AI, Design and Homelessness: An Exploration of Ethics, Innovation and Inclusion

If Generative AI cannot thoughtfully imagine anything new and only plagiarize what is already known, how can we trust the technology to to imagine a better future or solve issues like homelessness in a way not grounded in the status quo, stereotypes, and problems evident in the trends of the past? The Conversation - A roundtable with experts, educators, and practitioners to critically examine the ethical and practical implications of Generative AI’s role in design education to address societal challenges like homelessness. This international panel was hosted by the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape on March 20, 2025. The Conversation was guided by key provocations to foster open dialogue, reflection, and actionable insights. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and explore next steps for ethical AI use in design. This transcript of the conversation has been edited for clarity and length. The collages have been created by Craig Delean.