Amid the vibrant energy of Miami Art Week—where murals, simulations, and immersive demonstrations fill the streets—CARTA stepped into the spotlight at Design Miami with a thought-provoking panel titled “Architecture in the Age of AI.”
The session featured two leading voices at the intersection of artificial intelligence and architecture: Refik Anadol and FIU Professor Neil Leach. Guided by curator, author, and historian Glenn Adamson, the conversation explored how AI is reshaping the architectural landscape. Together, they examined the powerful ways emerging technologies are transforming the industry, while also acknowledging the need for caution as AI continues to advance at an extraordinary pace.
While it’s tempting to simply celebrate the groundbreaking capabilities of AI, both Neil and Refik emphasized the importance of approaching its rapid rise with mindfulness.
“Possibilities come with responsibilities,” Refik noted. As AI learns from human behaviors, preferences, and uncertainties, it becomes increasingly easy to be swept up in its complexity and potential. Yet, he reminded audiences that human values must remain at the center. Transparency, ethical use, and an unwavering commitment to using AI for the right purposes are essential for ensuring its benefits to society.
Drawing from his own extensive research and experience, Neil shared that “AI is going to be our future—we need to find ways to embrace it.” He continues to explore this theme in his 2021 book Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Introduction to AI for Architects, offering deeper insights into the evolving relationship between design and technology.
Watch the full panel here.
Students Catching a Glimpse of the Real-World
Gaining a different perspective right from the action, the executive board of the South Florida chapter of International Interior Design Association (IIDA) got the wonderful opportunity to not only attend this cultural hub of creativity, but got a private tour of Design Miami, fully immersing themselves in conversations and demonstrations by some of the industry’s top designers.
