Dhaka, Feb 2, 2026:North South University’s Department of Architecture hosted a panel discussion titled “Architecture: In the Era of Advanced Technology 1.0” on 28 February 2026, focusing on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping architectural practice and education.
The session brought together leading academics and professionals, including Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman, Associate Professor Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Associate Professor Dr. Shafin Rahman, Dr. Golam Mohammad Mohiuddin, and Lecturer A K M Saleh Ahmed Anik. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Mujtaba Ahsan of the Department of Architecture at NSU.
Opening the discussion, Prof. Mujtaba Ahsan invited panelists to reflect on how architecture may incorporate AI in the near future.
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman responded by emphasizing the continued relevance of human-centered design and cultural sensitivity.
Referring to Vitruvius’ principles of function, structure, and beauty, he argued that while technology can assist design processes, architecture ultimately depends on human perception, experience, and aesthetic judgment.
Lecturer A K M Saleh Ahmed Anik highlighted the historical relationship between technological tools and human intelligence, citing predictions about the evolution of artificial intelligence.
He stressed the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning, while also raising concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of large-scale AI development.
Dr. Golam Mohammad Mohiuddin shared a case study demonstrating how AI was used to produce an architectural animation within a short timeframe.
While acknowledging AI’s efficiency, he cautioned that architects must maintain control over creative decision-making and questioned whether unbuilt, AI-generated outputs can be fully considered architecture.
Providing technical context, Associate Professor Dr. Shafin Rahman explained the current limitations of AI, noting that most systems today operate as Artificial Narrow Intelligence.
He warned that rapid progress toward more advanced forms of AI could pose ethical challenges and emphasized the need for localized models and interdisciplinary collaboration, referencing NSU’s Machine Intelligence Lab.
Associate Professor Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Chair of the Department of Architecture, discussed the profession’s transition from traditional to digitally driven practices.
He stressed the need for collaboration between architects and programmers and proposed introducing academic training in prompt engineering to better prepare students for future practice.
Concluding the session, Prof. Mujtaba Ahsan noted that continuous learning has become essential in today’s professional landscape, reinforcing the panel’s shared view that adaptability and collaboration will define the future of architecture in the age of advanced technology.
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