A Critical Review of Computational Creativity in Built Environment Design

Abstract

Computational creativity in built environment (BE) design has been a subject of research interest in the discipline. This paper presents a critical review of various ways computational creativity has been and can be defined and approached in BE design. The paper examines a comprehensive body of contemporary literature on the topics of creativity, computational creativity, and their assessment to identify levels of computational creativity. The paper then proceeds to a further review of the implications of these levels specifically in BE design. The paper identifies four areas in BE design where computational creativity is relevant. In two areas—synthesis (generation) and analysis—there is considerable literature on lower levels of computational creativity. However, in two other areas—interfacing and communication—even the definition of computational creativity is not as defined and clear for the discipline, and most works only consider the role of computers as a supporting tool or medium. These open up future research opportunities for the discipline.

From Science Fiction to Science Facts

“…On the other hand, not all humans can create beautiful works of art. Meanwhile, computers can produce something considered artistic by humans [2]. Computational creativity is still a matter of debate.…”

“…Computational creativity is still a matter of debate. Currently, AI is used for analysis and synthesis as a tool in building environment design; not integrated and autonomous in the creative process [33]. The involvement of AI in the art world continues to grow, such as in interactive installation art [34], so that the role of AI in the art aspect in the context of architecture is not impossible.…”

“…Digital architecture is maturing. Currently, digital technology usage in architecture is no longer limited to an architectural presentation tool, solely as added hands for architects [2]. Instead, digital technology has become a tool for thinking, now as added brains for architects [3].…”

“…In the beginning, digital technology was solely a tool for drawing. Today, digital technology has been used in the architectural design process [2,3]. It also becomes an essential tool that aids design decisions with interdisciplinary approaches [4,5] as the need for a more efficient, effective, and holistic design increases.…”

The Decline of Architects: Can a Computer Design Fine Architecture without Human Input?

“…John Spacey believes that to end this dependence in the future, it will be necessary to develop a superintelligence with elements of consciousness such as intentionality, which theoretically can be developed with the use of recursive, self-improving program [49]. Self-adaptive systems will likely do very well in the field of architecture because they are inherently creative, their adaptations are unique and useful because of the unique situation to which they respond [50] (p. 10). Superintelligence is "foreseen as the last step of AI technology, it is considered as the milestone of the technological singularity in the future.…”