After completing Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment, I realised that AI is not about replacing architectural thinking but supporting and improving it. At the beginning of the semester, I only had a basic understanding of how AI could be used in architecture and design. Throughout the course, I explored tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, image-generation AI, and prompt engineering techniques to support research, concept development, visualisation, and design communication. This helped me become more confident in using AI as a design assistant rather than just a content-generation tool.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that different AI systems can produce different results, even when given similar instructions. This taught me the importance of evaluating AI-generated outputs instead of accepting them directly. The course also improved my ability to write effective prompts, organise information, and communicate ideas more clearly. I gained skills in prompt engineering, AI-assisted research, and visual exploration, which helped improve my overall workflow.
For my final project, Laterite Hive at Bukit Malawati, AI assisted me in exploring historical narratives, environmental strategies, form development, and presentation techniques while maintaining my original design intent. By using AI to gather information and refine ideas, I was able to focus more on design decisions and creative problem-solving. This experience showed me that AI can support creativity and improve efficiency without replacing the architect's role.
This course also helped me become more open to emerging technologies and understand the importance of balancing AI with human creativity and judgement. These skills will be useful not only in my academic projects but also in my future career within the built environment industry.
A suggestion for future offerings would be to include more live demonstrations of architectural AI workflows, especially involving BIM, environmental simulation, and real-world case studies. This would help students better understand how AI is applied in professional practice.
Overall, the course provided a valuable introduction to the opportunities and challenges of AI in the built environment. It helped me develop new skills, improve my critical thinking, and gain confidence in using AI responsibly as part of the design process.