Artificial Intelligence-Aided Design for Sustainability

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the architecture and design disciplines, transforming how we design, think, and teach. This volume explores how AI is becoming not just a powerful digital tool but an active partner in the creation of more sustainable, adaptive, and forward-thinking design processes.

Focusing on the intersection of design, sustainability, and emerging technologies, this book investigates how AI contributes to the resilience of the architectural profession, supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and drives educational innovation aligned with the UNESCO 2019 Beijing Consensus.

Across the book chapters, leading researchers explore new workflows where AI enhances design development, enables complex analysis, and redefines creative roles. The book also examines hybrid analogue–digital practices and the adoption of computational concepts in design, revealing how architects are adapting to a deeply digitised future.

Organised around three central themes—AI for sustainable design, the evolving role of the architect, and innovation in education—this volume is essential reading for designers, educators, and researchers navigating the shifting landscape of architecture in the age of intelligent systems.

Part of Springer's Urban Sustainability series, AI-Aided Design for Sustainability offers critical insight into the tools, mindsets, and methods shaping contemporary architecture.

Maycon Sedrez is an architect and urban designer, artist, and educator with a background in computational design, digital fabrication and sustainable urbanism. His research areas include complexity and architecture, parametric design, digital fabrication, technologies, and urban design. He obtained his Ph.D. Diploma with excellence in Architecture, Technology and City from the University of Campinas in 2016. He contributed to the Institute for Sustainable Urbanism (TU Braunschweig—Germany) as a postdoc researcher in the field of urban analytics. Later in 2019, he became part of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s team, leading the Digital Design Lab, and acting as a course director and the deputy head of department. Since 2023, he is a lecturer in Architecture and currently Deputy Director of MindLab at Deakin University in Australia. He co-edited the book "Contemporary Architecture and Automation" (2018) with Prof. Gabriela Celani, which presents an overview of digital fabrication in Brazil. Additionally, he co-edited the books "Resilience vs Pandemics: Innovations in Cities and Neighbourhoods, and Public Spaces and Buildings" (2023 and 2024), and "Rethinking Stormwater Management through Sustainable Urban Design" (2024) with Prof. Ali Cheshmehzangi, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of sustainable urbanism. His engagement with art and illustration has led to publications in Brazil and Germany, with artworks exhibited in Brazil, China, and most recently in Australia. His artistic exploration informs his architectural design studios, creating a unique link between research and creativity.

Gregory Pitts is a practising architect and academic who has worked on a range of projects across Australia, Asia and the Middle East. In this time, Greg has also conducted several collaborative research projects with Deakin University and has completed a PHD on the use of Parametric Modelling in Architectural practice. Greg’s research is formed around the idea that we need to re-establish good collaborative relationships between academia and industry to drive cutting-edge, relevant research programs while positively contributing to the everyday working methods of Architectural practice. He was also the lead designer for Deakin University's winning design for the Model T Ford for the 21st century run by the Ford Motor Company and was subsequently awarded the Vice Chancellor’s award for Outstanding Contribution to collaboration through Innovation. Greg is also the Co-founder and director of Urban Creative - an award-winning architectural practice with a passion for both small and large-scale urban infill design. The designs stem from the belief in the ability of great design to reshape the way we interact and experience our urban environments. Greg has a strong focus on what can be achieved in the design of our built environment using innovative design technology and has a thorough experience in CAD management, 3D visualisation and design development. Through this work, Greg pursues an architecture driven by performance, spatial and organisational clarity that delights, inspires, and surprises.