Topic: AI-Driven Design Practice
Date: January 21, 2024
Time: 14:00 – 19:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 1 Session (5 Hours)
Registration Deadline: January 21, 2024
Total Seats: 500 seats
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Available for all Live participants
General Registration: Free
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Cas Esbach – Architect and Project Leader At MVRDV’s Rotterdam office.
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants afterward indefinitely.
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of architectural design, the evolution of tools has become increasingly rapid, requiring architects to adapt continuously. From traditional pen-and-paper methods to CAD, to Rhino and SketchUp, to Grasshopper, and for rendering engines like Vray to Enscape, and now the integration of various forms of Artificial Intelligence, the toolkit of architects is in a perpetual state of transformation. The rapid changes in the field necessitate architects to continually learn and enhance their skills.
This workshop delves into approaches for architects to incorporate AI tools while retaining command over the design process. By providing practical insights, this workshop will illustrate how to navigate and integrate AI into different phases of the design workflow without overpromising or underdelivering.
The Scope of the Workshop:
“AI-Driven Design Practice” will cultivate a practical framework for integrating artificial intelligence into the design process. AI can significantly contribute to the overall process from the initial brainstorming phase to the later stages. Participants will gain insights on optimizing their design methodology by strategically incorporating Midjourney and Stable diffusion in the Creative design process. Join us in exploring the transformative impact of AI on design, elevating your approach with precision and innovation.
Methodology:
We will cover a practical approach to implementing Midjourney and Stable diffusion in your own design workflow and how to communicate it to your clients and professors.
- Midjourney prompting.
- Preparing the Rhino model for SD success.
- SD prompting and what models to use and integrate.
- How to use ControlNet.
- Refining and Post-production in Photoshop.
- Presenting and communicating AI to the client and professor.
Objectives:
- Develop a pragmatic understanding of Midjourney and Stable Diffusion.
- Give the participants a framework within which AI can contribute to the design process.
Program:
Session 1
- Introduction Lecture: Pragmatic AI integration in the design process
- Chapter 1: Dreaming with Midjourney
- Chapter 2: Option testing with Stable Diffusion
Session 2
- Chapter 3: Studies with Stable Diffusion
- Chapter 4: From Model to render
Software:
- Midjourney (standard membership recommended)
- Stable Diffusion and ControlNet ( How to install SD and ControlNet)
- Adobe Photoshop Beta (Recommended, Free Trial available)
- Adobe illustrator (Recommended, Free Trial available)
- Rhino 3D
Stable Diffusion Recomended Models (also copyable from the drive may just be slower)
- EPIC REALISM: https://civitai.com/models/25694?modelVersionId=143906
- DREAM SHAPER: https://civitai.com/models/4384/dreamshaper
- ARCHITECTURE REAL MIX: https://civitai.com/models/84958/architecturerealmix
In the alternative, participants can use Stable Diffusion on a server relying on RunDiffusion. which is a platform focused on the Stable Diffusion model, charging based on server rental time and the number of models used (it supports ControlNet).


Important Notes:
- The “AI-Driven Design Practice” Free Studio workshop by PAACADEMY will start on Saturday, 21st January, at 11:00 (GMT).
- Total sessions: one session
- The teaching duration per session will be 4-5 hours.
- Students will have time for a break between teaching hours.
- Each session and the entire studio will be recorded, and videos will be available for participants just a day after the class for unlimited time.
- PAACADEMY will provide a certificate of attendance.
Instructor:
Cas Esbach
Cas Esbach is a project leader and architect located in MVRDV’s Rotterdam Office. With a rich professional background that includes positions at Derksen|Windt in Delft, Civic Projects in Chicago, and BIG in New York, Cas has been an integral part of the MVRDV team in Rotterdam for over five years. He has significantly contributed to and led numerous impactful projects during his tenure. His notable achievements include successful projects such as the Shenzhen Terraces, Tripolis Park in Amsterdam, and Valley in Amsterdam. Additionally, Cas has served as an esteemed educator, bringing his expertise to the academic realm as a dedicated teacher at TU Delft, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for architecture to the next generation of professionals.
Topic: AI-Driven Design Practice
Date: January 21, 2024
Time: 14:00 – 19:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 1 Session (5 Hours)
Registration Deadline: January 21, 2024
Total Seats: 500 seats
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Available for all participants
General Registration: Free
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Cas Esbach – Architect and Project Leader At MVRDV’s Rotterdam office.
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants afterward indefinitely.
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