The world of landscape architecture is on the cusp of a revolution, with the integration of emerging technologies like AI set to transform the way we design and create outdoor spaces. In a bold step towards embracing this new era, Hassell, a global architecture and design firm, launched an internal competition to explore the role of AI in design. The Treehouse Concept
The competition, which took place over a year ago, was sparked by the availability of AI tools that could generate high-quality imagery. Xavier De Kestelier, Principal and Head of Design at Hassell, saw an opportunity to engage architects and designers in experimenting with these tools and to explore their potential in landscape architecture.
- Engaging with AI tools: The competition aimed to encourage participants to engage with AI tools and explore their potential in landscape architecture.
- Exploring creative directions: The competition was designed to help teams explore creative directions in landscape architecture using AI tools.
- Accessibility and inclusivity: The competition was open to participants from all disciplines, including architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design.
“I wanted our architects and designers to engage with these tools and explore what they could do with them. Rather than simply offering a training session—which felt a bit dull—I thought a competition would be a more engaging way for people to self-train and experiment.”
— Xavier De Kestelier, Principal and Head of Design at Hassell
The Unexpected Results
The competition received a strong response from participants, with around 60 people from different disciplines taking part. The results were unexpected, with many participants using AI tools in ways that were not immediately apparent.
- Originality and creativity: Many participants developed original ideas first and then crafted prompts around them, highlighting the importance of creative prompt engineering.
- Visual quality and sustainability: The top submissions demonstrated a strong focus on visual quality and sustainability, with many participants using AI tools to create high-quality images.
- Alignment between concept and image: The competition highlighted the importance of aligning the concept description with the visual output, a key criterion in evaluating the submissions.
The Future of Landscape Architecture
Xavier De Kestelier sees AI as a tool that will enhance creativity rather than replace it. He believes that AI will reinvigorate the value of hand sketches and written concept descriptions in the design process. Key Takeaways
* AI will not replace creativity but will enhance it. * AI tools are accessible and can be used by people with varying levels of software skills. * Sustainability and regenerative design are key themes in the future of landscape architecture.
