Building Sustainable Educational Competencies in Environmental Design through AI: Pathways and Challenges
Authors: Mao Yanyi1; Pan Dianwang1
Affiliations:
- 1Faculty of Education and Humanities, UNITAR International University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Abstract
As the world strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), higher education institutions are under increasing pressure to integrate sustainability into their curricula, particularly in fields such as environmental design. While interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancements have improved educational outcomes, little research has explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing students’ sustainable design competencies. This study addresses that gap by examining practical methods for embedding AI technologies into environmental design education and identifying related challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating literature analysis, classroom observations, and interviews and surveys with third-year Environmental Design students at Sichuan Technology and Business University. Findings show that AI can enhance students’ skills in spatial design, systems thinking, and visual communication. AI-driven data analysis, in particular, can strengthen decision-making and problem-solving, making them more sustainable and data-informed. However, challenges remain, including disparities in instructors’ technological proficiency and difficulties aligning existing curricula with AI-driven approaches. The study proposes a competency-building framework for environmental design education that leverages AI tools, offering practical guidance for curriculum reform and faculty development. It highlights the transformative potential of AI in advancing sustainability education as higher education undergoes rapid digitalisation.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Environmental Design Education; Sustainability Competencies; Curriculum Reform
Suggested citation
Mao, Y., & Pan, D. (2025). Building Sustainable Educational Competencies in Environmental Design through AI: Pathways and Challenges. In TheSustainImpact International Forum 2025 Book of Abstracts (Vol. 1, Issue 1). TheSustainImpact. ISSN 3051-7362.