AI & Technology Shaping Architecture Education at LSRSoA

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Deepa Desai 1 – 1 Assistant Professor at L.S.Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai.

In the era of rapid transformative technology, the integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) into architectural pedagogy became a necessity. At L.S. Raheja School of Architecture (LSRSoA), a leading architecture school in Mumbai1, this transformation is not only embraced but strategically woven into its architecture programs. By incorporating emerging technologies into architectural education LSRSoA is looking forward to developing advanced future architects. This will not only uphold but also will enhance the institutes’ legacy of academic excellence and creative innovation.

LSRSoA being one of the oldest architectural institutes in Mumbai, understands the urgent need to align its pedagogy with the global shift towards digital transformation. In the creative field like architecture, we as designers understand the algorithmic limitations of AI. Nonetheless AI is changing the architectural landscape from ideation to execution. It is used to explore – data driven feasibility reports of the program, from generation, categorization to evaluation. Due to such qualities AI is turning into a tangible, quicker but derivative tool utilized to develop the design outcomes and is available in public domain. AI is not just a trend but a strategic move toward holistic student engagement and impactful learning outcomes.

The core of LSRSoA’s academic ethos is student-centric. AI was actively promoted through the integration of advanced AI softwares into the curriculum, encouraging student engagement with leading tech-industry professionals through insights, collaborating with them via workshops and seminars during AAKAR ( LSRSoA’s annual festival ) and engaging them with AI derivative innovative assignments and design programs2.

AI as a technology was conceptualized by Alan Turing in the 1930s, from there to 2025 a lot of architects and their theories have advanced the functioning and responses of AI. Hence the contribution of both the fields is mutually important3(Table 1). This integration not only boosts teacher effectiveness but also enhances student well-being by reducing design anxiety, time required for the output, and encouraging exploratory learning. Teachers at LSRSoA are not just educators but facilitators of technological empowerment. By being engaged in teacher development and professional training programs, the faculty has incorporated it into their theory as well as as design subject assignment.

Name	Profession	Contribution to AI	Contribution to Architecture
Christopher Alexander	Architect, Design Theorist	Introduced pattern language theory that inspired object-oriented programming and AI design logic.	Developed A Pattern Language and The Timeless Way of Building, emphasizing human-centric, adaptable design.
Patrik Schumacher	Architect, Theorist	Promoted use of AI in generative design processes under the philosophy of parametricism.	Lead designer at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA); formulated the Parametricism movement in architecture.
Arturo Tedeschi	Architect, Computational Designer	Used AI and algorithms for generative, performance-based design in architecture.	Known for blending art, engineering, and architecture using parametric tools; author of Algorithms-Aided Design (AAD).
Matias del Campo	Architect, Educator	Co-founder of SPAN; integrated machine learning in creative design exploration.	Designs with poetic and futuristic expression; teaches architecture fused with technology at the University of Michigan.
Molly Wright Steenson	Architect, Historian	Explores how AI and cybernetics intersect with architectural thinking and design.	Historian of architecture and computing; author of Architectural Intelligence, studying 1960s AI influences.
Neil Leach	Architect, Theorist	Wrote on AI’s implications for architectural theory and practice.	Advocate of digital design theory; edited works like Architecture in the Age of AI.

Table 1: Reflecting a contribution of architecture in development of Artificial Intelligence technology.

This dual emphasis on innovation and pedagogy positions LSRSoA at the intersection of tradition and transformation. Student body is introduced to 3D printing technology, AR/VR modeling, BIM softwares, and AI-driven analytics platforms, this helps them to explore complex spatial ideas in a reduced time frame (Figure 1).This helps to build the confidence as a designer in LSRSoA’s students. Our institute is training them to meet the global trends and to bridge the local gaps in present architectural practices. After developing such dynamic professionals institute also helps students in their industry placements by collaborating with the leading national and international firms in LSRSoA’s placement drive. This journey does not halt after five years of training; it continues through a closely knit alumni network.

Institute aspires students to evolve as – globally recognized, technologically advanced individuals who think independently and lead with ethics and vision. The institute also seeks to empower future entrepreneurs and professionals through creative inquiry, critical thinking, and a culture of lifelong learning, while championing diversity, innovation, and dynamic responses to global challenges. Currently at LSRSoA, we are re-shaping the future of architecture through advanced technologies and artificial intelligence is like – one digital brick at a time.

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