Introduction from the Editors. Venturing into the Age of AI

Abstract

In recent times, the term “intelligence” has gained considerable popularity, permeating numerous spheres encompassing actions, practices, processes, and products. This pervasive presence within contemporary discourse can be attributed to two pivotal factors. Primarily, there has been a paradigmatic shift in our comprehension of intelligence, transcending the notion of it being exclusively confined to humans, but rather acknowledging its manifestation in diverse emerging properties and conditions present in both human and non-human entities. Secondly, intelligence is now perceived as a multifaceted nexus, interlinking a ‘brain’ (whether human or non-human), a corporeal form, and the complex environmental contexts in which this embodiment exists. Within architectural circles, there is an ongoing exploration of various “intelligent” tools, encompassing diverse AI languages, generative adversarial networks, and text-to-image tools. These endeavours seek to comprehend how non-human intelligence can be harnessed to address contemporary urban challenges and concerns. Simultaneously, careful consideration is being given to the potential benefits and risks that arise from the utilization of such tools in urban centers and cities. The field of architecture is undergoing rapid transformation due to the incorporation of cutting-edge digital technologies, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of design, representation, and production. [...]