Abstract

In contemporary scientific disciplines, there is an increasing interest in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of data-driven intelligence (DDI). While DDI has not yet been fully integrated into architectural design, AI has already begun to exert a notable influence on design practices. Current discourse on architectural design in the digital age provides critical insights into the evolving role of the architect. The transformation extends beyond the adoption of new tools and techniques, reconfiguring the organisation of architectural knowledge, decision-making and authorship. The paper’s methodology is structured around two primary conceptual threads, analysed through a comparative lens. It employs the “digital chain” (first thread) model as a conceptual framework to integrate DDI and to compare it with emerging AI-based approaches. Aligned with the thematic focus of the recent eCAADe 2024 and 2025 conferences (second thread), the study identifies key shifts within contemporary architectural practice. The findings from the analysed sample suggest a transition from structured, rule-based workflows to more adaptive, AI-supported design. This shift is associated with a reconfiguration of the architect’s role within hybrid human–AI environments, remaining responsible for defining the core design. The aim of the study is to develop a framework for interpreting the potential integration of AI into architectural design, emphasising the role of the architect in guiding computational processes and maintaining architectural intent. It provides a structured perspective on the relationship between DDI and AI, supporting a critical reassessment of the architect’s position within emerging digital paradigms and contemporary architectural culture.

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