Future of Practice

“In terms of strategic thinking and real-time analysis, AI is already way beyond what human architects are capable of. This could be the final nail in the coffin of a struggling profession.”
—Neil Leach, Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

“The report of my death has been an exaggeration.”
—Mark Twain

While some have speculated that Artificial Intelligence in Architecture (AI+A) portends the death of architecture, others believe it will lead to the rebirth of practice. Clearly, as the true impacts of AI are unknown, so too is the future of architecture. Given these facts, the AIANY Future of Practice Committee in collaboration with AIANY Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) is convening a day-long symposium on December 16 at the Center for Architecture. Guest speakers as well as three panel discussions focusing on Practice, Software, and Research will attempt to surpass speculation and demonstrate what is currently—actually—happening with regards to the application of artificial intelligence in architectural practice, and where these applications may lead.

OPENING REMARKS: 10:15–10:30 am

Jacob Reidel, AIA, Assistant Professor in Practice, Harvard GSD; Co-Chair, AIANY Future of Practice Committee
Andre Soluri, AIA, Principal, Soluri Architecture; Co-Chair, AIANY Future of Practice Committee

KEYNOTE: 10:30–11:30 am

Patrik Schumacher, Partner, Zaha Hadid Architects

PRACTICE: 11:30 am–1:00 pm

Gideon D’Arcangelo, Americas Digital Services Portfolio Leader, ARUP
Kristen Forward, Design Technology Futures Leader, NBBJ
Robert Otani, Chief Technology Officer, Thornton Tomasetti
Martha Tsigkari, Head of Applied R+D, Foster + Partners

Moderator:
Andre Soluri, AIA, Principal, Soluri Architecture; Co-Chair, AIANY Future of Practice Committee

CASE – Data and AI Presentation: 1:20-1:30 pm
Dennis Shelden, Director, CASE; Associate Professor, School of Architecture at Rensselaer
Jeanne Gallagher, Program Manager and Director of Communications, CASE

SOFTWARE: 1:30–3:00 pm

Phillip Bernstein, FAIA, Author, Machine Learning: Architecture in the Age of AI
Juan Francisco Saldarriaga, Senior Computational Designer, Delve and Google
Andrew Heumann, Software Developer, Hypar
Federico Negro, Founder & CEO, Canoa

Moderator:
Xenia Adjoubei, Associate Director, Studio intO

RESEARCH: 3:00–4:30 pm

Mario Carpo, Author, Beyond Digital: Design and Automation at the End of Modernity
Frank Jacobus, AIA Author, Artificial Intelligent Architecture
Sandra Manninger, Associate Professor, NYIT; Co-Founder, SPAN and AR2ILab
Andrew Witt, Author, Formulations: Architecture, Mathematics, Culture

Moderator:
Jacob Reidel, AIA, Assistant Professor in Practice, Harvard GSD; Co-Chair, AIANY Future of Practice Committee

DISCUSSION: 4:30–5:15 pm

Elizabeth Christoforetti, Design Director and Founding Principal, Supernormal
Esther Dyson, Investor, Journalist, Author, Philanthropist
Paul Seletsky, Architect, Technologist

“I have never been eager to make money by my art, but have gone on the principle that slender means and a good reputation are preferable to wealth and disrepute.” Vitruvius, 1st Century BC

“I refuse to work unless I get paid, so I don’t get a lot of work sometimes.” Gehry, 2003 AD

Architects have endeavored to define and defend the value of their work to their clients, collaborators, and the public for decades if not centuries. While architects are crucial to today’s built environment, why do we feel this isn’t appropriately reflected back? Have architects undervalued themselves? Have they overvalued themselves? Should “value” only be measured in economic terms or should it also be considered functionally, artistically, and socially (and if so, how)?

With these—and many more—questions in mind, the AIANY Future of Practice Committee is convening an honest, critical conversation addressing a simple yet challenging question: What is the value of architects? Our panelists represent a range of viewpoints, so come prepared for an active dialogue and productive debate.

Speakers:
Michael Caton, AIA, Head of Technical Computing, Juno
Marjanne Pearson, Chief Strategy Officer, Talentstar
Erin Pellegrino, Co-Founder, Out of Architecture; Visiting Lecturer in Architecture, Cornell University
Jake Rudin, Co-Founder, Out of Architecture; Senior Manager Digital Technologies, Adidas
Enoch Sears, AIA, Founder, Architecture Business Institute

A Candid Conversation Moderated by FoP Co-Chairs:

Jacob Reidel, AIA and Andre Soluri, AIA

Date: Monday, July 10 6-8pm

Location: AIANY Center For Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012  

Register at: https://calendar.aiany.org/2023/07/10/what-is-the-value-of-architects