Artificial intelligence (AI) image generation technology is profoundly changing the field of architectural design, bringing unprecedented design freedom to architects, but it also faces challenges. A study published in the magazine "Buildings" pointed out that AI has deficiencies in handling cultural sensitivities, especially in the design of Islamic architecture, where the images generated by AI often fail to accurately reflect its historical elements and cultural connotations. This study delves into the application of AI technology in Islamic architecture, revealing its potential and limitations.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images have revolutionized the field of architectural design, providing architects with the flexibility to produce highly complex and imaginative designs.
However, in areas involving culture, sensitivity and religion, such as Islamic architecture, AI-generated depictions often fail to properly represent historical Islamic elements and their interpretation, according to a study published in the journal Buildings .
Dr. Ahmad W. Sukkar, lead author of the study and a scientist at the Department of Architectural Engineering at the University of Sharjah, said: “In recent years, the widespread use of AI image generators like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney has caused revolutionary changes in the architectural design process. , providing architects with the ability to produce complex and imaginative designs.”
However, despite AI’s potential for innovative design, “many examples found online demonstrate the limitations and shortcomings of historical knowledge in the datasets used by AI image generators. In projects as culturally and historically important as Islamic architecture, In sensitive areas, integrating AI technology requires careful consideration.”
AI models such as Stable Diffusion and Midjourney claim to do an excellent job of creating artistic and architectural images that are characterized by rich textures and details, as well as a realistic visual image when created. They help artists and architects produce unique, photorealistic images based on text and image cues.
The authors acknowledge that AI tools can generate designs inspired by traditional Islamic architectural styles, but at the same time believe that architects face opportunities and challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and Islamic architecture.
They write: "AI image generators can be valuable tools in the Islamic architectural design process; however, careful use is necessary. While AI can provide new possibilities and inspiration, it requires support from human expertise and understanding Supported by a deep understanding of Islamic architectural principles and traditions.”
“In this context, human expertise, craftsmanship and cultural sensitivity are crucial and cannot be ignored. Maintaining a balance is crucial and AI should be viewed as an advanced tool that augments human creativity rather than replacing it entirely. "
Sukkar said: "Our research delves into the interesting intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Islamic architecture, exploring how AI technology can generate images of Islamic architectural heritage. Our investigation reveals both the great potential and significant limitations of these AI systems. "
He said: "Through careful research and comparison with historical sources, we identified several factors that contribute to these differences, including limitations of the cues used in generating the images, the challenges of accurately capturing regional and historical styles, and architectural elements and details difficulties.”
All in all, the application of AI in architectural design has broad prospects, but it needs to be combined with human professional knowledge and cultural sensitivity to better serve architectural design and avoid cultural misunderstandings and biases. In the future, the collaborative cooperation between AI and human designers will be an important direction in promoting the development of the architectural design field.