This Research Topic seeks to explore the transformative role of GenAI in the ACE industry while critically examining the emerging challenges and implications surrounding its adoption. GenAI technologies, ranging from large language models and image generation tools to data-driven simulation platforms, are beginning to reshape traditional practices in design, engineering, construction planning, and project management. Despite these advances, there is limited consolidated research evaluating the broader impact of GenAI on productivity, collaboration, creativity, risk management, and sustainability in the built environment. This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives to assess recent developments, identify practical applications, and highlight knowledge gaps related to GenAI in ACE. Contributions should not only showcase novel applications and case studies but also interrogate concerns around ethical use, intellectual property, data governance, transparency, and workforce transformation. The overarching goal is to support informed, responsible, and forward-looking adoption of GenAI technologies across ACE sectors.
We welcome contributions that investigate the opportunities, risks, and emerging applications of GenAI across the ACE industry. The scope of this Research Topic includes, but is not limited to, the use of GenAI in generative architectural design, construction automation, engineering optimisation, digital twins, risk forecasting, sustainability analysis, and human-AI collaboration. Submissions may explore technical innovations, implementation challenges, ethical considerations, regulatory issues, and the implications of GenAI for workforce development and professional practices. We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches that combine theory with real-world application.
We invite a range of manuscript types, including original research articles, case studies, and systematic reviews. Contributions should offer critical perspectives and aim to advance both academic understanding and industry readiness for the responsible integration of GenAI in the built environment.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Systematic Review
Keywords: Construction, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Architecture, Engineering (ACE), Digital Transformation, AI In Architecture, AI In Construction, AI In Engineering, Risks, Opportunities
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
