Critical views on AI (Artificial Intelligence) in building design

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture and building design heralds a transformative era characterized by significant enhancements in efficiency, cost savings, and data-driven decision-making. However, this technological shift presents critical challenges that threaten to undermine the core principles of architectural practice. This paper critically examines the impact of AI on the architectural profession, focusing on three major concerns: the deprivation of human thinking, the loss of personal character in design, and the reduction of humans to simplistic beings. First, the paper explores how AI's reliance on pre-existing data and algorithms may stifle innovation, turning architects into mere operators who lack the deep understanding and creative problem-solving skills essential to their craft. Second, it addresses the potential loss of personal expression and artistic vision in architecture, as AI-generated designs tend to be homogenized and devoid of the unique perspectives that individual architects bring to their work. Lastly, the paper delves into the broader implications of overreliance on AI, warning that it could lead to a reduction in human cognitive abilities, reducing architects to simplistic beings driven by technology rather than creativity and intellect. The paper concludes by advocating for a balanced approach that leverages AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and decision-making without replacing it. By maintaining a human-centric approach to design, architects can ensure that AI enriches the built environment rather than diminishing the cultural and intellectual richness that defines human civilization. This balanced integration of AI in building design is crucial for preserving the essence of human intelligence and artistic expression in architecture. © International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development.