Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence as a tool for architectural design: a perception study using Gaudí’s works

This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the comparison of designs between the acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudí and those produced by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. We evaluated the designs using five main metrics: Authenticity, Attractiveness, Creativity, Harmony, and overall Preference. The findings underline the superiority of Gaudí’s designs in terms of Authenticity and Harmony, testifying to the unique aesthetic appeal of human-created designs. On the other hand, AI-generated designs demonstrate significant potential, exhibiting competitive results in the categories of Attractiveness and Creativity. In some cases, they even surpass Gaudí’s designs in terms of overall Preference. However, it is clear that AI faces challenges in replicating the distinctive aspects of human design styles, pointing to the innate subjectivity inherent to design evaluations. These findings shed light on the role AI could play as a tool in architectural design, offering diverse design solutions and driving innovation. Despite this, the study also emphasizes the difficulties AI faces in capturing the unique facets of human design styles and the intrinsic subjectivity in design evaluations.Postprint (published version