The changing role of the architect in a digital world

This master's thesis examines the historical transformation of the architectural profession through the lens of Hegel's concept of the "spirit of the age" (Zeitgeist) in a multilayered manner. The study repositions the role and professional identity of the architect in light of cultural, technological, and social ruptures that have emerged in different historical periods. It argues that architectural production is not limited to the design of the physical environment, but also constitutes a cultural mode of representation that is deeply intertwined with the knowledge structures, value systems, and everyday practices of its time. Accordingly, the thesis aims to reinterpret the position of the architect within seven core parameters that constitute the spirit of the age: technological progress, socio-cultural structure, economic organization, education and knowledge circulation, health and human rights, art and cultural dynamics, as well as resource use and environmental adaptation. The central focus of the research is the changing role of the architect in the digital age, through which the study develops restructuring proposals for contemporary professional practices and educational models. The findings reveal that contemporary architectural practice is being redefined along the axes of interdisciplinary collaboration, AI-assisted design processes, digital transformation, and ecological sensitivity. In conclusion, the thesis offers a critical perspective on architectural history while developing a conceptual framework for the architecture of the future. It contributes to understanding the ongoing evolution of the discipline, situating contemporary practices, and proposing a transformative vision for the next generation of architects. Keywords: Spirit of the Age, Transformation of the Architect's Role, Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, Next-Generation Architect.