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Architects for innovative research - Presentation of the selected research projects

30.05.2023

Based on complex computer programmes capable of simulating human intelligence traits, such as reasoning and learning, in the coming years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to become a game-changer in many economic sectors, including the construction and building sectors. In the field of architecture - a discipline at the crossroads of the arts, technology, economics and social issues, Artificial Intelligence holds as much promise as it does fear. For some, it will offer architects the means to explore new aesthetic frontiers, to work on architectural forms that were previously impossible to achieve, to push further simulations and combinations of scenarios. For others, it entails/ bears/ heralds a risk that the profession may disappear or be downgraded by machines capable of producing plans autonomously.

To demonstrate and promote the new trends on architects’ attitude, ACE  has organised an open call for everybody engaged in order to select best proposals for research. Besides, the ACE will also publish a shortlist of the best submissions that will offer an overlook on current AI architecture scene. The intention is to provide a deep look at current practice involving digital technology from various angles and open the discussion on the next developments, threads and opportunities. Outcomes from programme shall serve as a material for deeper study and tool for communication with legislators and other engaged stakeholders.

Outcome of the call
ACE received 17 applications.
Read more about the call here.

ACE Jury was composed of: 
Diego Zoppi- ACE EB Member 
Pavel Martinek- Chair of the ACE Practice Committee 
Ursula Faix -Chair of the ACE Women in Architecture task-force and member of the Practice Committee 
Peter Hyttel Sørensen-  Member of the Practice Committee
External expert: Gry Hasselbalch  
Coordinator– Julie Deutchmann

Selection criteria
3 participants were selected based on the following criteria: 
- Reasonability of the study in terms of discovering new frontiers ;
- Meeting ACE objectives ;
- Originality ;
- Applicability in practice.

Selected projects
- Research project by Linda Buondonno & Gai Leandri - 'Neural correlates of object and spatial visual cognitive styles. Psychological and electroencephalographic assessment’ 
Jury's comment: "This project focuses on basic research into how digital tools influence human creativity. There was a general discussion about the extent to which the project meets the criteria for AI, but the jury concluded that basic research should take priority at a time when the application of AI is booming. The scientific and verified approach to the study of the programme was found to be credible and the objectives to be achieved feasible. The ACE recommends cooperation in the questionnaire research phase in order to use the practical experience of the architectural profession. The ACE also raises the issue of the use of the results for software developers".
 
- Research project by UrbanistAI (Damiano Cerrone, Luca Stornaiuolo and Liza Gazieva)- 'A participatory planning program for the youth’ 
Jury's comment: "The jury evaluates a project focusing on the education of the younger generation in the field of artificial intelligence. The organisation of webinars accessible to a wide audience and the possibility of ACE involvement were considered worthy of support. The implementation of the project within the framework of a university programme also lends credibility to the project".

- Research project by Jiri Vítek, Jiri Honzak, Michal Macuda & Jakub Morávek - 'AI Successive Palimpsest Masterplan' 
Jury's comment: "This project was selected for its complexity and practicality. Its proposes the creation of an AI application evaluating the sustainable approach to urban planning. Compared to other submitted projects that also focused on sustainability, the approach to the urban scale of the assessment was considered more effective and the facts were proven by using existing and publicly available environmental data. The audit on the city of Brno would serve as a demonstration of the research. The ACE recommends focusing more on creating a tool rather than giving conclusions on sustainability, as the assessment methodology is still subject to a wider social and scientific debate".

Timeline
Publication of shortlisted projects and research studies – Fall 2023


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