First-Year Interdisciplinary Seminar: AI + Nature: The Future of Ecological Design

Catalog description

This course explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in innovative design methods to address environmental challenges. Through a myriad of case studies, projects, and collaborative workshops, students will openly explore cutting-edge tools and technologies that harness AI to enhance environmental design. Students will examine how AI is reshaping the fields of sustainable architecture, urban planning, industrial products, fashion, and eco-based technologies, as well as its potential to create resilient, adaptive solutions for climate change, resource management, and biodiversity conservation. The course combines theoretical exploration with practical applications, encouraging students to develop AI-driven design strategies that prioritize planetary needs and future life styles. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be a powerful force in shaping the future of dwelling for the collective benefit of our planet. We will investigate and critically analyze controversial figures, innovators, and groups such as Elon Musk, Naomi Klein, Sam Altman, Sherry Turkle, William Mitchell, Ada Lovelace, Boston Dynamics, Singularity University and more.