Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping many industries, and in architecture, it holds remarkable promise to elevate the design process and enhance project outcomes. This issue of the Perkins&Will Research Journal includes four articles that explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning within the design practice—each of them takes a slightly different approach, and utilizes different applications of AI—ranging from a focus on the implications of democratizing creativity, visually analyzing different workflow models for common architectural design tasks, looking into innovative approaches to disaster management to an assessment of the potential benefits, challenges, and perceptions of AI tools in architectural practice.
“Generative AI: Democratizing Creativity” focuses on the implications of democratized creativity, informing new workflows for design from beginner to advanced, implications for architecture, and potential research directions. It will give more people the ability to communicate their opinions visually.
“From Pipeline to Production: Harnessing the Power of Machine Learning for Visual Analysis Tasks in Architecture + Design” is a survey of the potential applications of machine learning with the intention to compare different types of machine learning models and propose workflows for common architectural design tasks.
“Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Disaster Resilience: A Framework for Mitigation and Management of Natural Disasters” explores leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies to revolutionize disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. By elucidating innovative approaches to disaster management, this article endeavors to inform policymakers, urban planners, and technologists about harnessing the transformative potential of AI for resilience in the climate crisis, thus ensuring long-term sustainability and safety for affected communities.
“Advantages, Challenges, and Perceptions in using AI Generative Images: A Case Study at Perkins&Will São Paulo Studio” aims to assess the potential benefits, challenges, and perceptions of AI tools in architectural practice, focusing on their application during the initial design phases. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study comprised an initial survey, a hands-on workshop with the architects of our São Paulo Studio, and a follow-up survey to evaluate shifts in architects’ perceptions and experiences with AI.
