As part of our new weekly column Architectural Prompting – which we are inaugurating today – the section The Technician’s Prompt. Generative AI tools for design professionals is curated by Giovanna Panuccilawyer specialized in personal data protection and artificial intelligence, expert in prompt engineering.
This section was created with the aim of democratize the use of artificial intelligence toolsmaking them accessible and useful also for engineers, architects, surveyors and techniciansespecially for those who are less accustomed to technology. Each article translates the complexity of the prompts into practical, everyday language to help professionals unlock the full potential of AI.
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The Technician’s Prompt: what you will find in this section
In the section The Technician’s Prompt. Generative AI tools for design professionals edited by Giovanna Panucci, you will find:
- Clear and specific prompts to solve complex problems, from structural design to construction site management.
- Practical examples and suggestions to optimize processes and improve the quality of technical work.
- Ideas for bridging the gap between technique and technologyturning tools like ChatGPT into strategic allies.
Why it matters? A well-designed prompt is like a good contract clause: if precise, it leads to excellent results. But remember, AI is a tool; human oversight and expertise remain essential to ensure safety and quality. Let’s get started!
Prompt to guide an engineering design process
Here is the prompt to use: Act like an expert engineer. Help me design (PROJECT NAME, FOR EXAMPLE: A STEEL BEAM FOR AN INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE). Follow these steps:
- 1. Regulatory Identification:
- List applicable regulations (specify geographic area or industry, for example EN 1993 for steel structures or ISO standard).
- Provide a brief summary of the key regulatory sections to consider.
- 2. Pre-Sizing:
- It explains the process, with detailed formulas for calculating initial stresses and dimensions.
- Include practical examples and standard data (e.g. typical loads or materials).
- 3. Optimization:
- Suggest strategies to improve efficiency and stability, such as the use of innovative materials or particular configurations.
- Provide guidance on how to minimize costs or environmental impacts.
- 4. FEM modeling:
- Guide to configuring a FEM model: essential parameters (mesh, boundary conditions, loads); software suggestions (examples: Abaqus, ANSYS).
- Offer guidance on how to validate results and interpret data.
- 5. Sources and Resources:
- Lists regulatory references, technical articles or useful manuals for further information.
Instructions, purpose, recommended context, effectiveness
Instructions: Customize the prompt by providing additional details, such as context of use, design constraints, or key objectives (for example, maximize lifespan or reduce cost).
Scope: Guide the engineering design process, from code identification through to FEM modeling, providing practical tools, calculations and regulatory references for informed and precise decisions.
Recommended Context:
- Complex projects: where each phase must be well documented (buildings, bridges, industrial plants).
- Junior engineers: who need more guidance in technical processes.
- Experienced professionals: who want to save time by receiving guidance focused on specific details.
Effectiveness: save time on research and calculations and obtain immediately applicable technical results.
Remember: every prompt can be improved. Integrate this prompt into your work process and adapt it to your needs.
The weekly column “Architectural Prompting” is edited by the experts Luciana Mastrolia, Giovanna Panucci and Andrea Tinazzo, continue to follow us for the next releases!
