Virtual Town Hall: Technology, Design, and Pedagogy

Dean Sarah M. Whiting was joined in conversation with Martin Bechthold (DDes ’01), Kumagai Professor of Architectural Technology and Academic Dean, and visiting faculty members Humbi Song (AB ’13, MArch ’19, DDes ’27) and Eric Rodenbeck to explore the role of emerging technologies in reshaping design education and practice. Drawing on courses such as AI and the Physical Imaginary and MDes Open Project: Re-imagining the Archive, Bechthold, Song, and Rodenbeck shared how faculty and students are responding to the acceleration of artificial intelligence and the shifting landscape of design technology. Discover how designers are leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize creative processes, investigate the strengths and shortcomings of generative AI systems, and learn more about the integration and influence of technology at the GSD. The annual GSD Virtual Town Hall presents the GSD community with an opportunity to hear from Dean Whiting and design thought leaders discuss critical issues affecting our built and natural environments. Each year, the theme changes and may lean toward a specific discipline while still striving to foster a broader dialogue and offer valuable insights relevant to a wide range of interests within our community.