Objectives and competences

Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between architectural disposition and effective architecture based on the principles of smart architecture. The aim is to move beyond the pure aesthetics of buildings by enabling them to support additional social activities and intelligent interaction with users and the environment. In this context, students will also explore the role of artificial intelligence as a supportive tool in the design, optimization, and management of smart architectural solutions. Competences are not focused solely on the knowledge of individual technologies, but on understanding their integration into architectural practice — encompassing artificial intelligence, digital fabrication, intelligent materials, and interactive architectural systems — with the goal of creating added value for all stakeholders and promoting a sustainable future for the built environment.

Content (Syllabus outline)

Brief history overview: - Overview and analysis of "smart" architecture; visionaries: Buckminster Fuller, Frei Otto - Recent projects: Eden Project – Grimshaw, Mont Cenis Academy – Herne, BIG – Copenhill - Copenhagen - AI-driven projects, Tim Fu “Smart” architecture: - Fundamentals of smart architecture - Goals and strategies - Intelligent with less, as a specific element of smart architecture - Higher level of interaction between buildings and users, and between buildings and society, in a financially acceptable manner - Hedonistic sustainability and ecological symbiosis - AI enhancement of architecture New tools in architecture: - Application of artificial intelligence in generating architectural concepts and solutions - Generative visualization and exploration of design possibilities - Use of artificial intelligence to analyze user behavior and enable interactive building environments - Natural language processing to support architectural design (ChatGPT for concept development, descriptions, and programmatic planning) - 3D generation of complex architectural envelopes (Sketch-to-3D, Text-to-3D) - Use of structures from nature as a basis for design – Biomimetics - Ethics and responsibility in the use of AI in the built environment

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures and seminar are carried out with the following teaching methods: - Projection or display of PowerPoint presentations - Discussion - Project work - Case studies Seminar and Laboratory exercises: - working with AI tools - conducting intermediate presentations with analysis of project work.

Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding

- recognize and understand the relationship between an architectural concept and smart architecture - differentiate between approaches of various principles of smart architecture - define the meaning of smart architecture in the context of a modern, digitally supported built environment - understand the possibilities and limitations of using artificial intelligence in the processes of design, optimization, and interaction within smart architecture

Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes

- select appropriate solutions from built projects that integrate the principles of smart architecture and modern digital tools (including AI) - develop a practical project solution that incorporates the use of artificial intelligence as a supportive tool in the design or optimization of architectural solutions - critically evaluate the outcomes of using AI and other digital tools in terms of architectural design quality, user experience, and sustainable impact

Readings

Mau, Bruce. (2004). Massive Change. Phaidon. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/2043758 , Van Hinte, Ed, Neelen, Marc, Vink, Jaques, & Vollaard, Piet. (2003). Smart Architecture. e-gradivo. https://stealth.ultd.net/stealth/projects/05_smart.architecture/download/smartarch_ebook.pdf Gruber, Petra. (2011). Biomimetics in Architecture: Architecture of Life and Buildings. Springer. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/ukm/34747141 Artificial intelligence in architecture, engineering and construction: AI in AEC, Helsinki, Finland and virtual, March 20-21, 2024. (2024). RIL. https://aiaec2024.exordo.com/programme/sessions/2024-03-20 Bernstein, Phil. (2022). Machine Learning : Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. RIBA Publications. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/21708207600041 Dodatna literatura in viri / Readings Jaušovec, Marko, & Sitar, Metka. (2019). Comparative Evaluation Model Framework for Cost-Optimal Evaluation of Prefabricated Lightweight System Envelopes in the Early Design Phase. Sustainability, 11(18), 5106. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/22620182 Jausovec, Marko (2025). AI v arhitekturi, gradivo k predavanjem.https://estudij.um.si/mod/resource/view.php?id=608893 Leach, N. (2021). AI design revolution : architecture in the age of artificial intelligence. Bloomsbury Visual Arts. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/5470000001310900 Ingels, Bjarke. (2019). BIG. Formgiving: An Architectural Future History. Taschen. Ingels, Bjarke. (2009). BIG. Yes is More: An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution. Taschen.

Prerequisits