Talk Series 34
Prompting as Practice: Generative AI Collaboration for Computational Design
Speaker:
Daniel Yu & Dr Christopher Bamborough
Summary:
This CPD explores generative AI as a practical tool for developing systems and geometry in computational design pedagogy. The session will outline how large language models learn and generate outputs, what “prompting” is and demonstrates their use in translating design intent into reproducible processes. Reflections from pedagogical applications explore the development of web applications and the potential benefits from systems prompting, whilst a fabrication case study illustrates opportunities, limitations, and critical processes. Participants will be presented with methods that can integrate generative AI into everyday studio and practice workflows.
This talk was delivered online on 29 October 2025. Talk duration is 53 minutes.
Speaker Bio:
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.
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. AI and automation are central to this shift, raising critical questions about authorship and the evolving role of human designers. Dr Bamborough’s work highlights the moments where architects enter into machine collaboration and explores the practical and material consequences of these interactions. Trained as an architect in the UK and Australia, Dr Bamborough gained experience working in Architecture and Design for Manufacture (DfM) practices before transitioning into academia, where he has spent over 15 years teaching, lecturing and researching computational design, digital fabrication and construction.
CPD Details:
This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC28 and PC34 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects.
A copy of the CPD questions can be accessed here. If you take notes in digital format during the video, you will be able to copy/paste your answers into the questionnaire at the end.
Upon completion of the video, a link to the CPD questionnaire will be unlocked. Submit your answers via that link to earn 1 formal CPD point and receive your certificate for record-keeping purposes. Note: The questionnaire link will only load if the video is viewed from this webpage. If you navigate to YouTube to view the video, you will not be able to access it.