AI images fail to depict cultural nuances of Islamic architecture, research shows

AI image generators face several challenges when trying to depict the nuances of Islamic architecture. These challenges stem from limitations in the prompts used to generate the images, difficulties in accurately capturing regional and historical styles, and challenges with architectural elements and details.

One of the main issues is the blending of limited historical knowledge with inadequacies in the datasets used by AI image generators. In the context of Islamic architecture, which is deeply rooted in cultural and historical sensitivity, the integration of AI technology requires careful consideration.

AI-generated images may not fully capture the intangible aspects of heritage, such as cultural practices, rituals, or oral traditions, as these often go beyond empirical perception and encompass symbolic dimensions. In its current development stage, AI struggles to fully capture the depth and complexity of these elements, which are often intertwined with personal and subjective experiences.

Furthermore, AI models like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney, while capable of creating artistic and architectural images with nuanced qualities, may not accurately represent the nuanced understanding of historical Islamic elements and their interpretations.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to use AI tools cautiously and support them with human expertise and a deep understanding of the principles and traditions of architecture in the Islamic context. The human touch, craftsmanship, and cultural sensitivity integral to architecture in this context should be preserved and not overlooked. Striking a balance is crucial, and AI should be seen as an advanced tool to augment human creativity rather than replace it entirely.

In summary, while AI image generators have the potential to assist in the design process of Islamic architecture, they face challenges in capturing the cultural nuances, historical styles, and intangible aspects of heritage. It is important to use these tools with caution and supplement them with human expertise and understanding.

Dr. Ahmad W. Sukkar's research identifies several potential benefits and limitations of using AI in the design of Islamic architecture.

Potential Benefits:

1. Innovative Design Outcomes: AI has the potential to offer new possibilities and inspiration in the design process of Islamic architecture.
2. Efficiency and Sophistication: AI image generators can produce highly sophisticated and imaginative designs, assisting architects in creating unique, photorealistic images from text and image prompts.
3. Tool for Design Process: AI image generators can be a valuable tool in the design process, supporting human expertise and understanding of the principles and traditions of Islamic architecture.

Limitations:

1. Inadequate Depiction of Cultural Nuances: AI-generated images often fail to correctly present the nuanced understanding of historical Islamic elements and their interpretations.
2. Integration Challenges: The integration of AI technology in culturally and historically sensitive fields like Islamic architecture requires careful consideration.
3. Overlooking Human Touch and Craftsmanship: AI-generated designs could lead to a digital architecture lacking the human touch and unique craftsmanship integral to Islamic architecture.
4. Limitations of AI-Generated Images: These images may not capture the intangible aspects of heritage, such as cultural practices, rituals, or oral traditions, which often go beyond empirical perception and encompass symbolic dimensions.
5. Difficulty in Capturing Regional and Historical Styles: AI struggles to accurately capture regional and historical styles due to limitations in the prompt used to generate the images and challenges in dealing with architectural elements and details.

Dr. Sukkar emphasizes that while AI can offer new possibilities and inspiration, it should be seen as an advanced tool to augment human creativity rather than replace it entirely in the design process of Islamic architecture.