AI Prototyping for Architects

Catalog description

With the rapid advancements in large language models and multimodal AI—such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which can now see, hear, and speak—we are entering a new phase of radical design possibilities and dynamic human-machine interaction. This course introduces the evolving field of generative artificial intelligence in creative design practices, with a particular focus on its applications in architecture and spatial design. Through a series of hands-on technical workshops, students will prototype responsive interfaces and context-specific designs using the latest open-source machine learning models, tools, and datasets. The course will be grounded in theoretical discussions on AI ethics, authorship, and agency, explored through lectures, readings, and group discussions. The first part of the class will emphasize AI tool-building, including physical computing (with sensors and microcontrollers), introductory coding workshops (in Google Colab), and an overview of state-of-the-art generative and machine learning models such as GPT-4o, Sora, FLUX, and Grounding DINO. The main course project will involve designing an AI-augmented system or interface that reimagines or enhances traditional architectural workflows. Projects may range from body-centric designs—using sensors and perception-hacking techniques—to urban-scale interventions—leveraging datasets and augmented environments. Throughout the course, students will critically engage with key questions: • How do we maintain agency as designers while integrating these technologies? • What feedback loops should we embed in AI-driven systems and future user interfaces? • How might these tools offer new ways to engage with the built environment? The course encourages a design thinking approach and incorporates entrepreneurial perspectives, prompting students to explore how AI-driven workflows can generate new opportunities for…