The Role of AI Design Assistance on the Architectural Design Process: An Empirical Research with Novice Designers

Year 2024, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 1 - 30, 31.03.2024

Emine Zeytin , Kamile Öztürk Kösenciğ , Dilan Öner

https://doi.org/10.53710/jcode.1421039

Cited By: 2

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Generative Design Assistants (GDAs), specifically machine learning based tools, in the architectural design process. It investigates how these tools, once confined to experimental realms, are now influencing mainstream architectural practice, particularly among novice architects. The research focuses on third and fourth-year architecture students, examining how they adapt to and integrate these advanced AI tools into their design workflows. Through an empirical online workshop, the study collected data of design process recordings, design output success scores of students by an independent jury, and post-experiment surveys. This approach provided insights into the timing, frequency, and sequence of GDA usage, as well as the influence of specific GDA features on design success. The research reveals that three primary strategies emerged in students' GDA usage: continuous use throughout the design process, selective problem-solving use, and initial ideation use followed by traditional methods. However, an over-reliance on GDAs was noted to potentially limit the designer’s interpretive and developmental input. The survey shows that different GDAs have distinct strengths and impacts on the design process. In terms of selected GDAs for the experiment, ArchiGAN aids in discovery and ideation, while HouseGAN excels in reframing design problems. In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative potential and challenges of GDAs in architectural design and highlights the need for balanced GDA integration. The research outputs show that future research should focus on the long-term implications of GDAs in architectural education. This research aims to guide the effective integration of AI in architecture, enhancing the human designer's role rather than overshadowing it.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Generative Design, Design Assistant, Architectural Design Pedagogy, Design Cognition

Tasarım Sürecinde Üretken Yapay Zeka Asistanlarının Rolü: Mimarlık Öğrencileriyle Ampirik Bir Araştırma

Abstract

Uzun süre yalnızca akademik çalışmalar ile sınırlı kalmış olan üretken tasarım asistanları, makine öğrenmesi tabanlı yapay zeka teknikleri sayesinde ana akım mimari pratik için de erişilebilir olmuştur. Bu çalışma, gelecekte daha da yaygınlaşacağı düşünülen bu üretken tasarım asistanlarının (GDA) mimari tasarım sürecine entegrasyonunu araştırmaktadır. Araştırma, üçüncü ve dördüncü sınıf mimarlık öğrencilerine odaklanarak, bu araçların tasarım sürecine nasıl entegre edildiklerini ArchiGAN ve HouseGAN araçları üzerinden incelemektedir. Araştırma kapsamında gerçekleştirilen çevrimiçi atölye çalışmasında, 12 katılımcının tasarım süreci kayıtları, tasarım çıktılarının bağımsız bir jüri tarafından değerlendirilmesi ile elde edile başarı puanları, ve son olarak atölye sonrası öğrenci anketleri ile toplanan geri bildirimler çalışmanın nicel ve nitel verilerini oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma, öğrencilerin GDA kullanımlarında üç ana stratejinin ortaya çıktığını göstermiştir: (1) Tasarım süreci boyunca sürekli kullanım, (2) seçici problem çözme kullanımı ve (3)başlangıçta fikir oluşturma kullanımı ardından geleneksel yöntemlere geçiş. Araştırmada, GDAlara aşırı bağımlılığın, tasarımcının yorumlayıcı ve geliştirici katkısını potansiyel olarak sınırlayabileceği gözlenmiştir. Anket çalışması ise, farklı GDA’ların tasarım sürecine farklı aşamalarda katkı sağladığını göstermektedir. ArchiGAN, keşif ve fikir oluşturma aşamasında yardımcı olurken, HouseGAN tasarım problemlerini yeniden tanımlama ve tasarım iterasyonu konusunda destekleyici gözükmektedir. Sonuç olarak, çalışma, mimari tasarım sürecinde GDAların dönüştürücü potansiyelini ve sürece entegrasyonlarında karşılaşılabilecek zorlukları göstermektedir. Araştırma, dengeli bir GDA entegrasyonunun gerekliliğini ortaya koymakta ve gelecekteki araştırmalar için, mimarlık eğitiminde GDA' ların uzun vadeli etkilerine odaklanılmasını önermektedir.

Keywords

Yapay Zeka, Üretken Tasarım, Tasarım Asistanı, Mimari Tasarım Pedagojisi, Tasarım Bilişi

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