Have you heard of Google search on steroids? Well, let me introduce you to ChatGPT. It’s an AI language model that can answer almost any question you throw at it. This AI is so mind-blowingly powerful that, in my honest opinion, it's a bit scary. And guess what? There are many other AI tools out there now that go beyond just processing text – they can even communicate using images! As a result, professions like artists, writers, architects (yes, I include myself here), and anyone working in creative industries should be aware of this. Many people are using these tools to create articles, artwork, research papers, and even for everyday tasks. It’s like we’re living with our own version of “Skynet” from the “Terminator” franchise.

As AI technologies continue to rise and more and more people hop on the AI train, it gets me thinking about some intriguing questions. If we create something with the help of AI, can we still call it our own work? Are we getting assistance from someone other than ourselves? Considering that AI models are trained on existing data, does it mean our creations are no longer original? Can we truly take pride in our work if AI has played a significant role? These moral dilemmas tick at my very soul. I, too, rely on these AI tools as a personal "Sensei" (I’m quite the weeaboo, you see) to expand my knowledge. Sometimes I even use them to check my grammar and ask for their opinions. Pathetic, right? Haha!

Aside from my case, what about those who use AI tools to generate artwork, writing, and ideas and claim it as their own? Some argue that it’s just a matter of ideas, writing, or rendering. But isn’t the ability to initiate, to generate ideas, what sets us humans apart? If machines take over these tasks, are we no longer “human” enough? It's a bit of a dilemma, you know...

In my personal view, this marks a paradigm shift in how we can coexist with AI. The question is, how? To what extent can we ethically use these tools? How do we retain control and resist the temptation to hand over all decision-making to AI? Sometimes, we find ourselves giving AI a bit too much credit, considering how undeniably helpful and versatile these tools are. Nevertheless, it's important to always remember to treat them for what they truly are—tools. By doing so, I can confidently say that the work we produce is still our own, not the AI’s. Let’s embrace AI as a tool, not as our ultimate decision-maker.

As a lazy architect, I've always dreamt of designing a non-repeating pattern that could be used repeatedly, showcasing different expressions each time. And lo and behold, a group of researchers, including mathematicians and hobbyists, made a remarkable discovery!

In March, the mathematical world was captivated by the unveiling of the "Einstein" tile—a 13-sided aperiodic mono-tile capable of non-repetitive tiling. But, this tile is not "real" mono-tile since it required mirror translation to fill a plane. The following month, the same group of researchers (they surely love to work overtime) reveal a groundbreaking "real" aperiodic mono-tile called "Spectre" that could tile aperiodically without mirroring. As an architect, this discovery unlocked exciting possibilities for designing aperiodic patterns applicable to various paneling needs, be it floor tiles, facade panels, or curtain walls, using just one type of panel. However, due to its unusual shape, feasibility sometimes becomes questionable, although simplification methods can be found. Back in the 1970s, Roger Penrose, another mathematician (yes, mathematicians seem to encroach on our design territory), discovered Penrose tiling—an aperiodic tiling comprising rhombus-shaped "kites" and "darts." Once again, the tile's uncommon angles posed challenges in construction. But hold on! Around the 1960s, mathematician Hao Wang proposed the Wang tile, an assemblage of 11 colorful rectangular tiles that offered better constructibility. However, it lacked the expressive qualities of the other two. What a dilemma!

Reflecting on these aperiodicity discoveries, it led me to ponder. While it's intriguing to uncover novel ideas, such as aperiodic mono-tiles, applying them to buildings inevitably confronts constructibility issues. Yes, they can still be constructed, but at what cost? Do we truly require these aperiodic patterns in our buildings to the point where we can disregard the expenses? Not to mention the concerns regarding versatility and resiliency of these so-called "Einstein" tiles. Myself, as a researcher and architect, we tend to focus on how we can improve one research or another, and how to incorporate new shapes into buildings. However, sometimes we need to pause and reflect: Is this truly what we NEED?

Well... what a dilemma.

In recent times, the topic of reducing carbon footprint has become increasingly prevalent. As we strive to find innovative solutions, one approach that stands out is the reuse of building components. This is where reusable building components, specifically those utilizing topological interlocking, offer a practical and effective solution. Among these, osteomorphic blocks have gained significant attention due to their numerous advantages.

The concept of utilizing osteomorphic blocks with interlocking features holds great promise in combating waste and inefficiencies typically associated with traditional masonry construction methods. By employing these reusable masonry block systems, the building components can be easily assembled and disassembled for future use, thereby contributing to a more sustainable construction process. The integration of topological interlocking within these blocks enhances their stability and strength, resulting in structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also highly durable. In addition to their structural benefits, the use of osteomorphic blocks also offers advantages in terms of sustainability. This innovative approach significantly reduces the amount of mortar required during construction, thereby minimizing material waste and further enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.

By embracing reusable building components and adopting topological interlocking techniques, the construction industry can make significant strides in reducing carbon footprint. The use of osteomorphic blocks not only addresses the concerns of waste and inefficiency but also leads to the creation of stronger, more durable structures. As we continue to prioritize sustainable practices, it is essential to explore and implement such innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the way we build. As we strive for a better future, embracing innovative solutions like this will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in achieving our environmental goals.