From concept to space: a new perspective on AIGC-involved attribute translation

ABSTRACT

Drawn inspiration from phenomenal attributes and translating them into heuristic model tools is one of the effective means to promote architectural form innovation. However, over-reliance on perception indicates greater risks in decision-making. Nowadays, AI-generated Content (AIGC) technology combines the advantages of information comprehensiveness and modelling efficiency, providing new possibilities for the translation of architectural attributes. Based on attribute study, this paper proposes a new approach to spatial translation that uses the Generative Adversarial Network (VQGAN + CLIP) to realize the visualization of abstract concepts and then adds multi-dimensional influence through the Keyframe Style Transfer technology. The eclectic attribute is used as an example for the 2D and virtual 3D translation feasibility experiments. The article aims to improve the scientificity and influence of spatial translation through a technical organization from the perspective of architects. While providing an innovative, democratic and efficient aided-design tool also highlights a new angle for AIGC-involved pre-design.

KEYWORDS:

• Architectural attributes
• AI-generated content (AIGC)
• spatial translation
• formal innovation
• eclecticism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The ‘zero-shot’ is a concept in machine learning, known as ‘zero-learning’ or ‘zero-reasoning’. It refers to the ability of a computer to distinguish new objects by using the knowledge learned in the past (Conde and Turgutlu 2021; Galatolo, Cimino, and Vaglini 2021; Radford et al. 2021; Sanghi et al. 2021).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kaiyu Cheng

Kaiyu Cheng received his Master's degree in Architecture from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO). He has worked on several national-level research & design projects and international competitions. He is currently working toward his Ph.D. degree with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). His research interests include architectural design and theory, technology in design, and eclectic architecture.

Paulina Neisch

Dr. Paulina Neisch explores architecture and urban design through practice, research, and publication. She is a qualified architect (M.Arch., M.Sc., Professional License, several years of architectural practice) and educator (several years of teaching experience at graduate and postgraduate levels in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East) with the multidisciplinary approach to research, teaching and design. She earned her doctorate with honors at the University of Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense in France and earlier degrees from the National Institute of Applied Science (INSA) and National Higher School of Architecture (ENSA) in Strasbourg, France. She has worked on several research projects realized at an international level and supported by public and private competitive grants. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include South-eastern Asian architecture and urban design, Human-friendly design, Socially responsible design, User experience & design, Culture & Design, Space production, Technology in design, Design education development, and methodology.

Tong Cui

Prof. Tong Cui is a National Engineering Survey and Design Master, stands as a laureate of the first prize of National Excellent Design, winner of the World Young Chinese Architects Award, and an expert on Special Government Allowance of the State Council. He graduated from the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, with a Master's degree in Architecture. Committed to ‘research-based design' and ‘design-oriented experiments', boasts a multitude of original creations, spanning a diverse array of categories such as ‘large-scale national policies, cultural diplomacy, scientific instruments, and vibrant cultural exhibitions’. He has repeatedly served as chief designer and project lead for national-level and major projects of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, meriting recognition as an advanced individual for innovation by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His endeavors have resulted in numerous accolades, including 10 national and more than 20 provincial and ministerial awards. Moreover, Prof. Cui has been invited to participate in academic exchanges and lectures at home and abroad, and his works and papers have found their place in well-known magazines and publications.