AI Workflow & Exploration

Introduction

Artificial intelligence was integrated into the redesign process of the Cultural Passage project to support research, concept development, and design exploration. Rather than replacing architectural thinking, AI was used as a design assistant that generated ideas, visualisations, and environmental strategies. The use of AI allowed the project to be examined from different perspectives and encouraged a more critical and iterative design process

Throughout this process, several AI tools were used to investigate climate-responsive strategies, public space improvements, and alternative design solutions. The outputs were evaluated, refined, and compared with the original proposal to identify opportunities for improving the project's environmental performance and user experience. The final decisions remained based on architectural judgement and the overall objectives of the Cultural Passage project.

Prompt Development

Introduction

During the AI exploration process, carefully structured prompts were developed to guide artificial intelligence toward generating ideas that were relevant to the Cultural Passage project. The prompts focused on environmental performance, spatial experience, public interaction, and sustainable design strategies. By refining the prompts, the AI outputs became more specific and aligned with the project's concept of movement and cultural engagement.

Prompt 1 – Climate Responsiveness

Prompt: Suggest passive cooling strategies for a civic cultural building located in Kajang, Malaysia.

Purpose:
To identify strategies that reduce heat gain and improve thermal comfort in Malaysia's hot and humid climate.

AI Output:

Deep roof overhangs
External shading devices
Cross ventilation
Courtyards and vegetation

Design Decision:
The recommendations influenced the enhancement of shading systems and natural ventilation strategies within the Cultural Passage project.

Prompt 2 – Public Interaction

Prompt:

Generate ideas for an open cultural street that encourages social interaction and community activities.

Purpose:
To explore ways of transforming circulation spaces into active social environments.

AI Output:

Flexible exhibition areas
Seating zones
Art installations
Event spaces

Design Decision:
These ideas strengthened the role of the central cultural passage as the main social spine of the building

Prompt 3 – Sustainable Materials

Prompt:

Recommend sustainable materials suitable for a tropical cultural building.

Purpose:
To investigate environmentally responsible materials that improve building performance.

AI Output:

Low-E glass
Recycled steel
Timber shading screens
Locally sourced materials

Design Decision:
The proposed materials informed the redesign strategy and improved the environmental performance of the project.

Prompt 4 – Design Experience

Prompt:

How can architecture create a journey of movement and spatial experience inside a cultural building?

Purpose:
To investigate how circulation and spatial sequencing can create memorable experiences.

AI Output:

Layered spaces
Framed views
Transitional zones
Visual connections

Design Decision:
These recommendations reinforced the original concept of "Movement Through Space" and helped refine the user experience throughout the Cultural Passage project.

The comparison shows that each AI tool contributed differently to the redesign of the Cultural Passage project. ChatGPT was the most effective for research, environmental analysis, and idea generation. Gemini supported concept development and material exploration by providing alternative design approaches. AI Image Generators were valuable for visualisation and communicating design ideas but often produced unrealistic solutions. Overall, the redesign process demonstrated that AI is a powerful support tool, while the final design decisions still depend on critical thinking and professional judgement.

Version 1: Original Proposal

Characteristics:

Two building volumes connected by a central cultural passage.
Open public spaces for exhibitions and social activities.
Strong emphasis on movement and spatial experience.
Basic environmental strategies and façade treatment.

Version 2: AI-Supported Improvements

Changes Introduced:

Enhanced shading devices to reduce solar heat gain.
Improved natural ventilation and cross-ventilation pathways.
Introduction of interactive exhibition areas within the cultural passage.
Improved daylight penetration and outdoor gathering spaces.

Version 3: Final Improved Design

dditional Enhancements:

Sustainable materials such as timber screens and Low-E glazing.
Native landscape and shaded outdoor social spaces.
Flexible multipurpose areas for community activities and exhibitions.
Improved façade performance and environmental responsiveness.
Enhanced user experience through more active and engaging public spaces.

Reflection on the AI Process

The integration of artificial intelligence into the redesign of the Cultural Passage project expanded the design exploration process and encouraged more critical thinking. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI image generators were used to investigate environmental strategies, generate alternative design ideas, and visualize different spatial possibilities.

The use of AI helped identify opportunities for improving shading, natural ventilation, public interaction, and overall user experience. The iterative process of prompting, evaluating, and refining ideas enabled the project to evolve beyond its original proposal and develop more responsive and sustainable design solutions.

However, the process also demonstrated that AI has limitations. Some outputs lacked contextual understanding and produced unrealistic architectural solutions that required careful evaluation. Therefore, human judgement remained essential in selecting, adapting, and refining the most appropriate ideas.

Overall, the experience showed that artificial intelligence does not replace architectural thinking. Instead, it functions as a powerful design assistant that supports research, creativity, and decision-making. The final design quality depended on the ability to critically interpret AI outputs and integrate them responsibly within the project's objectives and site context.

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