Using AI as a form finding tool within the designing process

For this design challenge I utilized AI as a new innovative form-finding tool to develop this unique chair. As an architect, I always look for new tools and inspiration to help me in the designing proces. Through collaboration with AI, I explored different design variations (see images above), beginning with an initial shape inspired by Gijs Bakker’s artwork ‘Circle in Circle’. AI offered me valuable insights and guidance, but in the end it was my own creative vision and artistic direction that guided the refinement of the design. The iterative outcomes from this process served only as inspiration and reference for further developing the 3D model of the chair. This design process, resulting in the final chair on the right, highlights how AI can support and enhance the creative process. I believe that as architects, we are not being replaced by computers. By understanding and mastering these tools, it enables us to utilize them more effectively in the architectural design process.

The final design features an ergonomic continuous shape, which forms the front legs, seat, and backrest. This seat is made from biobased polypropylene (PP), which is shaped using vacuum molding, and then upholstered. This material offers both durability and strength, supporting the front legs of the chair. Since the seating element mostly rests on the back legs, they bear the majority of the weight. Therefore, these back legs are
made from oak wood. The visual balance between these two shapes and their codependence to create a stable form, I believe embodies my
personal style as an architect. I often seek for a bit of conflict within balanced spaces in order to create points of interest that invite exploration. However, the computer aided design process itself mostly represents my personal design philosophy in architecture.

The design process began with an initial form inspired by Gijs Bakker’s artwork ‘Circle in Circle’. This piece features two circles with a minimal surface created between them, reminiscent of the thin membrane of soap bubbles spanning between two wires. I have always been inspired by complex geometry to create interesting shapes and spaces in architecture.