Artificial Intelligence has established itself as a key tool in the evolution of contemporary architectural practice. This course offers a rigorous, applied introduction to the use of AI technologies in architectural design, analysis, and representation processes, aimed at students and professionals in the field of architecture.

Objectives

– Understand the fundamentals of AI applied to architecture

– Integrate AI into the main phases of the project

– Develop critical judgment in the use of AI tools

– Improve project design, analysis and communication skills

– Apply AI as a professional support tool

Content

– Introduction to AI in Architecture: what AI is, generative AI, the architect’s role in relation to AI: general definition and main types (symbolic AI, machine learning, deep learning), what analytical and generative AI are and how they work, the architect’s role in relation to AI, critical control vs. automation.

– AI and the Architectural Project Process: where and when to integrate AI, common mistakes, AI as a decision-making tool: Project phases and key moments: ideation, preliminary design, basic design, executive design, lack of an architectural design criterion, decision support systems (DSS), comparison of project alternatives and scale issues, coherence and contextualization.

– Analysis and Program with AI: site analysis, environmental strategies, generation of a functional program: reading the physical and urban context with AI support, orientation, cross-ventilation, shading and solar radiation, and automated spatial distribution proposals.

– Concept and Architectural Design: Project narrative, architectural selection and criteria: relationship between idea, form, and context; coherence between concept and construction; and iterative design between the architect and the generative system.

– Architectural Volumetry and Visualization: AI volumetry, atmospheres, project representation, communication with clients and competitions: generation of multiple volumetric options, integration of CAD/BIM with AI outputs, and project presentation with AI-supported visuals.

– Documentation, Ethics, and Best Practices: AI and documentation support, relationship with BIM and CAD, best practices: automation of technical reports and justifications, architectural quality control, social and environmental impact of AI use, and the architect’s professional responsibility.

More information: Course IA Architecture