Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Introduction to AI for Architects

by Neil Leach

Overview

AI has been unleashed. Nothing is going to be the same again.

Updated to cover all the latest developments, Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence introduces AI for designers and explores its seismic impact on the future of architecture and design. From ChatGPT and smart assistants to groundbreaking diffusion models for video and 3D modelling, this updated new edition investigates the profound effects of AI technologies on architectural practice. It explores how AI transforms every part of the process-from the inspiration and brief, to regulations and copyright, to performance-driven design- and looks beyond discussions of software and functionality to ask more fundamental questions too: How did AI evolve? How does it work? What does it tell us about creativity? And what does it mean for the very future of the profession itself?

Written by one of the world's leading experts in the field, this book is a must-read for all architects wishing to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350438750
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/26/2025
Series:	Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 8.75(h) x 0.95(d)

About the Author

Neil Leach is an architect and theorist. He teaches at Florida International University, USA, the European Graduate School, Switzerland, and Tongji University, China. He has also taught at many other leading schools of architecture, including the Architectural Association, UK and Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, USA; he is a member of the European Academy and has been a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Fellow. He has published over 30 books on architecture and digital design, translated into six languages.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction

1. What is AI?
2. A brief history of AI
3. Image generation
4. AI, art and creativity
5. AI, media art and neuroscience
6. AI and architecture
7. The future of the architectural office
8. Brain City
9. The future of AI

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A timely update … Leach's own predictions balance the practical concerns of architects and the aspirations of an AI booster.” —World-Architects

“We cannot truly discuss AI without also understanding how the brain works, and Neil masterfully bridges this essential connection.” —Refik Anadol, Director, RAS

“Clearly written and well informed, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in AI and its potential application in architecture.” —Wanyu He, CEO, XKool

“AI – which I like to call 'Architectural Intelligence”'– is a tool that will one day allow us architects to fly. This book, like all Neil Leach's books, is a multi-perspective view of a possible future for architecture.” —Wolf dPrix, Design Principal, COOP HIMMELB(L)AU

“A brand new set of tools has inspired a new wave of transformative creative energy within architecture. This book is essential reading for all who want to join the thrilling quest of bringing the power of AI into architecture.” —Patrik Schumacher, Principal, Zaha Hadid Architects

“Critical in our current condition, Neil Leach's research into artificial intelligence broadens the implementation and importance of AI as a conceptual tool for students, designers, and thinkers.” —Thom Mayne, Founding Partner, Morphosis

From the Publisher