AI in Architecture: Highlights from Wentworth’s ACSA Conference

Recent discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) in architecture have moved from theoretical debate to concrete classroom and studio practice. The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) 2025 Intersections Research Conference, co‑curated by Wentworth Institute of Technology professors Tatjana Crossley and Antonio Furgiuele, served as the central forum for scholars, practitioners, and students to examine how AI technologies are reshaping design workflows, pedagogy, and the built environment. The proceedings covered three days of keynote addresses, roundtables, hands‑on workshops, site visits, and an exhibition of AI‑infused research posters.

What AI Means for Architectural Education

In the keynote delivered by Antoine Picon of Harvard Graduate School of Design, the history of architecture‑technology was re‑examined through the lens of contemporary AI tools. The talk framed AI not as a disruptive force but as a continuation of a long tradition of computational design. For students learning at Wentworth, this perspective offers a pragmatic way to incorporate AI into their projects without abandoning the core principles of form, function, and context.

Co‑chairs Crossley and Furgiuele organized a program that highlighted “AI Computational Creativity & Pedagogy” on Friday. The day was dedicated to exploring how generative models can aid concept development while still empowering the architect’s voice. Key takeaways for campuses interested in updating curricula include:

• Integrate AI modules into existing computer‑aided design courses rather than treating them as add‑ons.
• Encourage students to critique and test AI outputs for ethical and contextual suitability.
• Pair AI hands‑on sessions with design critiques to reinforce the human‑centered aspect of architecture.

Hands‑On Workshops: From Figure to Form

Prior to the main sessions, participants had the opportunity to experiment with two AI‑powered design platforms, Figura and Autodesk Forma. Figura allows users to input brief descriptions and generate auto‑generated geometry, while Forma builds parametric façades through generative surface modeling. These tools showcased how AI can accelerate time‑consuming early‑stage explorations while still requiring human discernment.

Practitioners who walked away noted that AI can become an assistant that proposes spatial arrangements, suggesting a first draft that students and architects can then refine. A practical strategy is to let AI generate multiple layout scenarios and let the project team compare and iterate on each. The result is a richer set of options, faster iteration cycles, and a better learning environment that encourages experimentation.

Site Visits: Real‑World Insight into AI‑Enabled Design

The conference also integrated site visits to iconic Boston landmarks and research institutes, including MIT and Harvard campuses. These tours offered students and faculty an opportunity to observe how AI is being applied in real projects—from algorithmic façade screening to sustainability simulations. The visits reinforced lessons from the roundtables and provided tangible examples to use in studio critiques.

Showcasing Research: The Casella Gallery

The Casella Gallery presented a curated selection of posters from educators, practitioners, and students featuring AI research. Highlights involved using AI for spatial optimization, generative storytelling in architectural narratives, and data‑driven analysis of historic structures. These visual exhibitions serve as an instant reference point; students can follow similar projects to inform their own design explorations.

Keynote Vision: Future Directions with Kent Larson

The final keynote, delivered by Kent Larson, director of MIT Media Lab’s City Science group, discussed AI’s potential in shaping potentially adaptive, resilient urban landscapes. Larson emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, combining AI with urban data, civic planning, and community engagement. For architecture students, this signals the expanding role of the architect as a systems thinker who can navigate complex data streams.

Getting Started: Practical Steps for Students and Educators

1. Explore Available AI Tools
Begin with free or low‑cost platforms such as Autodesk Forma, Rhino + Grasshopper plugins, or open‑source generative design libraries. Experiment in the studio before proposing these tools in coursework.

2. Design a Project Rationale
When using AI, create a clear design brief that outlines the problem, constraints, and desired outcomes. AI can then generate options that fit within the specified parameters.

3. Develop a Critique Framework
Establish metrics for evaluating AI output, such as feasibility, sustainability, cultural context, and cost. Use these metrics to guide iterative refinement.

4. Leverage Academic Partnerships
Collaborate with engineering, computer science, and data science departments to gain deeper insights into AI algorithms and data pipelines.

5. Publish and Share Results
Present findings in workshops, conferences, or online platforms. Sharing AI‑informed research amplifies knowledge and fosters community learning.

Next Steps for Prospective Architecture Students

Want to start your journey in a curriculum that emphasizes AI‑enabled design? Schedule a campus visit and see how Wentworth’s School of Architecture & Design integrates technology into hands‑on learning. If you’re ready to apply, submit an application today and become part of a program that values both creativity and computational rigor.

Additional Resources for AI in Architecture

• ACSA – Explore conference agendas, papers, and community discussions.
• Autodesk Education – Free access to design tools for students.
• Rhino + Grasshopper – Learn generative design techniques.
• Figura AI – Dive into AI generative geometry.

For further reading, check out our related articles on AI integration in architectural education:

• Integrating AI into Undergraduate Design Programs
• AI Applications in Sustainable Urban Planning
• Creative AI Workshops for Emerging Architects

By embracing AI responsibly and thoughtfully, architecture students and professionals can elevate both their creative output and their contribution to the built environment.