The impact of artificial intelligence in the discipline of architecture is unavoidable and undeniable. The recent mass adoption of highly accessible machine learning tools including DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney has allowed designers to test their limits and assess their role as an author in the design of the built environment.
The book Artificial. Intelligent. Architecture by Frank Jacobus and Brian M. Kelly (Oro Editions, 300 pp, USD 40) includes speculations on the introduction of artificial intelligence bots/apps into architecture and features a collection of works from eighteen architects and designers who are interrogating current AI applications.
Within each chapter, authors put forth a position through a framework consisting of theory and application lenses. Additionally, interviews from leading practitioners offer insights into the current curiosities fueling investigation.
This book incites dialogue about the potential of AI as an ideation device and extension of the architect’s authorship. As a part of this work, curation plays an important role as the technology generates content at an incredible pace. Architectural design thinking will have to reconcile the injection of this new tool and this book will speculate on the current state in its infancy.
Frank Jacobus is an artist, educator, and co-principal of SILO AR+D. He currently serves as the head of the architecture department and chair of integrative design at Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture. As principal of SILO, Frank has completed residential and institutional projects across the United States for a variety of clients and communities. Renowned for its resourceful design and execution, SILO’s work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Architect, the Architect’s Newspaper, Azure, Slate, Dwell, Salon, Fast Company, and others.
Brian M. Kelly is an NCARB-certified, licensed architect in the State of Nebraska and an associate professor of architecture at the University of Nebraska. He teaches studios at all levels of the curriculum ranging from design thinking in the introductory core to design research studios in the Master’s program. Brian’s research focus is broadly investigating the agency of authorship in the design process, specifically interrogating copyright and appropriation within software applications.
Artificial. Intelligent. Architecture features works by David Alf, Sarah Asif, Matthew Baran, Stéphane Bauche, Ria Bravo, Michael Chapman, Andrew Clarkson, Karl Daubmann, Tim Fu, Jean Jaminet, Adrian Keytton, Andrew Kudless, Kevin McClellan, Kaveh Najafian, David Newton, Randall Teal, Joshua Vermillion, Jason Vigneri-Beane, and Dustin White.
