Generative adversarial networks
The 'CIOB Artificial Intelligence (AI) Playbook 2024', glossary of terms, published by the Chartered Institute of Building(CIOB) describes generative adversarial networks as a driver of recent AI developments.
'These are made up of two sub artificial neural networks: a generator network and a discriminator network. The generator network is fed training data and generates artificial data based on patterns in training data. The discriminator network compares the artificially generated data with the ‘real’ training data and feeds back to the generator network where it has detected differences. The generator then alters its parameters. Over time the generator network learns to generate more realistic data, until the discriminator network cannot tell what is artificial and what is ‘real’ training data and the AI model generates the desired outcomes. See also artificial neural networks and transformers.'
See generative AI, large language models and The long expanding list of AI tools for building planning, design, construction and management.
[edit] Related articles on Designing for Buildings
- AI building design tools
- Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
- Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the project profession.
- Artificial intelligence and surveying.
- Artificial intelligence for smarter, safer buildings.
- Artificial intelligence in buildings.
- BSRIA publishes Artificial Intelligence in Buildings white paper.
- Building automation and control systems.
- Building information modelling.
- Computer aided design CAD.
- Computers in building design.
- Generative design.
- Global building automation.
- Internet of things.
- Parametric design.
- Predictive analytics.
- The impact of digital on civil engineering.
- The long expanding list of AI tools for building planning, design, construction and management.
- Will AI ever be able to design buildings?
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”





















