Abstract

Today, architecture is heavily assisted by computer programs. As technology advances, these programs will be more impactful in the design space and will become more inseparable as a result. It is nearly certain that architectural design will no longer be as time-consuming and reiterative as it is today. Computer software and AI-assisted tools will be able to interpret information and produce practical designs that architects otherwise couldn’t. It may seem futuristic and a not-in-our-lifetime phenomenon, but it in fact already exists today. Algorithms are already developed to assist and in some cases take over design work. This thesis discovered existing AI tools and determined their effectiveness in the Schematic Design phase as articulated by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Ultimately, 18 tools were selected to assist across four schematic design phase criteria; Analysis, Synthesis, Refinement, and Documentation. Through the research and use of these available AI tools, it was determined in this thesis that AI does have a role in the architecture industry. Although it is not yet capable for AI to completely overtake the design process, it can be used today to assist in design creation and help inform programmatic and contextual decisions. An assessment scorecard was generated for these tools, providing a ranked evaluation for each tool's potential savings and productivity. While researching and analyzing these potentially industry-changing tools, the merit of using AI models in lieu of working-class architects was discussed. Given the intriguing promises yet glaring dangers of utilizing AI, as articulated in this thesis, there are a number of hesitations and unknowns surrounding its potential integration into the architectural practice. While the future remains unclear about the effects AI will have on our jobs and livelihood, there is no doubt about the coming AI revolution. To prepare for this, this thesis proposes the Collaborative Design Approach; a controlled integration of AI tools within architecture firms. Here, artificial intelligence will not take over design work or replace architects, but work alongside designers as digital assistants, helping to create more efficient and meaningful work.

Publication Date

5-10-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Department, Program, or Center

Architecture, Department of

College

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Advisor

Seth H. Holmes

Advisor/Committee Member

Dennis A. Andrejko

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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