Recent advances in artificial intelligence have marked a turning point in the field of architecture, where the boundary between human and machine creativity is increasingly becoming blurred. This development has raised a variety of concerns regarding the future role and professional prospects of architects. Despite the inherently creative nature of architectural practice, the capabilities of artificial intelligence in generating and evaluating creative outcomes warrant careful examination. This technology has the potential to play a significant role in both architectural design and construction processes. Although certain limitations remain, the rapid pace of AI development has endowed it with capabilities that may establish it as an essential tool across virtually all aspects of human life.
In light of the current state of contemporary architecture in Iran and the challenges it faces—including issues of identity, environmental sustainability, aesthetics, economics, and architectural education—important questions emerge: How can artificial intelligence contribute to addressing these challenges and improving the quality of architecture in Iran? What might the future of Iranian architecture look like in an era shaped by the advancement of AI technologies? And what considerations should guide this transformation?
The primary objective of the first specialized seminar on this topic, held on 15 December 2025 (24 Azar 1404), was to create a platform for dialogue on architecture in the age of artificial intelligence—a highly significant and interdisciplinary subject. Although artificial intelligence has been evolving for nearly seventy years, its recent global proliferation and widespread accessibility have introduced a range of new questions and challenges that demand serious attention. In this context, schools and faculties of architecture must develop thoughtful and strategic approaches to engaging with this transformative phenomenon.
Seyed Yahya Islami
Chair of the Session and Head of School of Architecture, University of Tehran
