Ethics in Computational Design: Infusing Equity into AI and Generative Design for Building Design Processes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative design (GD) are transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction industry toward a more efficient design process. But is the built environment in danger of losing social and equity values as a result? The powerful combination of GD and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has the potential to assist architects in improving building functionality and sustainability, enhancing value for architects, developers, and residents. However, ethical and social sustainability values may be overlooked if the metrics of the GD and GAI are not instructed to identify and prioritize them. This class will combine findings from a multidisciplinary research project from Carnegie Mellon University, and real-life architectural projects by HED. Learn how to prioritize important equity and social sustainability values in human-in-the-loop AI powered design frameworks, making ethical and socio-sustainable design decisions measurable and transparent to all stakeholders, for a more equitable and resilient built environment.