Graphical processing units
Graphical processing units are similar to central processing units, found on a typical home computer. The 'CIOB Artificial Intelligence (AI) Playbook 2024', glossary of terms, published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) describes graphical processing units as 'having been used since the 1970s in gaming applications and have been designed to accelerate computer graphics and image processing. In the past decade, graphical processing units have been increasingly applied in the training of large machine learning models after they were found to be effective in processing large amounts of data in parallel.'
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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.