Exploring Co-design with an AI Partner: The GAI-A Interface in Architectural Education

The integration of advanced information and communication technologies has revolutionized collaborative working processes, especially in creative design, allowing stakeholders to interact across locations and time zones. Originally designed to facilitate human collaboration, these systems have evolved to include collaborative interactions between humans and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, reaching new heights with the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) models. In this study, we introduce a co-design interface, Generative Artificial Intelligence for Architecture (referred to as GAI-A), for the initial design phase to stimulate creative design. GAI-A provides a collaborative space for designers to work with an AI partner that suggests visuals based on the images provided. Over the span of four consecutive academic semesters, we have rigorously implemented and evaluated this innovative environment in the architectural design studio at Istanbul Technical University, aiming to elucidate its multifaceted applications and implications within the academic discourse of architecture. The interface of GAI-A is evaluated through Creativity Support Index and surveys and semi-structured interviews. The research explores critical aspects, including co-design possibilities with GenAI models, and optimal utilization techniques, providing valuable insights into design pedagogy.