VIRTUAL MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY

Abstract

The integration of GenAI tools in architectural education and studio environments offers students powerful means to explore innovative design methodologies and refine existing processes with greater transparency. However, effectively embedding GenAI into education requires adaptable models and strategies that keep pace with rapid technological advancements. While it presents significant opportunities, its adoption also raises challenges, necessitating a balanced approach to maximise benefits while addressing potential risks. Additionally, its impact on the development of visual literacy remains an area for further investigation, potentially reshaping students’ creative thinking and the influence of societal norms on their design processes. This research advocates for the proactive incorporation of GenAI in education, ensuring that educators and students engage with the technology before it becomes an imposed standard. At the same time, it highlights the need for greater transparency and control over AI-generated outputs. Many participants found it difficult to discern valuable ideas and determine when to stop iterating, expressing concerns over the unpredictability of AI-driven results. They emphasised that GenAI should serve as an augmentative tool rather than a substitute for human creativity.