Inteligência Artificial como Ferramenta e Agente. Transformações e Desafios na Arquitectura Contemporânea

Abstract

The evolution of architectural tools has, throughout history, been a direct response to the needs and necessities of each era, driven by technological advancements and shifting mindsets. This progression has shaped the way architects conceive and materialize their projects. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently emerging as one of the most disruptive technological developments to date, uniquely challenging architectural practice by creating opportunities while raising fundamental questions about the future of the profession. This dissertation explores the role of AI in contemporary architecture, analyzing its use from two distinct perspectives: as a tool, aims to enhance the architect's technical capabilities, and as an agent, capable of taking on an autonomous role in the architectural design process. The research examines its impact on professional practice, categorizing this technology into different applications and exploring scenarios that anticipate ethical, creative, and professional implications. Practical examples of AI as a tool, produced by the author, will be presented, alongside a more in-depth study of its role as an agent. To better understand the perception of the architectural community about these issues, a survey was conducted among architects and architecture students, gathering over one hundred answers. The results inform the discussion on artificial Intelligence inevitable integration into the discipline. The analyzed data demonstrates that, while AI represents an unprecedented opportunity for architecture, its adoption requires critical reflection and an appropriate ethical and perhaps regulatory framework that will only be possible through meaningful discussions. The dissertation concludes by emphasizing the need for a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human creativity and cultural values, highlighting the importance of debates on AI's role in architecture and the challenges it poses to the discipline's identity and future practice.