Call for Papers: TAD: Generative

The editors of the next issue of Technology, Architecture + Design (TAD) are calling for full papers that critically investigate the potential of generative systems within the fields of design practice and education. The deadline for submissions is 15 June 2024.

Computer-aided design tools afford both educators and students to explore design problems in ways that impact human cognition and augment its capabilities. The emergence of generative AI technologies capable of human-like writing and image creation has the potential to supercharge these impacts – opening the door to new modes of knowledge and design creation and a host of new problems. Current generative AI technologies are built on massive amounts of curated data that can infringe on intellectual property and promulgate biases. These generative systems also problematise notions of authorship and responsibility, posing new legal and ethical questions. Therefore, the development and application of these systems in the design disciplines must be carefully considered from various perspectives to foster their humane and ethical use.

To traverse this complex space this special issue asks:

How might generative systems augment and empower human agency, intelligence, and imagination in design?

How can they be used to meet the challenges posed by resource scarcity, pollution, and climate change through sustainable design?

How can they be applied in transformative ways to improve design education?

What processes and policies can be developed to ensure their humane and ethical use?

Full details on submission types, presentation formats, and further information on sub-themes are available on the conference website here.