philadelphia PENNSYLVANIA
University of Pennsylvania
Critic: Karel KLEIN & Miguel ABAUNZA
suckerPUNCH: Describe your project.
Mengqi XU: Using AI method neural networks(“NN”) as a tool, my project focuses on to create a new aesthetic which combines the biological aesthetics of the machine aesthetic in architecture design.
- Mengqi XU, “Cyborg Misprision; Concert Hall.”, Elevation
- Mengqi XU, “Cyborg Misprision; Concert Hall.”, Plan
- Mengqi XU, “Cyborg Misprision; Concert Hall.”, Section
- Mengqi XU, “Cyborg Misprision; Concert Hall.”, Sectional Model
As the AI can study style images and transfer the style into the target image intelligently I create the architecture orient AI production flow. First, I use NN to create several combinations. Second, model is the part of the NN as component then render and collage them together. Third feed the college into NN with the same style image again. this is the process that I use throughout my design.
Before midterm, we focused on the facade with limited depth and space. After midterm I use shadow box to develop the depth and space of the façade NN image. I adored the contrast of scale and density between the black components and white panel and how these connect merge and intersect with each other to structure a system. As I give depth by shadowbox, I related program into the project accordingly as it seems to have a lot of concert hall quality. AI helps me to change the geometry and decorate my model with the same style image. So my model retains the same aesthetic continually.
Even though each process takes advantage of AI which simulate our own capabilities, it does not mean it is controlled by computer. I control the result by the selective modeling and collage process. AI may produce any number of outputs, but it involves the selection by the architect.
sP:What or Who influenced this Project?
MX: I was influenced by the work of Dustin Yellin. His box inspired me to manually develop depth layer and space from a flatten image. Also, it helps me to add architecture quality into an abstract image.
sP: What were you reading/listening to/watching while developing this project?
MX: Ghost in the Shell. I am adored by the futurist architecture in that movie which combine the Steampunk with Chinese tradition. Moreover, it shows a illusion of the future that deeply evolved with AI.
sP: Whose work is currently on your radar?
MX: Filip Dujardin. When I was doing the parafiction of my project his work is the first image that catches my eyes. I was smitten when travelling through the world he created, a world that twists fantasy and reality. Although human reason tells me that the world in his photographs is illusory. I can always become convinced that illusory is genuine because of his master control of light, shadow, texture and style.
