparking fresh ideas and partnerships that will drive the built environment forward.

From left: José Quesada Allerhand, Prof. Pieter Pauwels, Dafydd Cotoarbă, Shih-Pu Kuo, Andre Yu Li, Agata Dalach, Dr. Christos Chantzaras, Tobias Förtsch, Prof. Ian Smith, Prof. Dr. Shang-Hsien Hsieh

Exploring AI’s Transformative Power: Highlights from the 2024 GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World

The GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World, held from September 10th to 12th, 2024, brought together visionaries from academia, industry leaders, and emerging tech innovators at the TUM campus in Garching. Organized by the TUM Georg Nemetschek Institute and TUM Venture Labs, this event offered a unique exploration of AI’s role in reshaping the built environment—from efficiency gains to the ethical and sustainable responsibilities we face.

The event opened with a ceremony featuring speeches from TUM President Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Hofmann, Dean Prof. Dr. Christoph Gehlen, and Nemetschek Group CEO Yves Padrines. A significant highlight was Prof. Georg Nemetschek’s appointment as Honorary Senator of TUM, celebrating his lifetime contributions to digital transformation in the construction sector.

Bringing Together Diverse Perspectives and Insights

The symposium challenged conventional approaches to academic conferences, blending research presentations, industry insights, and startup pitches in a uniquely collaborative format. Key contributions included:

8 Keynote Speeches: Prof. Dr. Burcin Becerik-Gerber from USC demonstrated how human-centered AI is fostering responsive and adaptive built spaces. Another standout, Marc Nézet from Nemetschek Group, emphasized the strategic and responsible integration of AI in corporate environments.
52 Research Papers: Presentations covered diverse AI applications in construction, architecture, and urban planning, illustrating both theoretical and practical advancements.
9 Industry Insights: Leading industry figures discussed AI’s dual role in enhancing speed and efficiency in building processes while stressing the importance of sustainable, thoughtful development.
9 Startup Pitches: The Best Start-Up Award went to Emidat for their innovative Environmental Product Declaration platform, a breakthrough in simplifying environmental impact assessment for construction projects.

The Best Paper Award was presented to Akarsth Kumar Singh and Prof. Dr. Shang-Hsien Hsieh from the Department of Civil Engineering at National Taiwan University for their innovative work, “Integration of Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs for Enhancement in Construction Planning.” This research tackles the increasing complexity and demands of modern construction projects by combining the strengths of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Knowledge Graphs (KGs) to support more dynamic decision-making.

Focus on the Future: Responsible Innovation and Educational Transformation

A recurring theme was the need to balance efficiency with responsibility. As emphasized by Prof. Ian Smith and Marc Nézet, the goal of AI in construction extends beyond productivity—it must also foster sustainability, resilience, and ethical design. Prof. Becerik-Gerber further highlighted how engineering education is evolving, with new curricula emphasizing informatics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This shift is essential to prepare future engineers who will not only apply advanced technology but also demand meaningful support within both academic and industrial environments.

Looking Forward to GNI 2026

The 2024 symposium was envisioned as a the stage for enhanced dialogue between industry and academia. With enthusiastic contributions from TUM’s organizing team, industry partnerships, and a collaborative spirit, the event successfully bridged diverse disciplines, laying the groundwork for future gatherings. As we look toward GNI 2026, the symposium promises to further elevate the conversation, strengthening the global network dedicated to responsible AI innovation in the built world.

Useful links:

GNI Symposium 2024 website

Video recording of the keynote of Prof. Gerber

Video recording of the Honour Ceremony of Professor Nemetschek