Architectural Technology, New York Institute of Technology
My Fulbright research experience at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), School of Architecture and Design, provided a unique opportunity to further develop my interdisciplinary research at the intersection of architecture, artificial intelligence and computational design. My research focused on computational frameworks for analyzing and evaluating architectural floorplans using machine learning and spatial metrics. I investigated how artificial intelligence systems interpret and generate architectural space by combining architectural knowledge with graph analysis, machine learning and spatial computation techniques.
During the Fulbright period, I also participated in the MIT Reality Hack at MIT in Boston, one of the world’s leading immersive technology hackathons focused on Augmented Reality (AR) and emerging interactive technologies. Working within an interdisciplinary international team, we developed Sensee, a project integrating AR glasses with real-time sensory interaction workflows for spatial AI to assist visually impaired people. The project received the First Prize in the Hardware Integration category and provided valuable experience in rapid prototyping and experimental spatial interaction technologies with AI.
An especially meaningful aspect of my experience was participating in the symposium AI and Critical Futures at NYIT, dedicated to the relationship between artificial intelligence and design disciplines. The event brought together researchers, designers and academics from institutions such as Harvard University and Thomas Jefferson University, so I had the opportunity to connect with scholars whose work had previously influenced my own research, and to attend lectures and events at institutions including Columbia University and Pratt Institute School of Architecture. These experiences significantly expanded my academic perspective and international network.
Beyond research activities, the Fulbright program also offered important cultural and interpersonal experiences. Through the Fulbright Enrichment Seminar in Washington, D.C., I connected with Fulbright grantees from around the world while learning more about American history and culture. Additionally, through One To World and Fulbright community activities, I participated in cultural exchange events including gatherings hosted by Fulbright alumni and collective activities such as the Great Saunter walking marathon around Manhattan.
Overall, my Fulbright experience has been deeply formative both academically and personally. It strengthened my research trajectory, expanded my international collaborations and reinforced my belief in the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural exchange in shaping future approaches to architecture, technology and design research.