As an aspiring architect, I view AI as a facilitating tool and not a substitute to human creativity.
AI is able to assist in generating ideas rapidly, enhance efficiency and support research. Nevertheless, AI outputs have to be critically assessed by architects and modified to conform to real-life situations.
In my opinion, the most sensible way is to use AI-powered with human judgment in creating designs that are innovative and practical.
Moreover, AI can be used to make better decisions based on the analysis of environmental data, user needs, and building performance. This will result in more sustainable and climate-sensitive designs, particularly in tropical areas.
AI may also be used to improve the design process by enabling quick testing of various design solutions. This assists architects to experiment with various options, and refine ideas more effectively at the early design phases.
Nonetheless, overreliance on AI can inhibit originality and critical thinking in depth. Designers might get addicted to the generated solutions rather than coming up with their own ideas.
The other weakness is that AI might not be able to comprehend a deep cultural, social, and contextual context, which is a key component of architecture. These are the aspects that demand the human sensitivity and experience.
All in all, the architect role will continue to play a critical role in designing meaningful, functional and human centered spaces. AI must be deployed as a collaborative tool which facilitates creativity, rather than replaces it.