AI’s Role in Design: Wentworth to Host Key Architectural Conference
The timely ACSA conference will convene innovative research, projects, and dialogue around AI technologies reshaping design and creative practices.
The conversation around artificial intelligence in architecture, including its creative potential, its challenges, and its ethics, is coming to Wentworth Institute of Technology.
From September 25-27, the university will host the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) 2025 Intersections Research Conference to help define the path forward. This timely conference will convene innovative research, projects, and dialogue around AI technologies reshaping design and creative practices.
The conference, titled "AI DESIGN PRACTICES," is co-chaired by Wentworth's Professors Tatjana Crossley and Antonio Furgiuele. The two will guide a critical examination of the multifaceted relationship between AI, design, and the built environment.
"AI is not just a new tool,” said Crossley. “It's a paradigm shift that is reshaping our creative processes and design possibilities.”
Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions on a wide range of topics, including Computational Creativity, New Pedagogical Models, The Ethics of Machine Learning, and Emergent Tools for Environmental Challenges.
Many of the conference's key events—including keynote talks, roundtable discussions, and an exhibition—will be free and open to the community with registration.
The conference kicks off on Thursday, September 25, with an opening keynote at 5 p.m. in Blount Auditorium by Antoine Picon, a leading professor in the history of architecture and technology from Harvard GSD.
On Friday, September 26, a 9 a.m. roundtable discussion in Blount Auditorium will explore "AI Computational Creativity & Pedagogy." The panel features Neil Leach, Sandra Manninger, and Andrew Witt, and will be moderated by Ryan Thomas.
The schedule continues Saturday, September 27, with a 9 a.m. roundtable on "AI Practices & Methods," also in Blount Auditorium. This session includes panelists Cas Esbach, Kristen Forward, and Martha Tsigkari, moderated by George Guida. The conference will conclude with a closing keynote at 6 p.m. in Watson Hall.
Throughout the three-day event, an exhibit of innovative posters from educators, practitioners, and students will be on display in Casella Gallery, offering a visual dive into the latest research and projects.
"We have curated a program that we believe will be incredibly stimulating and inspiring for everyone who attends," noted Furgiuele. "Our goal is to foster a rich dialogue about the future of our profession in the age of AI."
Prior to the main conference, attendees can also participate in hands-on workshops with the AI-powered design platforms Figura and Autodesk Forma, or join architectural tours of Harvard University, MIT, and the City of Boston.
For a full schedule and registration details, please visit the official ACSA conference website.