Smart City Designing Futures: Integrating AI and Entrepreneurship from Day One

Description

In the context of rapid technological and societal transformation, this presentation advocates for a paradigm shift in architectural education—one that integrates artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial thinking from the very beginning of academic training. Positioned within the theme “Upholding Fundamentals and Highlighting the Value of Design in an Era of Radical Change,” the talk explores how design thinking, AI, and immersive digital technologies are not mere instruments but foundational mindsets reshaping the built environment.

Drawing on concepts such as Descartes’ dualism and Paul Milgram’s virtuality continuum, the presentation redefines the role of the architect and designer as active agents within hybrid physical-digital realities. It showcases Web4.0 as a critical platform for future cities, an “Internet of Spaces” blending human-machine intelligence, automated workflows, and full AI-driven design automation.

Highlighting initiatives across departments, research labs, and university research centres at XJTLU’s Design School, the presentation illustrates a scaffolded integration of AI and entrepreneurship across the curriculum, research, and innovation. This integrated model equips students to navigate and shape smart cities, enabling resilient, creative, and future-oriented urban solutions.

Period	22 Jun 2025
Event title	The Second Alliance Forum of Yangtze River Delta Higher Education Institutions (Architecture Design)
Event type	Conference
Location	Hangzhou, ChinaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National