PhD Project: Designing for Inclusivity: Integrating AI in Architecture to Empower Disability Inclusion

The specific requirements of people with disabilities are routinely excluded both from datasets used to develop AI models, and from the finer grain of architectural design. This collaborative research project between Architecture and Data Science explores how the careful embedding of artificial intelligence (AI) in an existing digital design approach (generative design) can improve disability inclusivity in architectural design. Inspired by the rise of sustainable and regulatory design through digital architectural design tools, this study aims to raise the profile of disability inclusive design by embedding it within the architectural process. It proposes providing architects and designers with an AI-driven tool that considers inclusivity from the outset of design projects. The research will involve a comprehensive, critical review of inclusive design methods and AI analytical tools, supplemented by industry training. The main objective is to ethically adapt currently existing AI tools to develop an AI solution capable of addressing inclusivity barriers within architectural drawings and models. The adaptation of the tool will involve extensive co-design with people with disabilities (often excluded from data sets) and its effectiveness will be assessed through case studies of building projects and feedback from architects, people with disabilities and other stakeholders.

www.tudublin.ie/explore/faculties-and-schools/engineering-built-environment/architecture-building-and-environment/

Student Requirements for this Project 2.1 Hons BSc in a relevant discipline

Application Deadline: 20/08/24

Fully Funded (scholarship, fees, materials) Funding agency This project is supported by TU Dublin and funded via the Technological University R&I supporting Enterprise scheme, which is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027 Student Stipend per annum €25,000 Materials & Travel Budget €2000 for materials with an additional €1500 provided in year 1 to cover the costs of a laptop. €1000 for travel to conferences etc Fees €5500 covered Duration of funding 48 months

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest.

forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp