AI transforms architecture, but human decisions remain key for future cities

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing architectural design, capable of producing renderings and hundreds of urban planning options in minutes. However, leading international architects emphasize that AI cannot replace human judgment in deciding the best solutions for communities.

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It has never been harder than now to predict what will be in the future. There are dramatic changes, more than we have had in a lifetime. Renderings are already done with AI, the creation of options is also done with AI.

Stefan Behling, Senior Executive Partner at Foster + Partners, notes that while AI is disruptive for many tasks and could reduce the need for large architectural firms, it cannot discern the optimal choice from numerous generated options. He believes the architect's true value will shift from creating drawings to making complex decisions based on context and long-term impact.

Foster + Partners, known for projects like Apple Park, is applying this approach to a significant urban regeneration project in Constanța, Romania. The firm's partner, Susanne Danz, views AI integration as a natural evolution of the profession, similar to the shift from hand-drawn designs to computer-aided design 25 years ago.

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What AI cannot do is distinguish between 500 options and choose the optimal one. For the elementary parts of architecture, AI will be disruptive and eliminate many tasks. For large firms, it is risky because they will no longer need so many people.

The debate is particularly relevant for Constanța, which is undergoing one of Europe's largest urban reconversion projects. The focus remains on how humans will leverage AI tools to create cities that best serve their inhabitants.

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Now 25 years ago all drawings were done by hand, then we moved to computers, to m