Spatial

Human-Centered

Artificial Intelligence

Research &

Experimentation

Who we are

We are a research laboratory at the University of Florida in the School of Architecture. Our primary interest is in Human-Centered AI in design practices. We create AI applications emphasizing the importance of both artificial and human intelligence, knowing that one complements the other, with AI augmenting human physical and intellectual capabilities. This consideration ensures that the result, or final articulation, reflects a project that could only be articulated using this conjunction between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. In the SHARE Lab, we solve multidisciplinary research problems. In the past, we have worked on topics related to landscape architecture, architecture, agriculture, urban studies, structural design, public health, and disaster management.


What we do

With today's abundance of data and AI algorithms, most problems dealing with calculation, prediction, and production can be addressed and resolved, questioning the role of many disciplines regarding design strategies. Hence, given the fact that such technologies are shaping the way we live, significantly shaping the way we work. SHARE Lab work aims at addressing the following question: how architects might include such technologies in a design workflow while preserving their role as a creative entity? The research at SHARE Lab has two objectives: 1. AI as a tool to empower creativity and 2. AI for social good. Both are particular and convoluted within the umbrella topic of Human-Centered AI.


AI as a TOOL or an INSTRUMENT

AI can be used as a practical tool, like a hammer or lever, to address specific problems or tasks such as playing chess, image recognition, or text generation. However, it is essential to also consider AI as an instrument comparable to a pen, paper, or violin. The main difference between a tool and an instrument lies in the interaction with the user's creativity. That is tools such as a lever or a motor. And instruments such as a typewriter or a computer can be easily distinguished when observed from how they are used.

The instruments themselves have no particular use and are so generic that they require human interaction to articulate a result.

AI to empower creativity

In contrast, a tool itself is created for a particular and specific use and is defined for a certain action.

AI for social good

AI is so versatile that it can be used as a tool or as an instrument, and it allows communication between different domains.


Featured Work

Development of a Machine Learning Modelling Tool for Predicting Incident HIV Using Public Health Data from a County in the Southern United States

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Machine Learning Approaches

Playing Models 2024 - Conference


News

Prof. Dr. Karla SaldaƱa Ochoa

University of Florida

College of Design, Construction and Planning

School of Architecture, office 252

1480 Inner Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611