In Search of a Prompt:
Form Finding with AI
In Search of a Prompt is a new and rapidly evolving workshop designed for the exploration and incorporation of generative AI tools early in the design process. Unlike widespread use of diffusion models such as Midjourney to generate realistic, finished renderings, the workshop advocates for the incorporation of generative AI tools in the conceptual stages of the design process for form finding and ideation, starting from analog/physical models.
This workshop isn't just about learning tools, it's about revolutionizing your design process.
Workshop Overview
Calling all enthusiasts! Are you ready to shatter creative barriers and transform your design process? This immersive workshop is your launchpad. We'll embark on a journey through cutting-edge generative AI tools like Midjourney, DreamStudio, and Lookxai. We'll experiment with ideation, concept development, and form finding techniques, drawing inspiration from the natural world.
“Technology should be a tool, not a crutch.” ~Syed Anwar Aziz
At the beginning of the design process, hands are the first tool we use. With generative AI tools, we’ve been finding ways to reconcile between the digital and the analog, the tangible and the intangible. Physical prototyping, materiality and hand-drawn sketches are still relevant starting points, and can create interesting results using generative AI tools.
This workshop isn't just about tech. We'll begin by grounding ourselves in hand-drawing and paper modeling, then translate these explorations using generative AI tools. This human-centered approach ensures you remain the driving force behind your creations.
How can generative AI be used to create design metaphors?
Generative AI tools must be used judiciously, and can play a much more significant role than as image-generators or to create realistic renderings. Instead of the final output, generative AI tools can be used in the early stages of the design process, in tandem with physical models, for ideation, conceptual design, and form finding. In this way, AI is involved in the starting point of the design journey, and can serve as a creative assistant and even a partner.
The workshop can be attended by anyone with an enthusiasm for art, design and technology. The only prerequisite is inquisitiveness, open mindedness and a willingness to try and learn new concepts. The most important aim of the workshop is to have fun, approaching the process with inquisitiveness, open-mindedness and whimsy, allowing your mind to roam free!
Why is it important
Unlocks creative potential: MidJourneyand LookxAI let you generate images based on your descriptions. This can helpvisualize ideas, explore artistic styles, and create unique concepts that mightbe difficult to achieve traditionally.
Boosts design and communication: If you're in design, marketing, or any fieldthat relies on visuals, these GenAI tools can help you rapidly prototype ideas,generate illustrations, and improve communication by providing clear visualaids.
Expands artistic skills: Even fortraditional artists, Midjourney can be a powerful tool. It can help overcomecreative blocks, experiment with new techniques, and refine your understandingof composition, color, and style.
Building trust in AI Design tools:DreamStudio, LookxAI and MidJourney can helpbridge the gap between designers and AI design tools. By understanding theunderlying logic of the AI's suggestions, designers can feel more confident inincorporating them into their workflow.
A new creative medium: Midjourneyrepresents a new frontier in artistic expression. By learning it, you can stayahead of the curve and explore the possibilities of AI-assisted creativity.
Crafting a narrative: Generative AI diffusion models allowyou to create various visuals that can augment your design narrative throughimagery.
What will you learn
With thisworkshop, participants gain proficiency in using generative AI tools likeMidJourney, DreamStudio, and LookxAI to transform their design process. Theylearn advanced techniques for adjusting and reiterating outputs to enhancetheir results. Participants explore how generative AI can automate and optimizethe entire design process, from initial ideas to final renders.
Analog + Digital: Transitioning between analog and digital toolsthroughout the design process.
Form Finding > Finished Design: Using GenAI tools for exploratory, iterativeform finding: rather than finished designs, we see these images as the startingpoint of the design journey.
Mentors
Takbir Fatima
Takbir Fatima is an architect, educator and entrepreneur. She is the Director of the interdisciplinary design and experimental architecture studio, DesignAware, which she started as a student of the Design Research Lab at the Architectural Association. Takbir created the Fractals Workshop, a generative design and computation workshop, as well as the fabrication and construction initiative, BuildAware. She is Course Developer and Adjunct Faculty at the Boston Architectural College, and CEPT University.
Takbir has been included in the book 100 Women: Architects in Practice, written by Harriet Harriss, Naomi House, Monika Parrinder and Tom Ravenscroft, and published by RIBA. Most recently, Takbir was invited by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to exhibit her work alongside 80 women architects in the exhibition Samatva: Shaping the Built as part of the very first India Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023 at the Red Fort, Delhi.
Takbir is a TEDx speaker, and has delivered keynotes at Apple Dubai, SPACE10, ArchiNet, and the Indian Institute of Architects. She has exhibited and presented her work and methods at various design events, including Citygroup New York in 2023, the Dezeen Virtual Design Festival 2020, the World Design Assembly 2019, and Dubai Design Week 2018. Takbir has also written about architecture and AI for ArchitectureLive!
Abeer Fatima
Abeer is an interior designer, educator and artist. She is the Lead Interior Designer and Partner at DesignAware and the Computational Mentor at Fractals Workshop.
Abeer strongly believes in the significance of being multipassionate. Rather than limiting herself to one role, one discipline or one method, she takes on many avatars and plays many roles.
Abeer believes technology must be embraced if we aim for sustainable, resilient, effective design. Particularly in the design process, technology can become a collaborator that aids in the design of complex and multi-layered spaces and objects.
In 2023, she had the opportunity to deliver keynotes at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 and Apple Dubai, speaking about her work with generative AI and new technologies.
Abeer has been included in the iGen 50 under 40 list of 2024 by Architect and Interiors India.
Programme
Exploring AI Tools and Initial Demonstrations
- Introduction to workshop
- Introduction to MidJourney, DreamStudio and LookxAI
- Explorations using word prompts; demonstration of outcomes
Advanced Techniques and Physical Modeling
- Explorations with physical paper models
- Variations and Upscaling
- Exploration of advanced prompts and parameters to guide the output
- Introduction of image prompts in MidJourney, DreamStudio and LookxAI
Design Briefs and Development with AI
- Formulating adesign brief
- Designdevelopment using generative AI
- Constructing anarrative
Workshop Wrap-Up and Insights
- Comparisonbetween outputs
- Conclusionof Workshop
- Q&ASession
Important info
- Participantswill need Paper for physical model making
- Subscriptionto MidJourney (paid), DreamStudio(free), and LookxAI (free) is required if you plan onfollowing along with the Instructors
- Creativityand a drive to experiment and explore is a must!
Important Info:
- It is advisable to have active plans for the following tools: Midjourney, Prome AI, Krea AI and Runway. This tools covered have free versions, except for Midjourney.
- Basic knowledge of interior design and architecture is recommended.