AI x Architectural Education Panel Discussion

Join us for Arch_Manu Panel Discussion as part of the UNSW BE GradEx 2025.

Panel title: AI x Architectural Education Panel Discussion_ Towards Digital Literacy in Built Environment Studios and Courses

Description: Architecture, design, and built environment education are entering a transformative era — one defined by artificial intelligence. As AI reshapes the way we design, make, and think, the question is no longer if education must adapt, but how. Join us for a panel discussion exploring how UNSW Built Environment is effectively engaging with this challenge. The session will showcase best-practice examples of understanding, tracking, and implementing AI across our programs, featuring case studies that illustrate how AI is being embedded in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Academics will share firsthand experiences of integrating AI tools into studio, research, and professional practice, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges this presents. Through this discussion, UNSW BE presents its thought leadership in digital literacy and AI education — reimagining how future architects, designers, and built environment professionals learn, create, and lead in the age of intelligent design.

Panel members:

Associate Prof Catherine Evans is an Associate Professor and Deputy of Head of School, Learning and Teaching, in the School of Built Environment at UNSW. Catherine leads curriculum design and development in the School and oversees the delivery of programs and courses across seven disciplines. Catherine is a registered Landscape Architect and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Benjamin Allen is a registered Architect working on residential, public and art projects. He is a Lecturer in Architecture at UNSW where he convenes design studios and a cross-disciplinary communication course. His practice and teaching advocate for amalgamating traditional and emerging technologies. Since 2023 he has led a design studio that asks students to utilise AI technologies to design innovative solutions to global challenges.

Dr Christopher Bamborough is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, working within the ARC Centre for Next-Generation Architectural Manufacturing (Arch_Manu). His research examines the role of data in architectural practice, focusing on its technical, cultural, and material impacts. His PhD thesis argued that while data has long been integral to architecture, its digital form introduces a significant and evolving non-human influence on practice.

Daniel Yu is Deputy Discipline Director and Lecturer in Computational Design at UNSW. His research integrates computational workflows into application design for architecture and urban planning, exploring interfaces for data-driven, AI-supported tools that enhance design analysis and performance. His PhD investigates how accessible AI applications can broaden participation and strengthen decision-making in the built environment.

Moderator:

Dr Farnaz Fattahi is the CPD Lead at Arch_Manu. With over a decade of experience in teaching, and course coordination in architecture and design at leading institutions including the UNSW, UTS, and overseas. Her expertise spans the development of both theoretical-practical frameworks, practice-based learning experiences and Work Integrated Learning, including notable collaborations with Powerhouse Museum (MAAS), Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct (RHIP).

Formal CPD offering: This talk is offered as a formal CPD course for architects, mapped to the performance criteria of PC18 and PC28 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects. You will earn 1 formal point upon completing the CPD questions. If you would like to receive a certificate, please select the Formal CPD Add-On when ordering your ticket. The questionnaire will be sent to you on the morning of the course. A certificate will be issued once your attendance for the full lecture hour is confirmed. Please note that late arrivals and early departures will result in the loss of the Formal CPD certificate.

SDG Goals: This presentation addresses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 9, 11, 12.

In-Person: Saturday 29 November 2025, 11:00-12:30PM AEDT

This panel discussion is organised by the ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing (Arch_Manu). For further information please visit: www.archmanu.com

Also check out other Workshops in Pyrmont, Business events in Pyrmont, Arts events in Pyrmont.