Beyond Prompting – Harnessing AI in architectural workflows

Artificial intelligence is evolving at remarkable speed. While this development raises fundamental questions about our shared future with these technologies, their rapid adoption suggests that AI will become increasingly embedded in both our personal and professional lives. Architecture is no exception: machine learning, large language models and generative AI are beginning to transform established processes of design, research and production.

Beyond Prompting explores what happens when architects move beyond simply interacting with AI and begin integrating it into their own digital workflows. The course provides a practical survey of AI-enabled tools and methods relevant to architectural practice, ranging from image generation and knowledge management to agentic coding and custom applications.

We will investigate four interconnected areas:

• Image Generation – generating, transforming and optimizing visual material
• Knowledge Bases & RAG – connecting AI to documents, data and domain-specific knowledge
• Agentic Coding – using AI to develop scripts, web applications and custom digital tools
• Plugins & MCP – connecting AI models with architectural software such as Rhino and extending existing workflows

Particular attention is given to tools and platforms that allow architects with little or no programming experience to develop their own applications, plugins and automated workflows. Rather than treating AI as a universal solution, we will critically examine where it can meaningfully augment architectural work, where its limitations lie, and how architects can retain agency over the processes they create.

The course is experimental and project-based. Students will test different AI technologies, combine them into individual workflows, and apply them to architectural problems. As a common playground for these experiments, we will develop architecture-themed graphic novels, combining research, storytelling, architectural representation and AI-enabled production.

First meeting and introduction:
Wednesday, 7th of October 26, 05:30 pm, Room 212