Archinect's Lexicon focuses on newly invented or adopted vocabulary within the architectural community. For this installment, we're featuring a term that was recently cited in our conversation with Molly Wright Steenson on the historic relationship between architecture and artificial intelligence.

The "Augmented Architect" is a concept introduced by Douglas Engelbart, who was an influential figure in the field of human-computer interaction, and is best known for inventing the computer mouse. Engelbart's idea of the Augmented Architect originates from his broader theory of Augmented Human Intellect (AHI), which advocates for the use of technology and computers to enhance human problem-solving capabilities.

In Engelbart's view, the challenges and problems faced by humanity are progressively growing more complex, and traditional problem-solving methods are not sufficiently effective. He suggested that we leverage computer technology to magnify human intellectual capacity, thus enabling us to address these intricate problems more proficiently.

Therefore, in Engelbart's vision, an "Augmented Architect" would be a professional who harnesses the power of modern technology to amplify their problem-solving capabilities and design skills. This could include using sophisticated computer software for designing and modeling structures, employing artificial intelligence to optimize these designs, or utilizing virtual and augmented reality for visualizing and interacting with designs in a three-dimensional, immersive setting. Ultimately, an Augmented Architect, according to Engelbart, represents a harmonious blend of conventional architectural skills and advanced technological prowess.

This article is part of the Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series.