Artificial Intelligence Literacy: Collaborating to Support Image Research in Architecture Education

Abstract

This paper explores a collaborative approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into the architecture curriculum,with a particular focus on the role of architecture libraries and librarians in supporting this technology during the concept phase of design research. It outlines a student assignment that uses text-to-image AI generators to recreate architectural images and assess the role of bias in the image’s automated creation. A comprehensive online guide supports the student’s investigation of AI ethics, concept creation, prompt engineering, and evaluation. Feedback from the assignment indicates increased confidence in using AI image generators and enhanced critical thinking abilities. The paper advocates for AI’s role as a co-creator in architecture, emphasizing the importance of incorporating critical thinking in architecture courses, and underscores the value of collaboration between faculty and librarians in AI integration.