IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section B

Abstract

Over the last two decades, preservation efforts have paradoxically diminished the accomplishments of predecessors, dismissing them as outdated and irrelevant due to perceived old-fashioned thinking. This trend, coupled with existential concerns in the heritage field, challenges the recognition and appreciation of places in numerous U.S. cities. The burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI) offers considerable opportunities for various professions, particularly in design and planning, but integrating its potential with a humanistic vision remains a daunting task. Contentions among scholars regarding aesthetic subjectivity, where beauty is considered confined to individual perspectives, are challenged by research emphasizing insights gained from studying patterns and their influence on a place’s genius loci. This commentary advocates for the importance of visual order and contextually sensitive design in shaping future preservation policies. Digital tools, synthetic imagination, natural language prompting, and pattern languages enable inclusive ideation among stakeholders. Drawing from Christopher Alexander’s theories, the approach explores infill design in historic environments, emphasizing beauty, wholeness, and harmony through new digital resources. This approach seeks not only coherent urban development but also ancillary benefits, including social and environmental justice and overall community well-being. The commentary showcases alternative preservation methods, emphasizing the incorporation of place-based and community-oriented considerations into the design process using various generative AI tools guided by pattern languages, providing informed judgment from both tradition and knowledgeable professionals.