AI Handbook: Ideation to Production by tsheng

AI Handbook Ideation to Production

Design turns ideas into reality; AI enhances this, demanding refined systems for distilling AIgenerated concepts into practical designs.+ + AI-assisted text

Methodology:

Choi Hung as a Case Study: 彩虹邨

Conversational Intelligence & Architectural Visions

1D: TEXT

AI Battlemap: AI as Abstract Machine

Abstract to Concrete: Exterior Ideation

II 2D: SEMANTICS

[Re] Reference: AI as [Meta] Metaphor

'重'參考 & '元'隱喻

Concrete to Latency: Interior Ideation

III 3D: LANGUAGE

Perpetual Design: Architecture Reimagined

建築設計與永動性

Latency to Pixel: Principles in Image Generation & ML

4D: NARRATIVE

From Concept to Scheme: Reweaving Choi Hung 模型訓練

Scheme & Production

THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT

ARCH DESIGN

AI-integrated

How does AI impact design methodology

Much like the layers of understanding and

ARCHITECT IS IN QUESTION.

methodology

methodology as a conceptual framework? and generation in AI and language models

'DESIGN 'DIMENSIONALITY'

Overly focus on conceptual novelty

Can LLM's thought process of dimensionality divert architecture from typological fixation?

Methodology as Languages

'DESIGN STAGE' 'DIMENSIONALITY'

novelty creates typological fixations. fixation? Overcome the meaninglessness of repetition and mediation, fostering new meanings.

Abstract Machine:

Grounding Information Trigger

How to trigger this abstract machine? A project Is set on its course, before the work diverts into typology (ready-made things such as commercial buildings, stylistic architecture, etc.), a diagram, rich In meaning, full of potential movement, and loaded with structure (which connects to some important aspect of the project), Is found. it shines a new light onto the work and make it un-fixed, triggering new directions and new meanings. AI is like a black hole, radically changing the course, transforming and liberating architecture.

Initial Flow

if we are looking at AI as a tool, here’s its seminal condition: on one hand it has a way of notating reality, and understanding what’s around. On the other hand, it is also a generative machine with machine properties (and these are commonly used in programming or contemporary musicology).

Its own dynamics and evolutionary movements in the space of potential and uncertainty are estab-lished from this “Initial Flow”.

Flow

Seed/Synthetic Path

The machine's synthetic path can be seen as the seed/nuclear criterion of information. It's a starting point, and it responds to our evolution, alteration and repetition.

Assemblage

Graphic assemblage that specifies relationships between geometry and form, organizing the structure and distribution of functions... They do not map or represent old existing objects or systems but anticipate new organizations and specify yet to be realized relationships. Its abstraction is instrumental, and its contents grow from it

Understanding AI as a Machine

Compression

This is a static "simulation" of a dynamic process: a "diagnosis" of local conditions. It is a "reaction," where it is possible to read, process, represent, compress, and synthesize the materialistic information (land, infrastructure, profiles, terrain, ambushes, accidents, etc.), as well as the intangibles (climate, wind, psychological aspects, echoes and noises, quartermaster and communication, etc.).

Seed/ Synthetic Path Assemblage Compression

"Upcycle"

Essay Entry 1

TEXT

Photo

Battlemap

Today’s there’s a high degree of interaction between space time and information, based on high degree of change and diversity of conditions: social, urban, and territorial elements. Which defines design conditions, architecture and its process. The implication is that users are not looking at or experiencing the same building, like blind men touching the elephant, we pay attention to architecture through the different mediums we use, AI would only enhance that proclivity, because of how it’s trained and its 2D nature. This is the stylization of things called “-core” (you’d see it in MJ prompts, it spits out concrete-core, jungle-core, etc.) — a reflection of the abstract machine that AI is, literally generating an all-encompassing abstraction of the style trajectory. Hence the prompt consists of first the descriptions, secondly styles, finally direct references/building types (kindergarten) > styles (rendering/ perspective) > architects (in style of Zaha Hadid).

So, if we are looking at AI as a tool, here’s its seminal condition: on one hand it has a way of notating reality, and understanding what’s around. On the other hand, it is also a generative machine with properties like (and these are commonly used in programming or contemporary musicology):

• Synthetic and productive {taking an idea and make it complete and detailed}

• Registration and instruction {follow certain steps or rules to make these changes happen}

• Analysis and synthesis {describe the input}

• Diagnosis and response {figure out what's missing or what could be the prediction.}

• Trajectory and 'map' of paths {variations}

Thus, the machine's synthetic path can be seen as the seed/ nuclear criterion of information. It's a starting point, and it responds to our evolution, alteration and repetition.

Entry 1 AI as Battle Maps

Methodology as Systematic Approach

How do we control AI's own dynamics and evolutionary movements by controlled triggers and initial flows? So how could AI instead of fixating the relationship between idea and form between content and structure, create something beyond a typology? Something beyond representational signs, and delays typological fixation and introduces concepts external to architecture and make specific abstractions?

So, unlike classical theories based on imitation, now we’re using AI as a graphic assemblage that specifies relationships between activity and form, organizing structures and function distributions. It’s not used to represent existing objects but to anticipate new organizations, it’s an abstract machine. Just like how diagram became a tool in architecture, AI should be another vector for logical evolution in design.

How to trigger this machine? Project Is set on its course. Before the work diverts into typology (ready-made things such as commercial buildings, stylistic architecture, etc.), a diagram, rich In meaning, full of potential movement , and loaded with structure (which connects to some important aspect of the project), Is found. it shines a new light onto the work and make it un-fixed, triggering new directions and new meanings AI is like a black hole, radically changing the course, transforming and liberating architecture.

Different folders each containing something of interest to me which are full of potential movement that connects to important aspect of the project or Hong Kong in general. Namely:

• Circulation/Architecture styles/Massing,

• Residents’ living condition/Interior,

• Poetry and legacy/Internal.

These could be respectively:

1. Text (voice recordings, transcripts, interviews, etc. Anything that can be decoded into textual description)

2. Image (interior, exterior, building, context, web photos, metaphor images, precedents, etc.)

3. Drawing (freehand, sketches, tracing over photos, etc.)

This is to create the " thread in control" -- flexible vectors for our logical evolution. This has nothing to do with one’s technical expertise in AI, it is about a fundamental understanding of operation, a designer user manual or training log.

Existing Condition (IMG Chat w/

GPT4.0

You've shared two images depicting urban residential environments.

The first image captures the exterior of a high-rise residential tower. The facade displays a mix of opened and closed windows, some with air conditioning units, and laundry hanging to dry. This is a common scene in many dense urban areas where space is at a premium, and it reflects the practical use of available space in a community living environment.

The second image shows an indoor corridor of a residential building. It features security gates on the doors, exposed utility piping along the ceiling, and appears slightly worn, suggesting a dense, utilitarian living space that prioritizes function over aesthetics.

These settings could provide a practical context for discussions about urban housing solutions, the effects of high-density living on architecture, and potential areas for architectural innovation in residential designs.

GPT4.0

This photo shows the facade of a high-rise residential building, highlighting the repetition and rhythm of balconies and windows, a common feature in mass housing projects. The greenery and the cityscape in the background provide a contrast to the structure.

2 Point Perspective

GPT4.0

The image displays a close-up view of a multi-story residential building. The building is characterized by a repetitive pattern of balconies and windows, showcasing a common architectural style in dense urban environments.

Each balcony seems to have unique elements, such as different colors of laundry hanging to dry, various items of furniture, and an assortment of window dressings. This variety adds a personal touch to each unit within the uniform structure of the building. The facade alternates between segments of plain exposed concrete and colorfully painted sections in hues of purple, blue, and green, which breaks the monotony and adds vibrancy to the structure. This kind of building is typical in many cities around the world where housing demands and space constraints require vertical living spaces.

Photo (Site Visit)

Web Photo Facade (Close-Up)

Existing Condition

(TXT Chat w/ GPT4.0)

Photo (Site Visit)

They are the same building, what do you think about the contrast between the two?

GPT4.0

This contrast might reflect different priorities in the design of public versus private or semiprivate spaces within the same building. The exterior is designed to contribute to the city's skyline and has to withstand the external environment, while the interior is more about the practical movement and access of residents. The corridor's design might also be a result of budget constraints or specific building codes.

From an architectural perspective, these images could lead to discussions about how design can impact residents' quality of life or how new technologies might allow for more personalized and aesthetically pleasing living spaces even within the constraints of high-density urban housing. Additionally, it highlights the challenges of retrofitting older buildings to meet contemporary standards for living space, natural light, and community building.

Interior + Exterior Superimposition

Here's another image of the facade, the color contrast of the colorful facade and the monotone interior is a bit ironic right? Also the rigidness of the facade becomes quite dictating when it comes to interior environments right? I wonder if there can be a harmonic balance of this "grating" formal language?

GPT4.0

The image you've shared indeed presents an interesting juxtaposition The facade of the building is quite vibrant with its various colors, which can add a bit of liveliness to the urban landscape. This kind of color variation on the exterior is often used to inject character and visual interest into what might otherwise be a monolithic block. The colors can also help to break down the scale of the building visually, making it appear less imposing.

On the other hand, the interior corridor you showed earlier is quite monochrome and utilitarian, reflecting perhaps the functional aspect of these spaces and the economic constraints during the construction phase. Such a stark difference between the exterior and interior can be ironic

as you mentioned, especially considering that the residents spend most of their time within the more monotonous internal environment.

The "grating" formal language of the facade with its rigid geometry does dictate to some extent the interior environments. The repetitiveness and uniformity might make for efficient construction and maintenance, but they can be at odds with creating a varied and engaging living environment.

Finding a balance between the formal language of the facade and the interior environments can be challenging. However, it's not impossible. The use of materials, textures, and even architectural elements like balconies and windows can be designed to allow more personalization by the residents, which can help make each space feel unique while still maintaining a cohesive external appearance.

Incorporating AI and generative design into architecture can further this goal by creating more individualized living spaces that still adhere to a unifying aesthetic. It can also help in optimizing the use of space and resources, improving the sustainability of the building, and enhancing the living conditions for the residents. This is where the future of architecture could be directed, with a balance of aesthetic appeal, personalization, and functional design.

Potential Momentum&

Loaded Structure

"Potential momentum" refers to the latent dynamic possibilities and readiness for evolution within a system. "Loaded structure" denotes a multi-layered complexity, encompassing physical, functional, and conceptual depth, reflecting robustness and adaptability in architectural constructs.

Neighbourliness

Syncretic Inspiration Harvesting

Merging diverse ideas, concepts, and mediums into a cohesive creative process. "Syncretic" reflects the integration of different sources and styles, while "Inspiration Harvesting" suggests the active collection and curating of these elements to fuel the design thinking.

Spatial Interpretation

Deeper, more mindful engagement with real-world phenomena, focusing on their intrinsic spatial qualities. It's about translating these concepts into architectural spaces with an emphasis on how they influence and shape human experience. Prioritize the essence of phenomena and integrating them to create meaningful, responsive spatial interventions.

Web photo (Analytical) Neutron scattering Topological Studies

Web Photo (Spatial) DJI headquarters Bridge/Connection

Web photo (Analytical) Diffraction Grating Phenomenological Transposition

Web Photo

Mei Ho House

Art Ref (Spatial) Arduino Cantàfora Scenography

Web Photo Mei Ho House Social Corridor

Web Photo Pearse Tower Structure

Spatial Reconceptualization

The progression from identifying and evaluating existing spaces, through their stylistic and typological aspects, to a detailed examination of plans for potential modifications. It involves a strategic approach to reenvisioning spaces, considering both their current state and possibilities for transformative redevelopment.

TYP Plan

Kam Wan House, Choi Hung Condition

Useable Area Diagram

Kam Wan House, Choi Hung Condition

Section

Kam Wan House, Choi Hung Condition

Syncretic Inspiration Harvesting Trigger

Tangible Synthesis

This process encapsulates the journey from abstract conceptualization to concrete realization. It includes synthesizing various design elements and references, and then methodically materializing these into real, physical forms and spaces. Thishighlights the transition from ideation to the tangible creation of architectural reality, emphasizing the synthesis of conceptual thinking with practical execution.

This involves drafting initial concepts, considering massing or spatial organization, seeking references, and then mapping these ideas into tangible, physical realities.

Draft (Freehand) Atrium Modification On Circulation&Shared Space

Precedent Shinonome Canal Court Circulation

Precedent Tour Albert Materiality

Precedent Villa du Clos-de-Malevart Planted Forecourt/Interior

Precedent ZAC clichy batignolles, paris 17 Moving Masses

Precedent 10, rue Saint-Dominique Fifth Façade

Prompt

https://s.mj.run/Qysh4NDgM6g https://s.mj.run/rB2QtKierc Bird's eye view of Rainbow Village, Hong Kong, high-rise residential buildings, designed and built in Hong Kong in the 1960s, Hong Kong Housing Society, P&T Group. A sky bridge connects two buildings, inserting itself into the volume of the building and changing the form of the building itself, image of a bridge between two buildings, in the style of kinetic lines and curves, silver, precise and lifelike, precision engineering, photorealistic, professional photography, 8k --iw 2 --s 1000 --r 10

Prompt Engeneering

To effectively engage the abstract machine and craft a compelling mid-journey prompt, incorporate the following six key components:

• Image Prompt: Provide as a hyperlink for a visual reference.

• Image Description: Detail the image in a sequence of descriptions - styles - and direct references or typological identifications.

• New Element Descriptions: New elements to add, using the sequence of descriptions same as above, in machine learning language.

• Personal Element Description: Present your own description of these elements in natural language.

• Stylistic Trajectory: Specify the overall style, like photorealistic, watercolor, or other scenographic terms.

• Parameters: Include specifics, image weight(--IW 2) style strength (--S 1000) to fine-tune the output.

Web Photo Choi Hung Estate Structure

MJ Output (Test Blend) /Blend Structure

Web photo (Analytical) Neutron scattering Topological Studies

01 The generator results show an organizational structure with repetitive and historical interactions, suggesting architectural translations into building openings, interbuilding connections, or designs for segmented structures.

Priming the Machine

The concept of the initial flow is to ensure that the midjourney AI understands your language and can translate it into its machine learning language. This helps in generating outputs that closely align with your desired results. Additionally, the images used should be engaging and substantive. To refine the effectiveness of your base image prompt and the composition of your text prompt, it's recommended to experiment with blending techniques or descriptive testing to fine-tune the sequence and wording.

Prompt

https://s.mj.run/Qysh4NDgM6g

https://s.mj.run/rB2QtK-ierc

Bird's eye view of Rainbow Village, Hong Kong, high-rise residential buildings, designed and built in Hong Kong in the 1960s, Hong Kong Housing Society, P&T Group. A sky bridge connects two buildings, inserting itself into the volume of the building and changing the form of the building itself, image of a bridge between two buildings, in the style of kinetic lines and curves, silver, precise and lifelike, precision engineering, photorealistic, professional photography, 8k --iw 2 --s 1000 --r 10

Following the initial conditioning and priming of the machine, we can effectively engage with abstraction in a targeted and meaningful way. This process essentially acts as a reorganization of materialistic information.

Massing, Exterior Circulation, Connection

MJ Output (Final)

Massing, Exterior Circulation, Connection

Output (Final)

Massing, Exterior Circulation, Connection

MJ Output (Final)

Massing, Exterior Circulation, Connection

MJ Output (Final)

Exterior Condition of Choi Hung Seed/ Synthetic Path

01 After the initial steps, the stylization becomes sufficiently grounded, leading to a well-structured and vectorized description of the project.

Choi Hung Exterior Assemblage

MJ Output (Final)

Packed with information on multiple levels, this imagery is an assemblage of solidified situations, techniques, tactics, and functions.

This graphic assemblage specifies relationships between geometry and form, organizing the structure and distribution of functions. Invoking classical theories based on imitation, the MJ image does not map or represent old existing objects or systems but anticipate new organizations and specify yetto-be-realized relationships. Its abstraction is instrumental, and its contents grow from it.

Thus these MJ Assemblage & Compressions are not schemas, types, formal paradigms, or other regulating devices but simply placeholders, instructions for action, or contingent descriptions of possible formal configurations. They work as abstract machines and do not resemble what they produce.

Web Photo Choi Hung Estate Structure

Compression

In the information era, images evolve from being mere machine-objects to dynamic machine-diagrams. These geometric systems operate by transforming retractable movements into reactive, relational abilities. They serve as devices to shift and express information, blending internal and external vectors.

This process reflects the systematic, operational essence of contemporary projects, aiming to compress diverse layers into a singular, meaningful icon. These diagrams are more than just representations; they're concise maps of open processes, applicable in visual programming, simulation, and the creation of new structures. This evolution signifies a deeper understanding of reality, intersecting with semiotics and information cartography.

01 Parallels in Information Processing

Convergence between artificial intelligence and human cognition

02 Phisycal Model and Continuation of Potential Exploration

The process of filtering and re-organizing information in AI image generation models mirrors the training of neural networks and reflects how humans perceive and decompose new information

Photo Essay Entry

(Re) References: AI as (Meta) Metaphor

Reference Image and perpetual motion: Deconstructing reference

Referencing in the context of architecture as a technique has the unique potential to be explosively original or thoughtfully derivative. Referencing, proportion of originality and reproduction are common practices in our profession. The relationship between architecture and its frame of reference has always played a part in design work. An objective assessment of reference:

• Collection: intentions and means of gathering;

• Edit: describe, explain and classify

• Re-present: digest, manipulate and generate original work.

Image comes from “imitation”. Architecture is an imageoriented field of design (cartography, drawings, ref img), When talking about image reference, it’s about external qualities that can be deconstructed into pictorial/visual properties useful to the project, which changes over time.

There are different attitudes towards images and references pictures. How we can correspond these visual cues to parts of design. From left to right, as work mature it becomes anticipatory and eventually “self-referential”, where we see reference can break away from conventional architecture ontology. This is the evolution of a ‘reference system’. Within such system, references can be edited and digested in different ways, ranging from architectural quality to the orders lie behind them, to the spirits of them

Entry 2 AI-Enhanced Architectural Reference

Paradigm Shift in Design & Perception

Reference language is no longer architecture, but the richness of the reference is deep enough to form a symbiotic relationship. Reference becomes anticipatory and associative correlation. Moving outside of architectural paradigm of form and geometry to image-based, situational based predictive language.

1. Orthodox, functional, formal

2. Not a building, but space and form can be referenced

3. Structural, arches, domes, truss etc.

4. Construct

5. Decorative, façade, repetition and order of surface, 2D

6. Collection of life

The interpretation of these findings is broken down into editable parts and extracting architectural schemes. Analogue architecture (Aldo Rossi) expands on this technique of transferring experience (images), to production (space).

In comprehending the methodologies architects employ for case referencing, we delve into an understanding that our engagement with cases transcends mere observation of the projects. Essentially, we are discerning the underlying elements such as perspectives, scenography, and an array of drafting techniques and unwritten rules. These components, somewhat autonomous from the scrutinized projects, assume paramount significance within the realm of AI-assisted drafting. The intrinsic characteristics of AI in drafting not only serve as a potent guide but also provide a framework for interpreting and applying these drafting standards and image evaluation criteria, thereby facilitating the curation or training of AI outputs

In scenarios devoid of clear precedents, this approach empowers us to identify and subsequently generate the requisite visual elements through AI, allowing for a process of “re-referencing”. Crucially, this method preserves the abstract core of metaphor, maintaining the 'meta' aspect within the architectural narrative. This process symbolizes a paradigm shift in the understanding and application of AI within architecture. It underscores AI's role not merely as a tool for replication or augmentation, but as a pivotal component in redefining the conceptual frameworks of architectural design.

Conceptual Discussion on Ideas

ME, POEM 1

When I see a rainbow, I see the disappearance of the past, the disappearance of the mark.

The spirituality of the past is now carried by the memories of the old, and the buildings are going away into the sunset.

The beauty of the past is gradually being sealed. Visions of the future can only be seen in the clouds.

If the old trees could return to spring, would new branches and leaves flourish? If the old building could speak, what would it tell us about the past? If a rainbow could come back to life, what would it reflect?

GPT4.0

Your poetic interpretation and the metaphor of old pillars (representing the enduring structural elements of 彩虹村) and new strings (symbolizing the potential for renewal and new spatial experiences) align well with the brief's focus on adaptive reuse and transformation of existing structures. This approach resonates with contemporary architectural strategies that emphasize sustainability, heritage preservation, and communitycentric design. Here are some specific strategies that align with your poetic interpretation:

• Structural Integrity and Adaptive Reuse: Emphasize maintaining the core structural elements ("old pillars") of the building. Investigate ways to adaptively reuse these structures while ensuring they meet current safety and functionality standards. This could involve reinforcing the existing framework or creatively integrating new elements without compromising the original structural integrity.

• Spatial Reconfiguration with New Elements: Introduce new architectural elements or "strings" that redefine the building's spatial experience. This could involve adding new facades, interior layouts, or communal spaces that reflect modern needs while respecting the building's historical context.

• Blending Old and New Aesthetics: Design interventions that harmoniously blend the old and the new. This could

include using contemporary materials and design techniques that complement the existing structure's aesthetic, creating a dialogue between the past and present.

• Community Engagement and Memory Preservation: Engage with the community to understand their connection to the space. Incorporate elements that preserve and celebrate the collective memory associated with 彩虹村, such as public art installations, historical exhibits, or design elements that reference the site's history.

• Sustainability and Innovation: Implement sustainable design practices, such as energy-efficient systems, green roofs, or use of recycled materials, aligning with the concept of giving new life to old structures. Explore innovative technologies like AI-assisted design to conceptualize and visualize these new interventions.

• Cultural and Social Revitalization: Create spaces that revitalize the cultural and social aspects of the community. This could involve designing multifunctional areas that serve various community needs, from recreational spaces to cultural centers, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the inhabitants.

• Narrative-Driven Design: Allow your poetic narrative to guide the design process. Each architectural decision

can be a reflection of the story you want to tell about 彩虹村's transformation, from the preservation of old elements to the introduction of new concepts.

• Flexible and Adaptive Spaces: Design spaces that are adaptable and can evolve over time. This aligns with the idea of "new strings" being able to adapt and change, providing flexibility for future modifications or uses.

By integrating these strategies, you can create a design that is not only architecturally innovative but also deeply connected to the historical and cultural essence of 彩虹村, echoing the sentiments of your poetic interpretation.

AI-Aided Scheme Development

Give me a mid journey prompt based on our previous conversation

here is the right way of writing a midjourney prompt: https://docs. midjourney.com/docs/prompts

GPT4.0

To create a Midjourney prompt that aligns with our previous conversation, focusing on the concept of blending historical architectural elements with modern innovations and addressing the idea of "accelerated obsolescence" as mentioned in Pope's "Accelerated Obsolescence," you could use the following:

--v 5 --q 2 --ar 3:2 --s 1000 --style "Hong Kong public housing transformation, adaptive reuse, poetic integration of old and new, sustainable design" --content "combination of old pillars and new strings, modern sustainable materials, community-centric spaces, energy-efficient systems, green roofs, AI-assisted design visualization, blending traditional architecture with contemporary aesthetics, interactive public art that reflects community history, flexible and adaptive urban spaces, revitalization of cultural and social aspects"

Potential Momentum&

Loaded Structure

Syncretic Inspiration Harvesting

Spatial Interpretation

Web photo (Analytical)

Diffraction Grating Topological Studies

Web photo (Analytical)

Diffraction Grating Phenomenological Transposition

Chiaroscuro (Spatial) Arduino Cantàfora Scenography

Modern Surrealism (Spatial) Anna Conway Scenography

Photo (Site Visit) Interior Corridor

Paradigm Shift in Design & Perception Trigger

Spatial Reconceptualization

When architectural references directly relate to specific qualities and typologies, they offer the opportunity to create designs that are both inspired and thoughtful. The nature of using these references involves varying degrees of relevance and application, enabling us to assess and leverage their significance in design and gauge the relevance and impact of each reference.

Strong

• Form,

• Configuration,

• Formal/Pictorial,

• Geometrical.

Medium

• Archetype,

• Schema,

• Paradigm,

• Sense of Order.

Light

• Image,

• Figure,

• Materiality/Scene,

• Storytelling.

Tangible Synthesis

This involves drafting initial concepts, considering massing or spatial organization, seeking references, and then mapping these ideas into tangible, physical realities.

Draft (Freehand) Atrium Modification On Circulation&Shared Space

Precedent Schützenmattstrasse Apt. Atrium

Precedent Gifu Apt. Staircase, Open Corridor

Precedent Villa du Clos-de-Malevart Planted Forecourt/Interior

Precedent Nemausus Materiality

Precedent NY Times Building Structure

Prompt

https://s.mj.run/74bK2-2mWZc A residential building with vibrant walkway spaces in which people talk and banter with each other through interior windows, and children laugh and play in and out of the rooms in Hong Kong, in the style of george ault, paul delvaux, realistic chiaroscuro lighing, imaginative scenes, monochromatic masterpieces, solarizing master, Backlighting, life-like, realistic --iw 2 --s 1000 –style raw --r 10

Prompt Engeneering

To effectively engage the abstract machine and craft a compelling mid-journey prompt, incorporate the following six key components:

• Image Prompt: Provide as a hyperlink for a visual reference.

• Image Description: Detail the image in a sequence of descriptions - styles - and direct references or typological identifications.

• New Element Descriptions: New elements to add, using the sequence of descriptions same as above, in machine learning language.

• Personal Element Description: Present your own description of these elements in natural language.

• Stylistic Trajectory: Specify the overall style, like photorealistic, watercolor, or other scenographic terms.

• Parameters: Include specifics, image weight(--IW 2) style strength (--S 1000) to fine-tune the output.

MJ Output (Test Blend) /Blend Structure

Chiaroscuro (Spatial) Arduino Cantàfora Scenography

Photo (Site Visit) Interior Corridor

Priming the Machine

01 Redevelopment transforms interiors into ambient, poetic spaces for community activities, featuring flexible designs, skylights, and communal furniture, enhancing both functionality and neighborhood interaction as a cluster

Prompt

https://s.mj.run/74bK2-2mWZc A

residential building with vibrant walkway spaces in which people talk and banter with each other through interior windows, and children laugh and play in and out of the rooms in Hong Kong, in the style of george ault, paul delvaux, realistic chiaroscuro lighing, imaginative scenes, monochromatic masterpieces, solarizing master, Backlighting, life-like, realistic --iw 2 --s 1000 –style raw --r 10

Interior, Shared Space Circulation, Feature Space

MJ Output

MJ Output Interior, Shared Space Circulation, Feature Space

MJ Output

Exterior Condition of Choi Hung Seed/ Synthetic Path

01 After the initial steps, the stylization becomes sufficiently grounded, leading to a well-structured and vectorized description of the project.

Choi Hung Interior Assemblage

MJ Output (Final)

Packed with information on multiple levels, this imagery is an assemblage of solidified situations, techniques, tactics, and functions.

Photo (Site Visit)

Choi Hung Estate Spatial Experience

Assemblage & Compression

Exterior Condition of Choi Hung

Compression

01 Parallels in Information Processing convergence between artificial intelligence and human cognition

02 Phisycal Model and Continuation of Potential Exploration

The process of filtering and re-organizing information in AI image generation models mirrors the training of neural networks and reflects how humans perceive and decompose new information

Essay Entry 3

Photo

Perpetual Design: Architecture Reimagined

Latency to Pixel: Principles in Image Generation & Machine Learning

The dawn of AI image generation marks a transformative era in design thinking, particularly in architecture. This shift can be likened to the concept of perpetual motion in physics - a continuous, self-sustaining process of creation and innovation. Here, the traditional boundaries of design are not just pushed but completely redefined, ushering in a new way of conceptualizing and visualizing architectural spaces.

AI image generation serves as a perpetual visual programming tool, akin to parametric design. Instead of using data, it leverages visual prompts (text or images) as key components. This shift has profound implications for the architecture industry, redefining the roles of practitioners as they adapt to these tools.

The fundamental principle of image generation in AI, discerning each pixel's placement to create realistic images, parallels the architectural design process. The AI-driven design process addresses one of the longstanding debates in architecture - the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism. With AI, designers can input elements from various sources without the fear of directly copying or mimicking existing designs. The AI model, through its complex algorithms, can take these inputs and transform them into something entirely new and original. This ability to continuously generate novel designs is what makes AI image generation akin to a perpetual motion machine in design thinking.

Effectively, AI reinterprets architectural processes as an exhaustive exploration of possibilities, allowing for quicker convergence of 2D design thinking and 3D representation. This doesn’t replace the necessity of three-dimensionality in architecture but bridges the gap between conceptualization and realization.

Entry 3 Insights from the Diffusion Model

Perpetual Motion, Spatial Translation

At the core of this transformation is the idea that with AI, specifically through models like the diffusion model, architects now have the capability to generate images and designs that were once thought impossible. This technology does not just replicate or slightly modify existing designs; it enables the creation of entirely new forms, styles, and structures. The AI model takes inputs - which could be text descriptions, image prompts, or a combination of both - and interprets them to produce unique visual outputs. This process is not a mere linear progression from concept to design but a dynamic, iterative cycle that allows for constant evolution and refinement.

The implications of this are profound. In traditional design paradigms, architects often draw inspiration from existing structures, styles, or natural elements. This process, while creative, is inherently limited by the architect's exposure, experience, and ability to reinterpret these inspirations into something new. AI image generation breaks these constraints by offering an almost infinite pool of possibilities. It can take the slightest hint of an idea or concept and transform it into a visual representation that might have never been conceived by the human mind alone.

This shift in tools and methodology redefines the architect's role and upends traditional architectural thinking. Technological advancement does not diminish the role of the architect. Instead, it expands their toolkit and allows them to explore uncharted territories in design. The architect's role shifts from being a creator to a curator and a manipulator of AIgenerated designs. They are still at the helm of the design process, guiding the AI with their vision, expertise, and creativity. Technological aesthetics don't change the process of transforming concepts into physical spaces, but they do enhance the process of conversion from text and images to real-world designs.

In the future, high-quality references, computing power, and algorithm optimization will be crucial. AI demystifies the individual genius in space creation, reflecting virtual space onto physical reality through computing power and spatial translation efficiency.

AI's influence on architectural design is a testament to the industry's dynamic nature. By embracing AI, architects can navigate the complexities of design more intuitively and efficiently, heralding a new era of perpetual innovation in architecture.

In essence, AI image generation is revolutionizing the field of architecture. It propels design thinking into a realm of perpetual motion, where the possibilities for innovation are endless. This technology is not a replacement for architects but a powerful extension of their capabilities, opening up a world of untapped potential in architectural design.

Schematic

Discussion on Ideas

ME, POEM 1

When I see a rainbow, I see the disappearance of the past, the disappearance of the mark.

The spirituality of the past is now carried by the memories of the old, and the buildings are going away into the sunset.

The beauty of the past is gradually being sealed. Visions of the future can only be seen in the clouds.

GPT4.0

The observations you’ve made about the social dynamics and multi-functional use of space in Hong Kong public housing provide a rich foundation for design considerations. Here are some suggestions that could align with your design philosophy:

• Multi-Use Balconies: Consider incorporating versatile balcony designs that can serve as extensions of the living space, areas for social interaction, or places for residents to engage in activities like drying foodstuffs, as per local customs.

• Modular Facade Elements: Introduce modular elements that residents can customize according to their needs or preferences, providing a sense of individuality and ownership while maintaining the cohesive look of the building.

• Green Integration: Incorporate vertical gardens or green walls that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the residents’ well-being and environmental sustainability.

• Community Spaces: Designate areas that can be adapted for multiple uses, such as communal rooftops or ground-level spaces for social gatherings, markets, or local festivities.

• Visual Connectivity: Create visual corridors or open areas within the building that allow for mutual watchfulness and foster a sense of community while

maintaining privacy.

• Responsive Materials: Use smart materials that respond to environmental conditions, such as heat or light, to regulate the interior climate and provide dynamic interactions with the facade.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Embed elements that reflect local cultural narratives or motifs, forging a deeper connection between the residents and the architecture.

• Technological Integration: Utilize AI-generated layouts that optimize natural light and airflow, enhancing living conditions within the small units.

• Inter-Generational Design: Acknowledge the varied needs of different age groups within the housing units and design spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for all, from playgrounds to quiet sitting areas.

• Flexibility for Future Adaptations: Design with the foresight for potential future changes in lifestyle, technology, and environmental conditions, allowing the space to evolve without extensive overhauls.

These suggestions aim to foster a balance between uniformity and individual expression, community engagement and privacy, functionality, and aesthetic value—ultimately leading to a harmonious living environment that resonates with the unique context of Hong Kong public housing.

AI-Aided Scheme Development

Atrium

Combining a corridor with an atrium, creating a multifunctional space. It serves as a passageway and a communal area, enhanced by natural light and openness from the atrium. This design is often used in modern buildings for improved aesthetics, lighting, and ventilation, making spaces more inviting and conducive to social interactions.

MJ Output Concept Condition Atrium

Design Philosophy Overview

01 Combining a corridor with an atrium, creating a multifunctional space. It serves as a passageway and a communal area, enhanced by natural light and openness from the atrium. This design is often used in modern buildings for improved aesthetics, lighting, and ventilation, making spaces more inviting and conducive to social interactions.

01 This event space is envisioned as part of a broader architectural scheme that focuses on community and civic identity. It's described as a public area that can host community events and be open to the public, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity among the residents.

Essay Entry 3

LANGUAGE

Photo

From Concept to Scheme:

Reweaving Choi Hung

Model Training, Scheme Development, and Production

The focus of my research in the studio centers on integrating large language models (LLMs) and AI technologies into architectural design processes. This essay explores a novel workflow, utilizing AI tools to reimagine the redevelopment of Chui Hong. The purpose is to investigate how these technologies can augment traditional design methodologies, offering an alternative approach to architectural creativity and problem-solving.

My methodology involves a design system analogous to LLMs, emphasizing the importance of complexity in design. In architecture, complexity often arises from the encoding of information, which I liken to the concept of “increasing dimensionality” in AI. By applying this principle, the project aims to transform plain text into a narrative rich in structure and movement, enhancing the clarity and depth of the design.

The initial phase of the project utilized AI to analyze and interpret the existing conditions of Choi Hong. This involved engaging in textual dialogues with AI models, like GPT-4.0, to understand the utilitarian aspects and the impact of repetitiveness in architecture. Following this, the AI-generated insights were visualized using tools like Mid Journey, leading to the development of concepts like the 'chiaroscuro corridor'. This marked the culmination of the 1D dimension phase, maximizing the potential of AI in embedding relevant information into the design.

Entry 4 From Concept to Scheme Reweaving Choi Hung

Enhancing Dimensionality and Conceptualization

The subsequent phase embraced a more subjective, neurodivergent approach, overlaying a second dimension onto the existing data. This stage moved beyond the existing conditions, delving into conceptual possibilities. I employed AI to interpret poetic and photographic expressions about Choi Hung, translating these into spatial narratives. This process led to the conceptualization of 'third spaces' – inclusive, neutral public areas beyond the confines of home and work. The AI’s suggestions influenced the structural modifications in the design, like creating triple-height spaces and forming community clusters, aligning with the estate's existing architecture.

Schematic Development and Detailing

Further discussions with AI in the schematic phase brought forth new spatial strategies. AI interpretations of poems about the estate’s shear wall structure provided innovative ideas like extended balconies and flexible program insertions as void decks. This stage focused more on the schematic possibilities of the project, visualized through tools like Mid Journey and Stable Diffusion.

The final phase involved detailing the design, pondering over the materialization and the new narrative of the redevelopment. Drawing analogies between a housing estate and a harp, I explored how the existing structures could be rejuvenated with new 'strings' of design. AI’s metaphor of social fabric translated into practical applications, suggesting materials like woven fabric laminate and metal-laminated glass for facades and bamboo panels for ground floor enhancements.

Conclusion

This research presents an intriguing alternative in architectural design, where AI collaboration enables a continuous flow of ideas and innovation. The methodology demonstrates how a singular architect, through AI integration, can initiate a perpetual cycle of design evolution. The project not

only reimagines the Choi Hong estate but also proposes a transformative approach to architectural design, leveraging the potential of AI to enrich and diversify the creative process.

Facade Option Test (4.3d)

Mid-journey LoRA Model

Self-trained

Facade Option Test (4.3d)

Arch Physical Model LoRA Model

Self-trained

Gifu Kitagata Apartment Building

Facade Option (4.3d)

Transformation

530 dwellings

Lacaton &

Facade Option Test (4.3d)

Option Test

Transformation of dwellings & Vassal

Option Test

Hi-Res Mix LoRA

Model

Self-trained

Facade

(4.3d)

Facade Option Test (4.3d)

Canal Court Codan Block 3

Kengo Kuma Associates

Architectural

Discussion on Ideas

ME, ESSAY 1, POEM 2

These structures, like harps of life, echoing the songs of time. Their shear walls, like pillarsstrong and long-lasting.

The DNA of spatial strategies and experiences that Waiting to be reborn in a rapidly changing world.

Imagine this DNA in a new spatial realm.

A re-born, yet clearly unique legacy.

A call for architectural artistry in 3D form.

Curtain walls, shear walls, aerial platforms, soaring high.

Can an old piano play the song of new life with new strings?

My metaphor for these buildings is a look back in time.

Strong pillars, while the old strings have worn out.

Re-strung, reorganised, ready to sing again.

Give me a mid journey prompt based on our previous conversation

Here is the right way of writing a midjourney prompt: https://docs.Midjourney.Com/ docs/prompts

GPT4.0

Your poetic interpretation and the metaphor of old pillars (representing the enduring structural elements of 彩虹村) and new strings (symbolizing the potential for renewal and new spatial experiences) align well with the brief’s focus on adaptive reuse and transformation of existing structures. This approach resonates with contemporary architectural strategies that emphasize sustainability, heritage preservation, and communitycentric design. Here are some specific strategies that align with your poetic interpretation:

To create a Midjourney prompt that aligns with our previous conversation, focusing on the concept of blending historical architectural elements with modern innovations and addressing the idea of “accelerated obsolescence” as mentioned in Pope’s “Accelerated Obsolescence,” you could use the following:

https://s.mj.run/74bK2-2mWZc

Hong Kong public housing transformation, adaptive reuse, poetic integration of old and new, sustainable design” --content “combination of old pillars and new strings, modern sustainable materials, community-centric spaces, energy-efficient systems, green roofs, AI-assisted design visualization, blending traditional architecture with contemporary aesthetics, interactive public art that reflects community history, flexible and adaptive urban spaces, revitalization of cultural and social aspects. Backlighting, life-like, realistic --iw 2 --s 1000 –style raw --r 10

This prompt is designed to generate imagery that encapsulates the balance

between preserving heritage and embracing modernity in architectural design, with a specific focus on the sustainable and community-oriented transformation of Hong Kong’s public housing. The chosen style and content parameters aim to reflect the nuances of our discussion, including the metaphor of old pillars and new strings, the integration of sustainable materials and technologies, and the importance of community engagement and cultural revitalization in the design process.

AI-Aided

MJ Results Colonnade Detail

Materiality

MJ Results Colonnade Detail

Materiality

MJ Results Construction Detail Materiality

Cluster Formation Around Atrium:

Around this mini atrium, a cluster of about 40 units is formed, with the ground floor of this cluster likely to host community-centric facilities like arcades, small businesses, or activity rooms.

Render West Wing Void Deck

Render South Elevation Event Space

Render West Wing Atrium

Render West Wing Void Deck

Design Philosophy Overview

01 A 'third space' , a term coined by Ray Oldenburg, the third place describes inclusive, neutral public spaces outside of home and work. Examples include cafes, parks, and libraries. These settings foster community, conversation, and a sense of belonging, regardless of social status. Accessible and informal, they are essential for social health, acting as communal hubs for relaxed, playful interaction.

01 The concept of the shear vault involves utilizing structural elements to create a dynamic and visually striking space. By partially demolishing sheer walls and removing floor slabs, a wider corridor is formed, resembling a mini atrium. This shear vault not only enhances structural integrity but also transforms the corridor into a community-centric, multi-functional area

01 An Cluster Formation Around Atrium: Around this mini atrium, a cluster of about 40 units is formed, with the ground floor of this cluster likely to host community-centric facilities like arcades, small businesses, or activity rooms. childcare centers. The void deck fosters community interaction and provides functional, flexible space for residents’ use.

Assemblage & Compression

Exterior Condition of Choi Hung

01 An architectural feature common in many public housing complexes, it refers to the ground floor being left open, creating a versatile, sheltered communal space. Often used for various community activities, social gatherings, and sometimes houses amenities like shops or childcare centers. The void deck fosters community interaction and provides functional, flexible space for residents’ use.

01 A progressive evolution of architectural styles for the Choi Hung estate redevelopment. Starting with a simple block, subsequent iterations introduce stepped rooflines, textured façades, and functional balconies, culminating in a complex final version that blends modern aesthetics with diverse spatial experiences, signaling a thoughtful transition from the estate’s original functionality to a revitalized, multifaceted community space.