Why Architects Need Philosophy To Guide The AI Design Revolution

Generative AI is transforming architecture, highlighting the need for philosophy, philosophical inquiry and interdisciplinary approaches to create designs that reflect human values and experiences.

Two decades ago Lord Norman Foster, one of Britain’s great architects, said that an architect designs for the present, with an awareness of the past, for an essentially unknown future. These days, architects are venturing deeper into the unknown as AI tools such as Dall-E and Midjourney create blueprints and turn them into photorealistic images within seconds, rather than weeks.

Will these new AI tools put architects out of business? Not necessarily. But they should act as a wake-up call for the profession. Architects need to reevaluate their role within society and embrace interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in their everyday work. Philosophical inquiry, in particular, can add innovative ideas to architecture and create spaces that resonate with deeper human experiences and values, something that AI tools cannot do well (yet).

Architecture and philosophy

Scratch beneath the surface and you will find that architecture is an intrinsically philosophical enterprise grounded in aesthetics and ethics, including theories of human nature. Philosophy plays a pivotal role in shaping spaces that transcend mere functionality. It prompts architects to consider the ethical and moral implications of their work and think about the impact their designs have on individuals and communities, as well as on the natural environment. The way we think about our homes, and what makes a beautiful building, is deeply philosophical as it also reflects how we view ourselves and humanity at large. By weaving philosophical ideas with the art of design, architecture allows us to explore the essence of human existence, in doing so framing our values, beliefs, and aspirations.

The relationship between architecture and philosophy remains deeply ingrained in both design practice and theoretical discourse.

Der Beitrag Why Architects Need Philosophy To Guide The AI Design Revolution erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

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