Generative Artificial Intelligence in Architectural Design: A Systematic Literature Review and Conceptual Framework for the Transformation of the Architectural Design Process

Cubas C.; Sánchez C.; Zulueta C.; Choquehuanca D. · CEUR Workshop Proceedings (2026)

Resumen

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly reshaping architectural design by expanding the capabilities of designers in conceptualization, spatial generation, visual representation, and decision support; although research on this topic has grown substantially in recent years, the available evidence remains fragmented across different technologies and stages of the architectural design process. This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to synthesize the current state of research on the application of GenAI in architectural design. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. After applying predefined eligibility criteria, 28 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2022 and 2026 were selected for qualitative synthesis; the review identified Large Language Models (LLMs), diffusion models, multimodal systems, and agentic artificial intelligence as the predominant technologies supporting architectural design. Six application domains emerged from the analysis: problem definition, conceptual design, spatial configuration, design evaluation, architectural representation, and decision support. The findings indicate that GenAI primarily enhances the early stages of the design process by accelerating idea generation, expanding design exploration, and enabling collaborative human-AI workflows; based on these findings, this study proposes a conceptual taxonomy that organizes current GenAI applications according to the stages of the architectural design process. The proposed framework contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of GenAI in architecture and provides a foundation for future research and its integration into professional design practice.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego; Universidad Nacional de Piura; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú