The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, specifically text-to-image generators, across various domains has had a profound impact on numerous fields. Despite this, the potential applications of AI image generators in architectural education, particularly in teaching the history of architecture, remain underexplored. This research aims to uncover the possibilities of utilizing AI image generators, with a specific focus on the capabilities of Leonardo AI, to enhance communication and engagement. This study employed an experimental methodology to investigate how the integration of AI image generators in education on the subject of “History of Architecture” promises to elevate the learning experience, offering new perspectives, visualizations, and interactive tools. Two workshops were conducted with university students to explore AI image generators’ potential applications in architectural history education. The first workshop utilized an iterative approach, while the second aimed to assess students’ analytical skills. The ultimate objective was to determine the capabilities of this tool and stimulate discussions regarding its potential future implementations. Following the workshops, online questionnaires were administered to students, and interviews were conducted with educators. The findings of this research underscore the need for validating AI-generated images, establishing guidelines to prevent misuse, and designing tailored AI tools for History of Architecture courses, thereby paving the way for further advancements in architectural history education.

In artificial intelligence (AI), generative systems, most notably Midjourney, have tremendous power to generate creative images of buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage through text-to-image generation based on the internet. The AI-generated representations have significant potential for architects, specialists, and everyday users. However, the system has considerable limitations when generating images for some buildings and sites where the representations appear too far from their original represented structures. Evaluating Midjourney as an architectural virtual lab, this research article attempts to define the major current limitations of using Midjourney’s AI system in producing images similar to the actual buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage. This research employs prompt engineering techniques based on historical sources as inputs to examine the accuracy of the output of the AI-generated images of selected examples of structures of the Islamic tradition. To validate the research results, it compares the Midjourney output with the original look by employing direct observation through critical analysis of human intelligence (HI) facilitated by the analysis of the latest version of 3M Visual Attention Software and an online survey. It concludes that while Midjourney can represent high-end AI-generated images inspired by the Islamic tradition, it currently falls short of presenting the actual appearance of some of its original structures. Furthermore, it categorizes these limitations into four groups: (1) limits of the prompt, (2) limits of fame, (3) limits of regionality and historical styles, and (4) limits of architectural elements and details. The significance of this research lies in providing timely evaluation factors to architectural heritage practitioners and software developers. This practical article is the second in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the first (theoretical) article introduces the concept of Artificial Intelligence Islamic Architecture (AIIA), answering the question: what is Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence?

Revisiting the long-debated question: “What is Islamic architecture?”, this research article aims to explore the identity of “Islamic architecture (IA)” in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as the novel opportunities and cultural challenges associated with applying AI techniques, such as the machine learning of Midjourney in the context of IA. It investigates the impact factors of AI technologies on the understanding and interpretation of traditional Islamic architectural principles, especially architectural design processes. This article employs a quantitative research methodology, including the observation of works of artists and architectural designers appearing in the mass media in light of a literature review and critical analysis of scholarly debates on Islamic architecture, spanning from historical perspectives to contemporary discussions. The article argues for the emergence of a continuous paradigm shift from what is commonly known as “postmodern Islamic architecture” (PMIA) into “artificial intelligence Islamic architecture” (AIIA), as coined by the authors of this article. It identifies the following impact factors of AI on IA: (1) particular requirements and sensitivities, inaccuracies, and biases, (2) human touch, unique craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of cultural issues, (3) regional variation, (4) translation, (5) biases in sources, (6) previously used terms and expressions, and (7) intangible values. The significance of this research in digital heritage lies in the fact that there are no pre-existing theoretical publications on the topic of “Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence”, although an extensive set of publications interpreting the question of the definition of Islamic architecture, in general, is found. This article is pivotal in analyzing this heritage-inspired design approach in light of former criticism of the definition of “Islamic architecture”, which could benefit both theorists and practitioners. This theoretical article is the first in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the second (practical) article is an analytical evaluation of the Midjourney architectural virtual lab, defining major current limits in AI-generated representations of Islamic architectural heritage.

Jordan's rich cultural heritage, including its historical landmarks, architecture, and traditional crafts, is a source of pride for its people. However, the lack of systematic awareness and consciousness puts it at risk of being lost or forgotten. Many activities and campaigns had been conducted but they were scattered and unorganized. On the other hand, there were some student- led initiatives that played a promising try in promoting cultural heritage and in raising awareness. This study aims to explore the role of student-led initiatives in raising awareness of cultural heritage, using the case of “Meshkat”, a student-based initiative conducted at the University of Jordan. The study employed a qualitative research approach, and data were collected through interviews, discussions, and observation of Meshkat's activities. The results indicate that this initiative provides an effective platform for students to engage in volunteer work and gain practical experience. Additionally, student-led initiatives offer an opportunity for collaboration between students, local communities, and experts in cultural heritage preservation. Therefore, this study recommends promoting and supporting similar initiatives in other communities.

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), generative systems, most notably Midjourney, have tremendous power to generate creative images of buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage through text-to-image generation based on the internet. The AI-generated representations have significant potential for architects, specialists, and common users. However, the system has considerable limitations when generating images for some buildings and sites where the representations appear too far from their original represented structures. This research article attempts to answer the question: What are the limitations of using the AI system of Midjourney in producing images similar to the original buildings and sites of the Islamic architectural heritage? The research employs prompt engineering techniques based on historical sources as inputs to examine the accuracy of the output of the AI-generated images of selected examples of structures of the Islamic tradition. It compares the output with the original look by employing direct observation and critical analysis of human intelligence (HI). It categorizes these limitations into four groups: (1) limits of the prompt, (2) limits of fame, (3) limits of regionality and historical styles, and (4) limits of architectural elements and details. It concludes that while Midjourney has great capability to represent high-end AI-generated images inspired by the Islamic tradition, it currently falls short of presenting the actual appearance of some of their original structures.