Can Gen-AI tools enhance architectural students’ design process and critical thinking skills?
Senior Lecturer Anthony Brand tried to find out. His course, ARCHDES 301: Design 6, is a 30-point studio course with 120 students in six streams. Anthony’s stream of 20 students focused on designing a mixed-use building in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, addressing future flooding and isolation scenarios through the lens of Pacific resilience, utilising advanced Gen-AI tools. The course employed a holistic final assessment approach, with students presenting design proposals at the end of Week 12 and documenting their processes, including AI tool usage, in portfolios.
Addresses these teaching challenges:
- Developing students’ critical thinking abilities
- Fostering creativity
- Preparing students for industry changes
- Rebalancing the design process to optimise time allocation
- Boosting engagement and motivation
The challenges of design process and of Gen-AI solutions
However, introducing Gen-AI tools into his course also presented its challenges, namely:
- tool accessibility
- concerns for student overreliance on AI
- rapid technological changes
Implementation process
- Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude and Chat GPT for ideation
- Text-to-image generators like MidJourney and Leonardo.ai, as well as text/image-to-video tools, like Runway LM and Pika Labs, for visual concept development
- Architectural software like Test Fit IO and Finch 3D for spatial planning
The process included:
- Orientation and guidelines – AI tools were introduced as complementary aids, not replacements for traditional skills. Students explored their potential to improve their architectural designs.
- Iterative design – AI was used for brainstorming and generating architectural renderings, visually exploring and experimenting with a fast turnaround.
- Critical reflection – Students documented their Gen-AI tool usage in workbooks, addressing prompts like: What are you trying to achieve? What did you learn? What will you do next?
- Equity measures – Initially, students used free or trial versions of AI tools. After exhausting MidJourney’s free trial, they collectively opted to purchase a group license to continue using the tool.
The outcome: Enhanced creativity and critical thinking
- Enhanced creativity – AI tools helped students overcome creative blocks and explore innovative solutions efficiently.
- Developed critical thinking – Students honed evaluative judgement skills by critiquing AI-generated outputs.
- High engagement – Attendance remained unusually high, with a Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) score of 4.86 out of 5.
- Efficiency gains – Expedited tasks like rendering allowed more time for refinement.
Anthony noted that the most compelling work resulted from a deep engagement with Gen-AI that emphasised understanding (the ‘why’) over aesthetics
Additional advice
- Balance innovation with pedagogy – Clearly articulate the educational value of AI integration, especially for theoretical or research-oriented aspects, rather than focusing solely on product creation.
- Foster critical engagement – Encourage students to critique Gen-AI outputs, not accept them uncritically.
- Ensure equity – Provide access to free or shared resources or explore group licensing options.
- Foster collaborative learning – Encourage students to share their experiences with AI tools, as best practices are still emerging in this rapidly-evolving field.
Impact and future
Building on the experience of Anthony and his ARCHDES 301: Design 6 students in Semester Two, 2024, the architecture programme plans to incorporate AI tools into all third year (advanced) design courses starting in 2025.
Gen-AI image gallery
Figure 1. A man in a suit rows a boat through a flooded city with overgrown buildings and a cloudy sky, featuring Auckland’s Sky Tower in the distance.
Figure 1. A flooded Auckland imagined as a resilient city, created using Gen-AI tools (Google ImageFX, Krea, and Photoshop Generative Fill). Overgrown buildings frame the Sky Tower.
Figure 2. A modern atrium with tree-like wooden structures, lush greenery, glass walls, and natural light creating a serene environment.
Figure 2. A striking atrium blending tree-like wooden structures, greenery, and light, collaboratively designed by Anthony and Gen-AI tools.
Figure 3. A futuristic interior with flowing white and yellow forms, perforated walls, ocean views, and people interacting in the bright space.
Figure 3. A sleek, futuristic interior with flowing forms, ocean views, and a bright, airy vibe co-designed by Anthony and Gen-AI tools.
Try it out
- Identify relevant tools aligning with learning objectives
- Provide structured guidance on effective tool usage
- Design reflective exercises encouraging critical evaluation
- Address equity through free resources or group licensing
- Ensure awareness of data privacy issues, especially with tools that are outside the scope of UoA license and support.
Resources
Check out Anthony’s article, ‘Artificially Clever,’ in Architecture Now magazine to learn more about his experience.
Watch the recording of Anthony’s presentation on the ARCHDES 301: Design 6 studio project for the ‘Learning Futures’ CoI session on 20 March 2025 (opens on YouTube).
See also Anthony Brand’s staff profile page.
See also
Generative AI
What does the use of Gen-AI mean for us in learning and teaching?
Faculty: Engineering and Design
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Dr Anthony Brand
Faculty of Engineering and Design