Master's Degree in AI, Architecture, and Urban Planning

AAIRL, part of the School of Architecture at Ariel University, offers a research-focused M.Sc. thesis track for architecture graduates and, subject to some additional coursework, students from other related fields. Depending on the topic, students may also be co-advised jointly with faculty from other relevant university faculties. The program runs two years and is a strong fit for students considering a Ph.D. or seeking hands-on research training grounded in real datasets and ongoing lab projects and partners.

How to apply How to apply

Real research projects

Work with real urban data on active lab projects

Close mentorship

Direct supervision from active researchers

Publish your work

Submit to leading journals and conferences

Who the Program Is For

The program runs 2 years as thesis research and is part-time compatible, so it works alongside a job or other commitments. The lab accepts M.Sc. students exclusively through the thesis track — a good fit for students considering a Ph.D. or seeking serious, hands-on research training grounded in real datasets and questions tied to ongoing lab projects and partners.

Duration: 2 years, thesis research
The M.Sc. is in Architecture, open to architecture graduates as well as graduates of urban planning, engineering, computer science, or a related field, subject to some additional coursework

Depending on the topic, students may also be co-advised jointly with faculty from other relevant university faculties or departments — such as Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, or Public Health
Thesis-track only — this program does not offer a non-thesis / final-project route
Close supervision within an active, funded research project

Research agenda

AAIRL focuses on concrete challenges in urban design and planning where AI can extend human capability. Thesis topics are typically drawn from one of these directions:

AI Design

We study how artificial intelligence can augment human creativity, collaboration, and judgment in architectural design and planning — and where it falls short.

Smart Cities

Meaningful computational tools require a grounded understanding of the cities and communities they are built for.

Urban AI

We develop and evaluate AI methods for analyzing urban dynamics, predicting socio-economic outcomes, and supporting planning decisions — with explicit attention to model limitations, interpretability, and real-world validation.

What Our Students Say

I've been working at the AAIRL research lab for over two years now, and during this time I've learned a huge amount — academically, and also through working together with my labmates. Working in the lab opened up opportunities for me to take part in interesting conferences and events in Israel and abroad, and to be exposed to the worlds of research, academic writing, and publishing. The lab strongly encourages curiosity, independent thinking, and high-level research work. There's a lot of encouragement to initiate ideas, develop them into studies and papers, and submit them to leading journals and international conferences.

Gaya Bitman

M.Sc. student at AAIRL

Pursuing my master's degree through the lab gave me meaningful support the whole way through, and the lab truly became a second home. It connected my research to practice and gave me the tools to develop and sharpen my thesis. Along the way, I also had the chance to work with other researchers and take part in experiments and research projects. The lab connected me to what's happening today in the research world, through meeting and collaborating with researchers from Israel and abroad. For me, this turned the degree from a personal process into a much more collaborative, active experience — grounded in real research work.

Hila David

Architect, M.Sc. student at AAIRL

About the lab

AAIRL (Architectural Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory) is a research unit within Ariel University's School of Architecture, led by Dr. Jonathan Dortheimer. The lab develops computational methods for architectural design, urban analysis, and participatory planning, combining machine learning, human-computer interaction, and urban research.

Research agenda Research agenda

FAQ

Who is this master's track for?

The M.Sc. is in Architecture, open to architecture graduates as well as graduates of urban planning, engineering, computer science, or a related field, subject to some additional coursework — particularly those considering a Ph.D. afterward or seeking hands-on research experience at the intersection of AI and the built environment.

How long does it take?

2 years of thesis research.

Is there a non-thesis (project-only) option?

No. AAIRL accepts M.Sc. students exclusively through the thesis track, which includes an original, supervised research project.

How do I apply?

Email Dr. Jonathan Dortheimer or Dr. Haya Brama with your CV and transcripts (subject line "Master's Thesis Application"), including your degree program and year, topics of interest, relevant skills, and your weekly availability. You don't need a finalized thesis idea beforehand — we're happy to help you develop one. Make sure you meet the university's general M.Sc. admission requirements first; see the How to Apply section above.

What does the program cost, and is funding available?

Tuition follows the standard, nationally set (CHE-regulated) rate for university graduate studies in Israel. Scholarships from the university's School of Advanced Studies are available to both M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, and the lab offers additional scholarships to students who take part in its ongoing research projects. The lab also occasionally employs students in paid research roles as part of funded projects, subject to availability.

What happens after the thesis?

Many students go on to Ph.D. studies — including continuing at AAIRL, which also hosts postdoctoral researchers — while others move into computational design, urban-tech, or data-driven planning roles.