From Inspiration to Solutions

Editors identified with the evolution of technology has always been driven by humanity’s desire to push boundaries, solve problems, and create a better world. From the automation of physical labour to the digitalization of processes, each breakthrough has redefined how we approach design and architecture. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for inspiration or efficiency―it is becoming a transformative force capable of delivering real-world solutions to the complex challenges of our time.  The discussions rotate around the shifts its focus from exploring AI as a source of creative inspiration to examining its role as a practical, problem-solving partner in design and architecture. How can AI bridge the gap between visionary ideas and tangible outcomes? How can it help us address pressing global issues such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity? And how do we ensure that AI-driven solutions remain human-centric, ethical, and sustainable?    Readers of the proceedings will benefit from discussions on how adoption of new technologies can benefit the greater good rather than just for the sake of leveraging new technologies. The book targets scholars and high-education level students, as well as Ph.D.s which research falls into the broad realm of digital design.

Dr. Mia Tedjosaputro is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at Liverpool John Moores University, with professional and academic experience in Indonesia, Singapore, China, and the UK. She holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham and a PGCHE teaching qualification from Falmouth University. She previously served as Assistant Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, where she held several academic leadership roles, including Deputy Head of Architecture, BEng Architecture Programme Director, and Coordinator of the Digital Design and Fabrication Research Lab. She is currently recognised as a Visiting Scholar at XJTLU. Her research focuses on design behaviour, digital design cognition, and digital architecture, with particular interest in the relationship between human creativity, digital tools, and architectural practice.

Dr. Davide Lombardi is a chartered architect, scholar, and Senior Associate Professor in Architecture at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. He previously served as Head of the Department of Architecture and has contributed to academic leadership, curriculum development, accreditation processes, and international research initiatives. His work focuses on computational design, digital fabrication, blockchain and Web3 applications for the AEC sector, gamification, and digital education in architecture. He has published across books, journals, and conference proceedings, and has delivered invited lectures and keynote contributions at international institutions. Alongside his academic work, he has collaborated with architectural practices on projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He is currently a Visiting Professor at De Montfort University Dubai and an Associate Editor of Architectural Science Review. 

Giancarlo Di Marco is a Senior Associate Professor and architectural engineer whose work redefines the intersection of artificial intelligence and the built environment. With over two decades of international experience spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia, he leads research into intelligent construction automation. His current focus is developing an AI-enabled performance-prediction model for 3D concrete printing, integrating multimodal large language models, computer vision, and real-time sensor feedback to achieve closed-loop adaptive control. He is also building trust infrastructure for digital construction through blockchain-anchored “3DPC Specimen Passports” for equipment-agnostic certification. Drawing on his industry background as Senior Advisor for Confindustria, he bridges advanced research and industrial application. He served as Academic Director of the Design FabLab and Programme Director for the Master of Architecture, embedding AI and robotic fabrication into curricula. He has published widely, authored the book Simplified Complexity (2018), and is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences. 

Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel is a recognised expert in digital transformation, design, heritage, intelligent cities, and extended reality environments. With over 30 years of experience across Germany, China, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, his career bridges academia, research leadership, and the creative industries. He is Dean of the Design School at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and was previously Dean of a New Zealand university. He also served as Founding Director of the FORUM8 Research Lab in Tokyo, working with Japan’s leading company in virtual city and building simulation. Trained as an architect, he has held senior academic leadership roles internationally and is a Fellow of both the Architectural Science Association and the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia.