Abstract
Human-Based Tectonism (HBT) is introduced as a comprehensive architectural framework designed to reconcile the longstanding disconnect between Human-Based Design (HBD) principles and architectural tectonics. This paper proposes an integrated approach that combines HBD concerned with physical, psychological, emotional, and contextual well-being, with the structural and expressive capacities of Digital Tectonics (DT). While HBD offers in-depth guidelines for user-based spatial quality, and DT advances material articulation and constructional efficiency, these domains have evolved largely in isolation. HBT addresses this gap through structured relational mapping and AI-assisted processes. The research methodology unfolds across four phases: (1) compiling and validating theoretical concepts within a relational matrix; (2) generating design datasets via AI prompt engineering; (3) training a Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) model; and (4) validating the framework through applied testing. The resulting HBT matrix identifies 53 critical relational intersections between 11 tectonic elements and 18 HBD principles, grounded in literature and interior architecture trends from 2024–2025. To evaluate effectiveness, the framework is applied across five design typologies: Residential/Quiet Luxury, Commercial/Dopamine Decor, Healthcare/Warm Minimalism, Cultural/Curated Maximalism, and Industrial/70s Revival. AI-image generation tools confirmed strong alignment with an 82–85% compatibility rate across categories. HBT contributes to the field in three keyways: it establishes a theoretical foundation linking HBD and DT logics; it provides a replicable methodology for translating theory into AI-operational inputs; and it demonstrates cross-typology adaptability. Ultimately, HBT offers architects and designers a robust model for embedding human well-being at the core of spatial and material expression, fostering future-ready innovation without compromising design integrity.