Topic: Multi-Scalar Urbanism: Concept Buildups with AI
Date: October 24 – 25, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 18:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 2 Sessions (8 Hours)
Registration Deadline: October 23rd, 2026
Total Seats: 50 seats
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
General Registration: 100 EUR
Join free: with Full Access membership
Fee for Digital Members: 85 EUR (15% discount available only for Digital Members)
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Sarah Aladayleh
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants indefinitely afterward.
Introduction to Multi-Scalar Urbanism: Concept Buildups with AI:
Masterplans are built up in layers: a framework in plan, a gesture in volume, and a story tying the two together. These layers, whether extracted from context, narrative, environment, or formal gestures, can be sequentially represented in a concept buildup.
On an urban scale, framework layers identify the core ingredients of a concept’s expression. From mobility and superplots down to plots and buildings, these elements dictate zoning and spatial languages. This workshop teaches the critical skill of extracting and filtering these layers with clarity, using the sequential thinking needed to express a masterplan in a multi-scalar lens.
Urban diagramming is treated as a storytelling skill here: a masterplan’s logic legible through its story, shown step by step. Participants will work from a provided demo masterplan project, or their own personal urban project, to extract/create layers. These layers will then be expressed into an axonometric sequence at the urban scale, sequenced as an annotated pitch deck, and finally animated into a dynamic concept buildup using AI.
Methodology:
The workshop is structured as a live studio where participants can choose to work from one shared demo masterplan or use their personal urban projects to mirror the buildup approach. Participants can work individually or be assigned a different workstream from the same base project. (Dependent on the number of students)
Step 1: Principles, Frameworks & Multi-scalar Urbanism
An introductory presentation covering urban design principles, frameworks, and multi-scalar case studies (BIG). An intro to the demo masterplan project and its underlying story is introduced as a reading framework.
Step 2: Axonometric Build-up
Extracting or creating additional layers of a masterplan into a volumetric axonometric build-up. Each student develops a sequence of axonometric steps that show how the masterplan gesture forms.
Step 3: The Deck
Diagrams are annotated, then laid out as an axonometric sequence. This creates a short, sharp pitch sequence telling the story of the masterplan.
Step 4: The Animation
Krea or Gemini will be used to input the buildup stills, allowing AI to fill in the increments between steps. Adobe Premiere is then used if needed to stitch the video outputs and tweak as needed.
Key Learning Topics:
- Deconstruct masterplans into layered frameworks.
- Translate plan frameworks into 3D axonometric massing.
- Diagram design logic into a clear sequential narrative.
- Format annotated visuals into a pitch deck.
- Animate your concept buildup using AI tools.
Program:
Day 1:
- Introductory presentation on urban design principles, frameworks, multi-scalar case studies, and storytelling in urbanism.
- Framing the workshop and the importance of a concept buildup.
- Introduction to the demo masterplan project.
- Live demonstration of extracting the plan-layer buildup (grid/blocks to superplots to plots to buildings) step by step.
- Storyboarding the concept sequence logic based on design and narrative.
- Setting up Rhino cameras for the sequence.
Day 2:
- Recap of Day 1 plan sequences.
- Rhino model and axonometric export workflow to turn moves into a volumetric buildup base.
- Sequencing the axonometric gesture buildup step by step.
- InDesign or Illustrator workflows for editing and annotating the axonometric linework.
- Animating in AI (Krea or Gemini) to generate the incremental buildup steps.
Software:
- Rhinoceros 3D
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Krea AI
- Gemini
Workshop Notes:
- Software Installation is NOT a part of the workshop! Students must have all the software installed before starting the workshop.
- Basic knowledge of Rhino is required
Instructor:
Sarah Aladayleh
Sarah Aladayleh is an architect and urbanist based in London. As a Design Lead at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), she leads large-scale urban design and masterplanning projects across the Middle East and the UK. Her design methodology explores the intersection of spatial frameworks and visual storytelling.
Alongside her architectural career, Sarah is a published illustrator. Her work has been commissioned and exhibited internationally by the Institut du Monde Arabe in France, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.
Important Notes:
- The “Multi-Scalar Urbanism: Concept Buildups with AI” workshop by PAACADEMY will start at 14:00 (GMT) on Saturday, October 24th, 2026.
- Total sessions: 2 Sessions (8 Hours).
- The teaching duration per session will be 4 hours.
- Students will have time for a break between teaching hours.
- The workshop will be recorded, and videos will be available for participants just a day after the class for an unlimited time.
- PAACADEMY will provide a certificate of attendance.
- The studio has limited seats. Tickets are non-transferable & non-refundable. Please read carefully before you register.
Topic: Multi-Scalar Urbanism: Concept Buildups with AI
Date: October 24 – 25, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 18:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 2 Sessions (8 Hours)
Registration Deadline: October 23rd, 2026
Total Seats: 50 seats
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
General Registration: 100 EUR
Join free: with Full Access membership
Fee for Digital Members: 85 EUR (15% discount available only for Digital Members)
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Sarah Aladayleh
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants afterward indefinitely.
