2026-07-29
Arup and YJK Launch AI Designer in Hong Kong to Advance Low-Carbon, AI-Enabled Structural Engineering
Hong Kong’s built environment sector is entering a new phase of digital and low-carbon transformation. Arup and YJK, a leading engineering software solutions company in Chinese Mainland, have jointly launched AI Designer in Hong Kong, an innovative digital platform that brings artificial intelligence into everyday structural engineering workflows to help the industry design smarter, build leaner, and cut embodied carbon.
Mr CHEN Dailin, Chairman of Beijing YJK Building Software Co., Ltd (left), and Ms Theresa YEUNG, Managing Principal, East Asia at Arup (right), officially signed the strategic partnership agreement.
Jointly developed by the two firms, AI Designer combines Arup’s global structural engineering experience and computational design expertise with YJK’s integrated software capabilities in analysis, code compliant design and drawing production. The first phase focuses on two core applications: structural design optimisation for reinforced concrete and steel structures, and piled foundation layout and design optimisation.
For green building practitioners, the most meaningful impact lies in what optimisation can deliver at source. Through AI Designer’s algorithmic optimisation, material usage in typical projects could be reduced by around 10 to 20 percent, translating directly into lower embodied carbon at the design stage, where decisions matter most. In controlled benchmarking using the same model, loads and code, and with engineer review retained, the platform reduced design iteration time by approximately 82 percent (from 2.5 days to 0.5 days) and decreased over limit components by around 88 percent (from 64 to 6). Faster iteration means engineers can explore more low carbon options within the same project timeline, rather than settling for the first workable scheme.
YJK’s structural design software (Hong Kong Code Edition) has been officially recognised by the Hong Kong SAR Government - Buildings Department, and its structural, BIM and construction software suite has been certified under Hong Kong’s Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF), giving local practitioners confidence in both compliance and application.
Ms Theresa YEUNG, Managing Principal, East Asia of Arup, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to applying emerging technologies for the benefit of clients, communities and the built environment. Mr CHEN Dailin, Chairman of Beijing YJK, added that combining YJK’s software with Arup’s optimisation algorithms will enhance design quality and support a smarter, more efficient and resilient built environment.
As Hong Kong works towards its carbon neutrality goals, tools that help engineers design with less material, less rework and more informed choices will be essential. AI Designer is one step in that direction, and a signal that AI and sustainability can, and should, advance together.
Learn more: https://www.arup.com/news/arup-partners-yjk-to-launch-ai-designer-in-hong-kong-to-advance-ai-enabled-structural-engineering/
For green building practitioners, the most meaningful impact lies in what optimisation can deliver at source. Through AI Designer’s algorithmic optimisation, material usage in typical projects could be reduced by around 10 to 20 percent, translating directly into lower embodied carbon at the design stage, where decisions matter most. In controlled benchmarking using the same model, loads and code, and with engineer review retained, the platform reduced design iteration time by approximately 82 percent (from 2.5 days to 0.5 days) and decreased over limit components by around 88 percent (from 64 to 6). Faster iteration means engineers can explore more low carbon options within the same project timeline, rather than settling for the first workable scheme.
YJK’s structural design software (Hong Kong Code Edition) has been officially recognised by the Hong Kong SAR Government - Buildings Department, and its structural, BIM and construction software suite has been certified under Hong Kong’s Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF), giving local practitioners confidence in both compliance and application.
Ms Theresa YEUNG, Managing Principal, East Asia of Arup, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to applying emerging technologies for the benefit of clients, communities and the built environment. Mr CHEN Dailin, Chairman of Beijing YJK, added that combining YJK’s software with Arup’s optimisation algorithms will enhance design quality and support a smarter, more efficient and resilient built environment.
As Hong Kong works towards its carbon neutrality goals, tools that help engineers design with less material, less rework and more informed choices will be essential. AI Designer is one step in that direction, and a signal that AI and sustainability can, and should, advance together.
Learn more: https://www.arup.com/news/arup-partners-yjk-to-launch-ai-designer-in-hong-kong-to-advance-ai-enabled-structural-engineering/
Mr CHEN Dailin, Chairman of Beijing YJK Building Software Co., Ltd (middle left), and Ms Theresa YEUNG, Managing Principal, East Asia at Arup (middle right), with teams from YJK and Arup at the Arup x YJK Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony in Hong Kong.