Beyond the Human: Exploring AI Creativity through the Works of Daniel Bolojan Studio and Coop Himmelb(l)au.
Abstract
Context: This study examines the co-creativity between human and non-human agents that influences certain contemporary architectural and artistic trends. It focuses on two significant works generated through artificial intelligence programs: Machine Perceptions: Gaudi + Neural Networks, designed by Daniel Bolojan Studio in 2018, and Deep Himmelb(l)au, developed by the Coop Himmelb(l)au agency in 2019.
Method: The research is based on an in-depth scientific review of these two projects as well as on the use of artificial intelligence - particularly deep learning techniques - in design and architecture. It also integrates a visual analysis relying on photographic and videographic material drawn from key conferences.
Results: Machine Perceptions: Gaudi + Neural Networks seeks to develop a prototype AI algorithm capable of recognizing and reinterpreting geometric and aesthetic compositional principles inspired by Antonio Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. By contrast, Deep Himmelb(l)au explores the acceleration of Coop Himmelb(l)au’s architectural design process through the use of a generative program capable of autonomous and continuous reinterpretations inspired by the agency’s projects.
Conclusions: Both projects, grounded in the training of digitized image banks, go beyond the capacities of conventional text-based artificial intelligence programs such as DALL-E or Midjourney. The work of Bolojan and Vermisso, based on CycleGANs, produces a two-dimensional “hallucination” of architectural space, whereas Coop Himmelb(l)au exploits a diversity of collaborative neural networks to engage with the third dimension. Although still emerging, these initiatives demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence to open new creative frontiers that transcend the artist’s creation.
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Article Details
Accepted 2025-12-03
Published 2026-01-31