Beyond 1s and 0s: the quantum future of architecture and construction

In 1997, Deep Blue, a computer created by IBM, beat world champion Garry Kasparov at chess. It proved that, when doing certain types of calculations in mathematics, physics or statistics – in other words, not only in repetitive and automatic tasks – machines are better than us humans. Today, with the advent of artificial intelligence, “classical computers” may already surpass us in other capabilities related to the processing of large amounts of data. But if that is possible with classical computing, what will quantum computing bring?

Recall that classical computers work with processors that respond only to values of 1 or 0, in other words. to a “yes” or a “no” – or to a more or less long combination of them. Quantum computers, on the other hand, in addition to operating with the states 1 and 0, or “yes” and “no”, also have the superposition of these two basic states. In other words, between “yes” and “no”, these computers have their superposition, something like a “so” – or a “neither” -, and yet, between “yes”, “so” – or “neither” – and “no”, they have a potentially infinite number of intermediate superpositions.

In mathematical terms, or in terms of bits (from the English term ‘binary digits’)… But wait a minute, let’s note first that a bit is each of these states (o or 1) of the binary system. On the other hand, a qubit (or quantum bit) has these two base states, but can exist, as we said, in a superposition of them, in a continuum of intermediate states. An example helps us to understand this better: a classical bit is like a coin on a surface, which can only be either heads or tails, while a qubit is like a coin that spins in the air and can therefore be measured in an intermediate state – or many – between heads and tails.

Now, in mathematical terms: if the processor of a classical computer performs -in a unit of time- a number N of calculations with N bits, a quantum processor, with the same number N of cubits -and the same unit of time-, will perform 2N calculations. Thus, if a classical processor performs 10 calculations with 10 bits, the quantum processor will perform 210 with 10 cubits, or 1,024 calculations. Thus, while in classical computing an algorithm usually requires many successive calculations, in quantum computing these calculations are superimposed, occurring simultaneously and in parallel, and the algorithm runs through all the options in a single step.

As a result, quantum computers will bring, when they overcome the many difficulties still facing their operation – forecasts point to 2035 – an exponential increase in processing speed, an equally extraordinary accuracy of computation and a much greater capacity for computation. There is no doubt that with such potential, quantum computing will transform all industries, not just the craft of architecture, design and construction.

However, the big question is, will we be able to do the same with quantum computers, but much faster, or will the transformation reach levels of depth that we cannot even imagine now? Will these computers be able to design and even construct a building on their own, needing nothing more than auxiliary and accessory assistance from us? Will they be able to decipher our brainwaves? In any case, there is no doubt that, in general, quantum computing will accelerate all processes related to architecture and construction and help us to perform them with a very high degree of accuracy.

From generative design, which will respond much more quickly and with greater refinement to the instructions of designers and architects and produce more realistic models – perhaps indistinguishable from reality – to the discovery of new materials, their simulation at the atomic level and, consequently, the emergence of new construction techniques; from budgeting to planning; from urban development and the establishment of transport networks, water supply systems, energy generation, to the determination of other equally complex systems; from energy optimisation to the simulation of usage scenarios; from functionality and intelligent building management systems to lifetime forecasting, from….

The list is potentially endless. What is clear is that when quantum computers become available, nothing will ever be the same again, including architecture and construction. And yet, the creativity and understanding of cultural and social context, fundamental to architecture, will probably be the only areas left to us. Or will they?

Sources: Berkeley Nucleonics Corp, IBM, INJ Architects.

Cover image: IBM Research – CC BY 2.0