Material and AI in Architecture: An Intersection Exploration

Published Date : 7/10/2025 

Jonas Coersmeier, a faculty member at the School of Architecture, has published a groundbreaking book that redefines the role of AI in architectural design, emphasizing a new model of agency shared among material, artificial, and human actors. 

Exploring the Intersection of Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture

The book Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture , authored by Jonas Coersmeier, a faculty member at the School of Architecture, will be released by Wiley and is now available for pre-order. This publication offers a materially grounded rethinking of design with AI, proposing a new model of agency distributed across material, artificial, and human actors.

A Comprehensive Framework for Understanding AI in Architecture

Rooted in material philosophy and ecological design thinking, Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding AI in architecture. Conceptually rigorous yet accessibly written and visually rich, the book interweaves design, theory, technology, and practice to explore how artificial intelligence, material agency, and human authorship will co-create the built environment of the future.

Challenging Dominant Narratives

The book challenges both pervasive fear-driven narratives and techno-solutionist hype that dominate public discourse around AI. It introduces the concept of Shared Materiality, which recognizes the entangled agency of human, artificial, and material actors. This concept addresses the ethical, ecological, and social implications of AI technologies, including the vast energy demands of AI systems, embedded algorithmic bias, and broader concerns about systemic inequity and access.

Focus on Fundamental Spatial Dimensions

Specifically within the field of architecture, the book critiques the dominance of image-based AI in current architectural discourse and practice. It redirects attention to geometry, morphology, and structure—fundamental spatial dimensions of architecture—and discusses emerging AI models that engage these domains.

Key Topics Covered

Drawing on the author’s extensive teaching and research experience, Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture discusses:

- Theory, technology, and design : A rare integration of architecture’s core domains, combining deep conceptual framing, technological insight, and advanced experimentation in design.

- Comprehensive conceptual framework : For understanding AI in architecture, rooted in new materialist thought and philosophical realism.

- AI intuition : Cultivating future designers’ ability to collaborate with AI through attuned expertise rather than control.

- Advanced methodologies for Urban Design and Urban Housing design : With a detailed presentation of speculative studio work that integrates AI, robotic fabrication, and material practice.

- Critique of typology in architecture : Proposing instead an open taxonomy: a dynamic, adaptive classification system that aligns with the distributed logic of AI systems.

- Critique of image-based AI in architecture : Advocating geometry-based approaches that emphasize spatio-tectonic reasoning, material articulation, and spatial intelligence.

- Ethical and ecological implications of AI systems : Addressing authorship, access, equity, energy consumption, algorithmic bias, and the extractive infrastructures underlying current technologies.

Suitable for a Wide Audience

Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture delivers cutting-edge insights for architects, design enthusiasts, and interdisciplinary readers interested in the intersection of design, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. It is also highly suitable for students, educators, and researchers in architecture and design, with particular relevance to graduate-level and post-professional programs.

Additional Resources

- [Publisher](https://www.wiley.com/Material+and+Artificial+Intelligence+in+Architecture-p-9781394318261)

- [Follow the MaterialAI](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/materialai/)

- [Follow Jonas Coersmeier](https://www.instagram.com/coersmeier/)

About the Author

Jonas Coersmeier is a faculty member at the School of Architecture, known for his innovative research and teaching in the fields of design, technology, and AI. His work explores the intersection of materiality, computation, and human agency, offering new perspectives on the future of architecture and design. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main focus of the book 'Material and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture'?

A: The book focuses on redefining the role of AI in architectural design by proposing a new model of agency distributed among material, artificial, and human actors. It emphasizes a comprehensive framework for understanding AI in architecture, rooted in material philosophy and ecological design thinking.

Q: How does the book address ethical and ecological concerns related to AI in architecture?

A: The book addresses ethical and ecological concerns by recognizing the entangled agency of human, artificial, and material actors. It discusses the vast energy demands of AI systems, embedded algorithmic bias, and broader issues of systemic inequity and access.

Q: What is the concept of 'Shared Materiality' introduced in the book?

A: Shared Materiality is a concept that recognizes the interconnected agency of human, artificial, and material actors. It proposes a new plane of engagement that addresses the ethical, ecological, and social implications of AI technologies in architecture.

Q: Who is the intended audience for this book?

A: The book is intended for architects, design enthusiasts, and interdisciplinary readers interested in the intersection of design, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. It is also suitable for students, educators, and researchers in architecture and design, with particular relevance to graduate-level and post-professional programs.

Q: What unique methodologies does the book present for Urban Design and Urban Housing design?

A: The book presents advanced methodologies for Urban Design and Urban Housing design that integrate AI, robotic fabrication, and material practice. It includes a detailed presentation of speculative studio work that explores these innovative approaches. 

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