Overview
Led by Dr Michal Gath-Morad, Department of Architecture
Architecture students increasingly use generative AI in their design work, but there is little evidence on whether it helps or hinders their creativity. Its effect may depend on the stage of design: early studies suggest AI image tools can narrow students’ ideas when they are first generating them. Integrated into current architecture and design teaching, the Cambridge Cognitive Architecture Lab will run two paired tasks: an early layout task and a later rendering task. Each student completes both tasks, once with AI and once without.
A blind panel of experts, including tutors and industry practitioners, will score the work for originality, range and fit to the brief. Students will also reflect on their own sense of ownership and effort. The findings will help educators decide when and how to teach AI in creative subjects.
