Stephanie G. Mathis Will AI soon replace architects and architecture schools? In order to answer this question, it is important to know the capabilities of AI as well as the role of architecture schools and architects.
Architectural education
AI is rapidly evolving in terms of topics and research, but it lacks some qualities and characteristics gained by architects through architecture school. At the core of architecture, architects are taught how to combine different skills in order to combine technical, artistic, aesthetic, emotional, and other attributes.
Students are trained in architecture schools to be able to respond to design problems based on personal experience, design style, and other factors.
Traditional design skills must still be incorporated into architecture curricula. (Shutterstock)
Innovation and creativity are a combination of different skill sets and personal experiences that future architects acquire in architecture school.
AI follows the same process. AI uses datasets for training to generate solutions. In some cases, such as ChatGPT, it uses the dataset to create new and innovative solutions.
But AI is still limited by the data it has, particularly when there aren’t enough datasets or if gathering them is resource-intensive. The main difference between AI and humans is this. Humans are able to draw on their experience, skills, and other attributes in order to create innovative solutions. They do not have to be limited by specific datasets.
Increased efficiency
AI can be used to help many industries, such as architecture and construction. AI, for example, can assist architects in creating architectural layouts and programming. It can produce renders and other visualizations.
AI can be used to make many processes more efficient, including schematic design, renderings, and other visualizations. Architects are able to create customized platforms that reflect their visions, values, and design styles.
It can interfere with the school learning process if assistive tools result in a finished product. The goal is to teach students how to explore different ideas, design solutions, and philosophies. Students of architecture may not be able to fully engage in learning if the tools they use are designed to hide or eliminate certain processes.
Architecture schools should, therefore, carefully examine how AI can improve the learning experience for students.
Students in architecture schools should be taught how to use AI technology, but they must also acquire the necessary skills. (Shutterstock)
Absence of true Empathy
Understanding the shared values, cultural qualities, and heritage of a group, community, or individual is important for architects when coming up with creative design solutions.
AI can analyze this information, but it is unable to empathize and understand the different concerns.
At the same time, decisions made by architects are accompanied by responsibilities and liabilities. Students are taught about environmental footprints, sustainability, and the long-term effects of design.
While AI can provide decision-making capability, it cannot replace the role of architects in the ethical decision-making process.
Architecture also involves collaborations between different stakeholders, including clients, interior designers, civil engineering experts, and others. AI is capable of engaging in dialogue, but it cannot understand and interact with stakeholders dynamically.
Human indispensability
AI is still at an early stage and will likely improve in the future. It is unlikely that AI will replace architecture schools or architects in the near future, as AI does not fully understand cultural values and heritage.
AI also cannot use personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions about different concepts and designs. AI is not able to engage in meaningful collaborative efforts where it can understand the needs of various stakeholders. The ethical issues, liabilities, and responsibilities are also important to address before AI can be given more freedom to design.
It’s still too early to use AI, even if it is a semi-independent entity, in the architectural design process.
