Review: Hybrid Futures – Artificial Intelligence and Architecture
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Venice
May 19, 2023 – 04 PM
On the occasion of the 18th Venice Biennale of Architecture on the 19th of May 2023, ITSLIQUID Group was proud to present ‘Hybrid Futures – Artificial Intelligence and Architecture‘, a panel discussion dedicated to AI (artificial intelligence) and the impact on contemporary architecture, part of BORDERS ART FAIR 2023, an international exhibition of artists and architects, which is taking place in Venice at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.
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The central issue of this event was to analyze how AI can help architects and designers create better buildings and spaces that are more efficient, responsive, and sustainable, and at the same time, the impacts of AI on our identities, and the ethical questions about the relation between humans and machines.
To better understand the potentials of AI we invited Tim Fu, Architectural Designer at Zaha Hadid Architects, Lev Libeskind, Creative Director at Libeskind Studio Design, and Ebrar Eke, Founder of AI.Architecture. The panel was opened by Luca Curci, Founder of Luca Curci Architects who started the conference by talking about some of the challenges and ethical concerns about AI.
The first speaker was Tim Fu, a Canadian Architectural Designer working at Zaha Hadid Architects in London, UK. He is part of ZHACODE (Computational research group) where he specializes in algorithmic design and related computational research. He is currently working on projects around the world, specializing in parametric design and AI research. His recent foray into AI in architecture has garnered worldwide recognition, with his work being published globally. Additionally, he conducts workshops where students learn the secrets of prompt crafting and delve into the intricacies of iterative design evolution.
During the event, Tim Fu delivered a captivating presentation on his innovative approach to utilizing AI, particularly emphasizing the importance of prompt crafting, the art of communicating requests to your AI assistant for optimal output, as a foundational element in his methodology. Beyond architecture, Tim also explored the art field with his project “Flowing Free” a concept sculpture that he hopes to become a real workplace in the central square of Tehran, in what he called the “post-Muslim democracy” of the future. Moreover, during BORDERS ART FAIR 2023 Tim exposes his “The AI Stone Carver” which explores an antithetical approach to the relationship between machines and the human, brought on by the advent of AI diffusion technologies. Instead of the industrial paradigm of human ideation to machine fabrication, he now reverses this relationship and allows machine ideation followed by human fabrication.
Lev Libeskind, the Creative Director at Libeskind Studio Design, received his formal education including a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA, followed by a Masters in Architecture from the University of Cambridge, UK, and an MBA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.
Lev’s speech provided a remarkable insight into the seamless integration of artificial intelligence within the realm of architecture. With captivating examples and real-world case studies, he demonstrated how AI technology can revolutionize the design and construction processes, optimizing efficiency and pushing the boundaries of innovation. By leveraging AI algorithms and computational modelling, Lev showcased the transformative impact that this cutting-edge technology has on architectural practices. His pioneering work not only showcased the immense potential for enhancing creativity and pushing design boundaries but also emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with a deep understanding of human needs and environmental considerations.
Ebrar Eke is a talented Turkish architect and designer based in Vienna. Ebrar, who recently obtained her MArch degree from Studio Greg Lynn at the Angewandte, dedicated her thesis project to exploring the applications of AI in architectural design methodologies. Ebrar’s extensive studies have centred around the intersection of innovation, technology, and architecture. As a former researcher at the prestigious Austrian Institute of Technology, she has gained valuable expertise in the field. Her international experiences as an architectural assistant in the Netherlands and Turkey have further enriched her knowledge, exposing her to diverse perspectives and approaches. Ebrar’s passion for exploring the potential of AI in architecture was palpable, and her presentation highlighted the transformative impact this technology can have on the design process.
By leveraging AI algorithms and cutting-edge computational tools, she showcased how architects can enhance their creativity, optimize efficiency, and navigate complex design challenges. Furthermore, Ebrar’s remarkable dedication to her field led her to establish her own company, where she continues to innovate and collaborate on groundbreaking architectural projects that integrate AI technologies. Her entrepreneurial spirit serves as an inspiration to aspiring architects and designers, demonstrating the immense possibilities that lie at the intersection of architecture and artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, the AI panel proved to be a resounding success, marked by a vibrant exchange of ideas between the audience and the esteemed panelists. It was during this interactive session that the true essence of the event came to light, as diverse perspectives and opinions were shared. The engagement of the audience was truly remarkable: some demonstrated genuine interest and curiosity, eager to explore the potential of this new intelligence in the realm of human creativity; on the other hand, there were those who approached the subject with a degree of scepticism, reflecting a cautious attitude toward the integration of AI in the creative domain.
This dynamic interaction between the audience and panelists added a profound depth to the discussion, enriching the panel in unexpected ways. The divergent viewpoints and spirited debate served as a testament to the significance and complexity of the topic at hand, it highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and exploration, acknowledging the transformative power of AI while remaining attentive to the concerns and reservations raised.
Overall, the AI panel session left an indelible impression, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness. It underscored the importance of fostering a balanced and informed approach when harnessing the potential of AI in the realm of human creativity. The panelists’ expertise, coupled with the thought-provoking contributions from the audience, ensured that the event achieved its objective of fostering a robust and enlightening discussion.
Place
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Cannaregio 4118, Venice, Italy
Date
May 19, 2023 – 04 PM
Introduction
Luca Curci . Founder of Luca Curci Architects
Panelists
Tim Fu . Architectural Designer, Zaha Hadid Architects
Lev Libeskind . Creative Director, Libeskind Studio Design
Ebrar Eke . Architectural Designer, AI.Architecture
Moderator
Maria Teresa Cafarelli . Art Curator ITSLIQUID Group
Coordinators
Amaride Ferrante . Art Curator ITSLIQUID Group
Giulia Tassi . Project Manager ITSLIQUID Group
ABOUT US
ITSLIQUID is a web-based information platform, founded in 2001 by Luca Curci, dedicated to the worldwide distribution of information about calls for entries, exhibitions and events at some of the world’s leading art galleries, museums and foundations selected. ITSLIQUID has already built a readership of more than 250.000 qualified subscribers. Among them architects, designers, artists, collectors, art critics, curators, dealers, and other personalities of the International art, architecture and design world. It provides advertising services, press office services for events and projects, articles and specials published on the website, and media partnership services.
During the last 20 years, ITSLIQUID Group has become a cultural hub between creatives, exhibition spaces and art lovers. Among our international partners, Art Now Fair, Art Vancouver, Design Tokyo, INDEX Qatar, INDEX Saudi, The Big 5 Construct Dubai, The Big 5 Construct Qatar, Photo LA Los Angeles and international magazines like Art Style. ITSLIQUID Group supports some of the most important no-profit organizations, like UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, SSCS – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, One Tree Planted, The Ocean CleanUp and Plastic Oceans, with the goal to increase public awareness about environmental issues. Click here to find out more.
ITSLIQUID GROUP includes a section dedicated to the organization of international art events, managing exhibitions of painting, photography, video art, installation and performance; it organizes solo and collective shows, art residencies and international contests. Its object is to use new technologies to globalize the language of art, and to connect artists working in every part of the world.
ITSLIQUID Group manages a variety of art spaces all over the world; among them THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space in the heart of San Marco Square in Venice and different historical buildings, THE LINE Contemporary Art Space in London city centre and other different partners worldwide. Since its beginning, the group has organized more than 250 events worldwide, involving more than 5.000 artists, in more than 60 international venues in Italy, the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, France, etc. Most of the last events have been realized in museums (CCCB – Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona in Spain, NCCA – National Center for Contemporary Arts in Moscow, etc.), galleries and private foundations.
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OUR LOCATION
Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello is one of the most known palaces of the Renaissance in Venice. It is a historical building dating back to the 16th century, and it has been owned by several noble Venetian families, as demonstrated by the frescoed ceilings, the artistic stuccos and the fine furniture that enriches its rooms. The Palace welcomes visitors with its beautiful private garden on the ground floor, and then it gathers the guests in its large first-floor salons, in which past and present dialogue together. The restored Old Masters’ frescoes and the contemporary art masterpieces that are periodically shown in the exhibitions hosted here, make Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello the perfect location for the balance between old and new, between ancient environment and contemporary art, architecture and design.
Today the building is managed by ACIT Venice – the Italian-German Cultural Association – which is considered one of the most important intercultural associations in Europe. Thanks to the ACIT unceasing cultural activity, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello has nowadays frequent collaborations with the Goethe Institute and with other local and international institutions, maintaining its ancient reputation. Because of these relations, it presents a huge program of memorable art exhibitions, conferences, congresses and concerts. Among the last institutional exhibitions, is its participation in the 58th Venice Biennale with the Guatemala pavilion, the Dominican Republic pavilion and the Grenada pavilion. ITSLIQUID Group already had the pleasure to hold some festivals and exhibitions in Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, such as MORPHOS Festival and FUTURE IDENTITIES Festival, both in 2014.