In June 2022, UMAI Lab participated in the "Local Intelligence" workshop, part of the esteemed DigitalFUTURES Summer Workshop Series. This global event brought together participants from 14 countries, fostering a collaborative environment to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and local cultural knowledge within architectural design.

Workshop Overview

The "Local Intelligence" workshop aimed to investigate how AI, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), can interact with and interpret local vernacular elements in architecture. By leveraging open-source algorithms and datasets, the workshop sought to bridge the gap between computational design and culturally embedded architectural practices.

Methodology

Participants engaged in a series of sessions that combined theoretical knowledge with practical application:

• Introduction to AI in Architecture: An overview of machine learning concepts, focusing on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and GANs.

• Data Collection and Preparation: Participants gathered and prepared datasets comprising local architectural imagery and corresponding folklore music, emphasizing the importance of contextual and cultural specificity.

• Model Training: Utilizing platforms like Google Colab, attendees trained Pix2Pix conditional GAN models to translate musical inputs into architectural visualizations, exploring the potential of AI to generate culturally resonant designs.

• Analysis and Discussion: The workshop concluded with a review of the generated outputs, fostering discussions on the implications of integrating AI with local architectural knowledge.

  
  

Outcomes

The workshop's explorations led to several key insights:

• AI as a Tool for Cultural Interpretation: The experiments demonstrated AI's potential to interpret and generate architectural forms that resonate with local cultural elements, suggesting new avenues for culturally informed design practices.

• Collaborative Knowledge Sharing: The international composition of participants facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and methodologies, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in computational design.

• Foundation for Ongoing Research: The workshop served as a catalyst for the "Local Intelligence" project, laying the groundwork for further investigations into the synergy between AI and vernacular architecture.

Workshop Records:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3