AI in Architectural Design from edX

Are you navigating through the maze of AI discussions in everyday conversations? Do you feel overwhelmed and find it challenging to keep up with the constant flow of AI news? Or perhaps you are enthusiastic about AI and its transformative power in design practices. This course will shed light on the science behind the most popular AI tools.

Are you an architect concerned about the potential impact of AI on your role? If you're eager to upskill, this course is designed to help you manage expectations and enhance your skills, ensuring greater job competency in the evolving landscape of design, data and AI.

The course goes beyond introducing AI as merely a tool but presents a new methodology for scientific design thinking, focusing on a few key elements to empower your designs with Artificial Intelligence.

The content of the course is specifically suitable for architects in practice or architectural students searching for something outside of the architecture field, possibly gaining new skills in programming and AI to fit into more diverse job opportunities.

The learning journey starts with understanding machine learning as the science behind the AI technology. Further, the focus is established on computer vision as the “eye of AI” within the domain of architectural design. You will discover how the computer vision technology reshapes the landscape of design possibilities and merges creativity and technology.

You will also be introduced to algorithmic and data-driven thinking, data patterns, and the transformative power of learning systems. Hands-on experience with Python programming is included in the course. The assessments will include a brief machine learning project that combines theory with real-world application.

Both scientific and computational approaches are presented in the course. You will learn how to formulate hypotheses and explore innovative ways of testing and validating your design concepts. By exploring statistical machine learning for design validation, you will be able to translate your design hypotheses into reality by employing intuitive statistical machine learning methods, refining your designs through empirical validation and at the same time acquiring the skills to make informed design decisions.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain machine learning as a science behind ai technology.
Describe what computer vision is and how it is positioned with respect to ai technology.
Recognise some applications of computer vision in architectural design.

Learn how and where to find data related to the built environment.
Learn how to re-think design as a scientific quest.
Gain hands-on experience of python programming and using relevant libraries to conduct a small machine learning project with real data.

Explain machine learning as a science behind ai technology.
Describe what computer vision is and how it is positioned with respect to ai technology.
Recognise some applications of computer vision in architectural design.
Learn how and where to find data related to the built environment.
Learn how to re-think design as a scientific quest.
Gain hands-on experience of python programming and using relevant libraries to conduct a small machine learning project with real data.

Syllabus

Module 1: Understanding AI

Data, information, knowledge

AI, machine learning and computer vision

Deep learning frameworks, Supervised learning, Clustering and Unsupervised learning, Reinforcement Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Visualization

Module 2: Comprehension - Machine learning for design problems

Algorithmic thinking vs Data driven thinking.

Validating architectural quality with data

Module 3: Application - The design question

Apply AI knowledge to re-formulate a design question

Defining real-world problems with different approaches (algorithmic, data driven, machine learning)

Module 4: Analysis - Python programming for the design question

Learn how to use Python programming and relevant libraries to collect and curate data to approach the formulated design question.

Build up practical skills to approach the data-driven design questions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the applications of computer vision in architecture, which can potentially enhance design possibilities

Incorporates hands-on Python programming experience, providing practical skills for approaching design questions

Presents a methodology for scientific design thinking in AI, emphasizing data-driven and algorithmic approaches

Suitable for architects seeking to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape of design with AI

Requires basic knowledge of programming concepts and suggests additional courses as prerequisites

Instructor, Seyran Khademi, is not explicitly recognized for their work in AI design

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AI in Architectural Design with these activities:

Review probability and statistics concepts

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Refresh your knowledge of probability and statistics to enhance your understanding of machine learning concepts.

Browse courses on Probability

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Review notes or textbooks on probability and statistics.
Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding.

Review architectural design principles

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Strengthen your foundation in architectural design principles to enhance your ability to apply AI techniques effectively.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Review notes or textbooks on architectural design principles.
Analyze architectural case studies and identify design patterns.

Review Data Science from Scratch

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Review the fundamentals of data science and machine learning to strengthen your understanding of the core concepts covered in the course.

View Data Science from Scratch: First Principles... on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters of the book.
Summarize the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Identify any areas where you need additional clarification.

Five other activities

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Attend a workshop on AI for Architects

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Gain hands-on experience and insights into AI applications in architecture by attending a relevant workshop.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Research and identify upcoming workshops on AI for architects.
Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises.

Discuss AI applications in architecture with peers

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and broaden your understanding of AI applications in architecture.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Join or create a study group or online forum for architectural students.
Initiate discussions on AI applications in architecture.
Actively participate in discussions and contribute your own perspectives.

Complete Python programming exercises

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Enhance your Python programming skills by practicing exercises that reinforce the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Find online Python programming exercises or use resources provided in the course.
Attempt to solve the exercises independently.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Explore Computer Vision tutorials

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Expand your knowledge of computer vision by following tutorials that provide practical examples and demonstrations.

Browse courses on Computer Vision

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Search for online tutorials on computer vision.
Select tutorials that align with your interests and skill level.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Build a simple AI model for architectural design

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a hands-on AI model that addresses a specific architectural design challenge.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Identify a specific design problem that could benefit from AI.
Gather relevant data and prepare it for use in the AI model.
Develop and train the AI model using machine learning techniques.
Evaluate the model's performance and make necessary adjustments.

Career center

Learners who complete AI in Architectural Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

An Architect designs and oversees the construction of buildings. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Architecture because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Architects, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Architects use AI to design sustainable buildings, automate repetitive tasks, and improve communication with clients and contractors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Architectural Designer

An Architectural Designer creates plans for buildings, including the layout, materials, and structural elements. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Architectural Design because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Architectural Designers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Architectural Designers use AI to design innovative and sustainable buildings, and to create realistic and immersive 3D models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer

Architectural Technologist

An Architectural Technologist assists Architects and Architectural Designers in the planning and design of buildings. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Architectural Technology because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Architectural Technologists, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Architectural Technologists use AI to automate tasks, manage data, and create 3D models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Technologist

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager

A Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager oversees the creation and management of BIM models, which are digital representations of buildings. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of BIM Management because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by BIM Managers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. BIM Managers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and create more accurate and efficient models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees the construction of buildings. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Construction Management because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Construction Managers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Construction Managers use AI to automate tasks, improve communication, and reduce costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights for businesses. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Data Analytics because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Data Analysts, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Data Analysts use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and identify trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist develops and uses statistical and machine learning models to solve business problems. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Data Science because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Data Scientists, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Data Scientists use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and build predictive models.

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Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and deploys machine learning models for a variety of applications. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Machine Learning Engineering because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Machine Learning Engineers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Machine Learning Engineers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and build predictive models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and launch of new products. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Product Management because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Product Managers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Product Managers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and identify customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees the execution of projects. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Project Management because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Project Managers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Project Managers use AI to automate tasks, improve communication, and reduce costs.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research in a variety of fields, including science, technology, and the social sciences. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Research because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Researchers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Researchers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and discover new knowledge.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Software Engineering because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Software Engineers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Software Engineers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and build new applications.

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Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights for businesses. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Statistics because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Statisticians, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Statisticians use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and identify trends.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of Technical Writing because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by Technical Writers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. Technical Writers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and create more clear and concise documentation.

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UX Designer

A UX Designer designs the user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. Graduates of AI in Architectural Design may wish to consider the field of UX Design because this course provides a foundation in the latest AI technology that is used by UX Designers, including machine learning, computer vision, and Python programming. UX Designers use AI to automate tasks, improve data quality, and create more user-friendly experiences.

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