INTEGRATING ECODESIGN AND AI IN YACHT DESIGN EDUCATION: A WORKSHOP CASE STUDY

Yacht design is increasingly influenced by the need for sustainability and technological advancement. As environmental concerns grow and regulations tighten, the maritime industry faces pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. At the same time, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming creative processes and decision-making, presenting new opportunities for innovation. This convergence offers a unique chance to redefine yacht design approaches. This paper explores the integration of sustainability considerations and AI tools within yacht design education. A design workshop was conducted with 24 students tasked with developing a concept for a 50-foot charter catamaran, using a generic ecodesign methodology alongside generative AI tools. While acknowledging opportunities for future refinement, the study shows the potential of using both the methodology and tools in early design phases, revealing synergies that can encourage more sustainable projects. This research highlights the need for evolving educational models to prepare future designers for sustainable yacht design challenges.