CUSTOM WORKFLOW ARCHITECT + AI Capable AI in architectural process can take many forms and it is with us for a while... But only last few months there was an enormous boost in number of architects using algorithms with powerful diffusion models. Because it finally FEELS creative! Also because the almost immediate sensory feedback triggers visual gluttony. But how should an architect talk to such algorithm? For me it was important to work with what I see as the algorithm's strong attribute - contextual and referential layering. In the workflow described below the layering and referencing is (similarly to how diffusion works) driven from abstract to concrete. The simple workflow using "remix" feature of Midjourney I found work for me is as follows: 1st generation :: concept image :: abstract / conceptual non-architectural element is rendered in realistic environment 2nd generation :: typology image :: the conceptual element becomes architectural typology by changing part of the prompt referencing the subject 3rd generation :: final result :: adding a reference imagery - existing building - guides the algorithm to deliver realistic depiction of architecture with respect to the style of provided imagery - In my workflow I use images of buildings that was designed in my studio collcoll.cc to provide an output in respect to our style and taste. This workflow is repeatable and reliable to provide me with inspiration as it is based on iterating multiple aspects - the conceptual prompt - the training architectural dataset of algorithm - and our own architectural experience and taste.

workflow diagram

The first iteration's prompt consists of description of technique (such as photography), conceptual input reference and environment description. The second iteration's prompt is changed in the part that references the subject of the image so the conceptual object changes to architectural typology. The last iteration takes the same prompt but adds a style reference image - existing building by collcoll.cc (www.collcoll.cc/cc_tro) to get final result with unique style.

mountain hotel form finding # 1 :: This mountain hotel is shaped with abstract coral reef structure as input.

mountain hotel form finding # 2 :: This mountain hotel is shaped with futuristic spaceship as input.

mountain hotel form finding # 3 :: This mountain hotel is shaped with organic coral reef structure as input.

mountain hotel form finding # 4 :: This mountain hotel is shaped with double helix floral ribbon structure as input.