Rebrand CARTA | SOA MBUS To Establish The FIU | Miami Institute for Architecture and Machine Intelligence (FIU | miAmI)

Cost: Budget Neutral

Building on the School of Architecture’s growing research expertise in AI; our graduate professional degree programs in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture and environmental design, and the State’s only Doctor of Design program; I propose to establish the FIU | Miami Institute for Architecture and Machine Intelligence (FIU miAmI). The institute will support our efforts in advancing research and the implementation of AI in design, urbanism, and the environment.

The proposed FIU miAmI establishes a world-class research center focused on integrating artificial intelligence with architecture and urbanism and creating transformative solutions for contemporary challenges. Similar to origins of the MIT Media Lab, the proposed FIU miAmI will establish FIU and Miami Beach as technology and design hubs.

Goals in Support of FIU Experience Impact 2030

  • Expand excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration by establishing a dedicated research center with postdocs, professors, and technologists to lead groundbreaking projects in AI, urbanism and architectural design, including creating opportunities for doctoral candidates, research associates, and visiting fellows to engage in AI-focused research and projects;
  • Support the university’s commitment to build a preeminent FIU Experience;
  • Enhance our existing skill-based curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and our students’ success as measured by the Florida Board of Governors’ key performance indicators; and
  • Strengthen our impactful community engagement initiatives and our strategic alliances with key anchor partners by fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing through lecture series that explore the intersection of AI and urbanism and architectural design.

Opportunities

  • Rebrand 420 Lincoln Road as a tech hub, contributing to Miami Beach’s transformation into “Silicon Beach” and FIU’s critical role in that transformation.
  • Leverage the SoA’s expertise, including world renowned AI expert Dr. Neil Leach and his recently published book, Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
  • Establish a publication series, “FIU MiAmI Papers,” to disseminate research findings and lecture transcripts;
  • Partner with the funding agencies, industry, academic institutions, and global AI startups to launch flagship projects that elevate FIU miAmI’s reputation;
  • Partner with local institutions and municipalities to leverage FIU’s existing expertise to drive innovative research in AI; and
  • Collaborate with renowned academics and industry leaders to position FIU miAmI as a future global competitor to institutions like the MIT Media Lab.

The Reekolect Generative AI Lecture Series

Supported by a generous philanthropic donation, which I have already received, the Reekolect Generative AI Lecture Series at FIU miAmI will feature leading experts in AI and related fields. These lectures will be part of CARTA’s Generative AI Conversations, an initiative I proposed last year as part of my annual goals for AY23-24, to serve as a cornerstone of knowledge exchange and impactful community engagement in the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI in CARTA disciplines.