Daniel Valera: "It's an exciting time to enter the field of landscaping"
An Exclusive Interview on the Integration of AI with the Spanish landscape designer
In this edition of This Is Horticulture, we have the pleasure of presenting an exclusive interview with Daniel Valera, a prominent landscaping expert with a profound interest in artificial intelligence. Daniel, based in Madrid and serving as the founder and creative director of DSTUDIO, is an influential figure in the landscape architecture industry in Spain. He has been leading courses on the impact of AI on landscape design in various Spanish universities. In this interview, we will explore his vision of how artificial intelligence is transforming the field of landscaping and its potential for the industry.
Daniel, for those who are discovering you right now and for those who already knew you, could you share some lesser-known details about your professional journey and key achievements in the landscaping industry?
My interest in landscape design started at a young age, and I've been fortunate to turn that passion into my career. Since I founded DSTUDIO, I've aimed to encompass both the creative and technical aspects of the design process. My background as an agricultural engineer has had a significant impact on my approach to garden design, as it allows me to incorporate a deep understanding of technology and sustainability into my projects, which I consider essential in the current context.
In addition to my work at DSTUDIO, teaching and giving lectures regularly provide me with a platform to share my knowledge and learn from the next generation of landscape designers, which is incredibly rewarding. In the realm of research, I'm involved in various projects. One of them is the application of artificial intelligence technologies in landscape design. This project aims to create partnerships with AI and foster a dialogue among professionals on the subject. Another project I'm engaged in is The Observatory of the Indian Garden, a study of the 19th-century Asturian Indiano garden, an immersion into the history and culture surrounding traditional gardens in Asturias.
Within your studio, DSTUDIO, you founded the research and ideas laboratory DLAB years ago. In an industry like landscaping, often guided by classical principles, what do you think initiatives like this bring to the sector, and how does artificial intelligence fit into all of this?
DLAB was born as a natural extension of DSTUDIO with the goal of exploring new frontiers in landscape design and challenging some of the more traditional norms of the industry. I firmly believe that innovation is key to the development of any discipline, including landscaping. DLAB allows us to experiment, research, and, above all, ask, 'What if...?' It provides us with the freedom to try new materials, techniques, and technologies that might not find a place in more conventional projects initially.
Artificial intelligence fits perfectly within this vision. In an industry where aesthetics often dominate the conversation, artificial intelligence offers us tools to analyze and enhance other equally important aspects. Artificial intelligence can also assist in the decision-making process and can complement intuition and experience. This is especially valuable when working on larger or more complex projects where design decisions carry significant implications in terms of cost and sustainability.
From both a global and local perspective, and from both the public and private sectors, in which key areas of landscape design and its subsequent maintenance do you believe that artificial intelligence technologies can have a significant impact?
In the planning and design phase, AI helps us make decisions from the outset of the project. The research process is also much more efficient. In project management, AI streamlines coordination and logistics, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
But it's not just about design; during the construction and maintenance phases of gardens, artificial intelligence can predict when and where interventions such as irrigation or pruning will be needed, significantly reducing costs. In terms of public spaces, among many other applications, AI has the potential to enhance user interaction by analyzing patterns of movement and space usage. This allows us to make adjustments that improve accessibility and the overall user experience.
What are the main obstacles that the landscaping industry could face when adopting artificial intelligence technologies?
Adopting artificial intelligence technologies in the landscaping industry is not without its challenges, a topic I often encounter when speaking with universities and in professional forums. One of the obstacles is undoubtedly the lack of preparation and knowledge in this field. I have noticed that the academic curriculum in many universities has not yet incorporated AI as a fundamental tool in landscape design. This results in a skills gap between what the technology can offer and what future professionals are prepared to implement. This also leaves our future professionals vulnerable when competing for high-level positions, as in other countries, this training is already a reality.
I have also observed that, while there is a growing interest in technology, it doesn't always translate into concrete action by associations and professionals. Sometimes, there can be resistance to adopting new technologies due to the perception that they will complicate existing processes or require a significant investment in training and hardware.
It's a shame, as AI holds tremendous potential. However, I want to emphasize that this is not a criticism, but rather an observation pointing out areas where we can improve as an industry. The good news is that these obstacles are surmountable. With the right education and a willingness to adapt, I believe we can close this gap and move toward a future where artificial intelligence and garden design go hand in hand for the benefit of all.
You are teaching courses on artificial intelligence and landscaping at universities. What are the key concepts and skills that you believe students should focus on in this field?
This is a field in constant evolution, and that's precisely what I try to convey to my students: the need for continuous adaptation. Technology advances at a rapid pace, and what is relevant today may not be tomorrow. Therefore, beyond learning a specific technique or tool, students should cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability.
That said, there are key concepts and skills that I consider fundamental. It is crucial to understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence. This includes machine learning, data analysis, and algorithms that can aid in the planning and design of spaces. Students should also become familiar with specific software and tools that are common in the industry, with the understanding that these tools will change and evolve.
Another important aspect is ethics. Future professionals must be prepared to make informed decisions that not only benefit their projects but also the environment and the community in which they operate as professionals.
Can you provide examples or specific real-world cases where artificial intelligence has already had a positive impact on projects or practices related to your work?
Artificial intelligence has already had a significant impact on various aspects of my work. One of the most tangible examples is in the area of efficient water use. By applying AI in the design phase, we have managed to reduce water consumption in our gardens by up to 40%. This is especially relevant in contexts where water is a scarce and precious resource. By using algorithms to analyze climate patterns, soil behavior, and the specific watering needs of different plants, we can create smart and sustainable gardens.
In the field of research, to give another example, AI has also proven to be an important tool. It allows us to process and analyze large data sets more quickly than before, which speeds up the research phase and consumes fewer resources. This not only accelerates the development of new projects but also enables us to explore new ideas and concepts with a much lower investment of time and resources.
For us at This Is Horticulture, sustainability is a driving force, focusing on everything that human beings can create with plants as a centerpiece, from traditional approaches to emerging practices in cellular agriculture. How do you recommend our community utilize AI to promote environmentally sustainable practices within a harmonious blend of the natural environment and urban living?
First and foremost, AI can significantly enhance resource efficiency in gardening and agriculture. As I mentioned earlier, in my own projects, we have seen substantial reductions in water consumption through the application of smart algorithms. This kind of efficiency is not only environmentally beneficial but can also lower costs, potentially making sustainable practices more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
In the context of both traditional and cellular agriculture, AI can help optimize yields. Machine learning algorithms can analyze patterns in plant growth and environmental conditions to accurately predict when and where interventions will be needed.
It's a relatively new technology that the general public has had access to for a short time, and the applications are virtually limitless. One doesn't need much imagination to realize the revolution that lies ahead.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for aspiring professionals or students interested in pursuing a career in landscaping, particularly with a focus on artificial intelligence?
It's an exciting time to enter the field of landscaping. As I've mentioned, this is a constantly evolving field, and adaptability will be one of the greatest strengths of the landscaper of the future.
It's essential to get educated to build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of each field, fostering a critical spirit in both landscape design and artificial intelligence. The creative process is becoming more democratized. Everyone will be able to write a book, design a garden, or compose a song. Understanding the basic principles of each process will be the distinguishing factor between a good professional and any other user.
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Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your knowledge and experience with the readers of This Is Horticulture. Your insights on the integration of artificial intelligence in the landscaping industry are incredibly valuable. I hope this conversation inspires our readers and strengthens the connection between horticulture, landscaping, and technology.
See you next time,
Eduardo