The effect of generative artificial intelligence on architectural design processes: A qualitative evaluation in the context of visualisation of residential facades

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools and techniques into architectural design processes is radically changing the way designers work and the outcomes. GenAI accelerates and optimises design processes, especially within the scope of visualisation techniques. In architectural design processes, GenAI is mostly used in the schematic design phase and in the production of visuals from text. These tools can quickly create mass and façade visualisations or improve and transform existing sketches into enhanced visualisations. The visualisation of residential facades offers an ideal field to study the impact of GenAI on architectural design processes. However, the integration of GenAI brings with it various advantages and challenges. This thesis aims to examine the impact of GenAI on architectural design processes in the context of the schematic design phase and the visualisation of residential facades. The study aims to reveal the effects of GenAI on design processes, how it is used in facade visualisation, the advantages and disadvantages of this use within the framework of methods such as literature review, semi-structured interviews and examination of relevant examples. Interviews were conducted with 15 architects and academicians in order to investigate the effects of GenAI. In the light of the findings obtained by analysing the transcripts of these interviews with thematic analysis and coding method, it was revealed that GenAI has an important potential in architectural design processes, but it should be balanced with human intervention and professional experience. It is important that the advantages and limitations offered by GenAI are taken into consideration and used effectively and consciously in design processes. The thesis study, which is thought to fill the research gap in the literature on this subject, will be a source of information on the relationship between architecture and GenAI.