URBAN ARCADE

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Idea projektu

How can we design the cities of the future with artificial intelligence, not by surrendering control but by inviting AI into a creative partnership? Our project began with this question. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human creativity, we saw it as a tool that could expand the architect’s cognitive reach, enhancing analysis, enabling faster iteration, and enriching the design process with new kinds of spatial intelligence. This experiment in co-creation revealed that AI does not generate answers in isolation. It becomes part of a conversation where human intuition and machine logic engage in a continuous exchange.

At the center of our exploration lies the belief that technology should support human agency. We did not ask AI to design for us. We designed with it. Through this method, the design process becomes more reflective, multidimensional, and responsive to complex urban conditions. The result is a new kind of architecture, one rooted in data yet driven by empathy, cultural context, and social vision.

This student project was developed as part of our "Urban Revitalization and Revalorization" course and served primarily as a response to the design challenge proposed by the Edmund N. Bacon Urban Design Awards.

The task centered on reimagining a centrally located but long-neglected site known locally as “The Disney Hole.” Originally intended for a Disney Quest attraction, the area has remained a surface parking lot for years, becoming a void in the urban fabric of downtown Philadelphia.

In our approach, we emphasized innovation and sensitivity to local context. A key aspect of the project was the integration of artificial intelligence as a co-creative tool in the design process. This allowed us to explore forward-thinking solutions that combine technological advancement with the needs of the community and the character of the place.

Popis projektu

Our approach was based on collaboration with AI, which played a crucial role in shaping the space. We began by analyzing the needs of the local community and the urban context, and then developed a functional program tailored to the character of the neighborhood. Artificial intelligence helped us in the arrangement of various functions by analyzing spatial data and the relationships between program elements.

The historical significance of the site inspired us to incorporate AI in the process of optimizing the placement of functions within the design. To precisely determine the location of each functional element, we divided the site into a grid of coordinates. Using AI algorithms, we obtained recommendations for the optimal placement of functions in space - similar to the mechanics of a game of Battleship. This process allowed us to methodically and efficiently shape the structure of the project, considering both spatial context and functional requirements.

Thanks to this synergy, we created a design with a unique form that harmoniously integrates various urban functions. The building not only addresses contemporary urban challenges but also serves as an example of a new approach to design, where technology becomes an architect’s partner.

One of the most unique aspects of our project is the format in which it is presented. We opted for a comic book - style narrative, where the presenter and the AI-symbol robot describe the project's assumptions. This makes the project more accessible and visually engaging, while also highlighting our collaboration with modern technology. The comic book format not only engages the audience but also gives the project an artistic dimension, underscoring its innovative character.

Our project exemplifies a modern approach to urbanism, where artificial intelligence not only supports the design process but also improves the quality of life for residents. By combining ecology, functionality, and innovation, we have created a concept that could serve as an inspiration for future urban projects worldwide.

Technické informace

The result of this collaboration is a multifunctional building that addresses the environmental, social, and infrastructural challenges of the site. Located on Market Street, the design tackles the urban heat island effect with cascading green terraces and employs acoustic façade panels to create a more comfortable interior environment. The shape of the façade draws inspiration from surrounding architecture, ensuring visual continuity with the neighborhood while maintaining originality.

Connectivity was also a priority. A subterranean level links the building with Philadelphia’s public transportation network and transforms the waiting experience into an engaging space with arcade games and entertainment.

The floor design features a color gradient inspired by temperature changes. The deepest part of the project, located at level minus one where the transport hub sits, glows red to illustrate the heat island effect. This solution is both expressive and educational, raising awareness about thermal phenomena in the city.

Another key element is the introduction of a woonerf, a pedestrian-first shared space that brings vitality to the neighborhood and encourages community interaction. Ground-floor services activate the area while a nearby sports zone offers opportunities for recreation and social engagement.

Dokumentace

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