unLoc
Exploring the Synergy of Human and Machine Creativity in Architecture. Redesigning Urban Space through Machine Learning, Artistic Expression, and Community Collaboration.

 

Duration : 2023-2025
Countries: Poland, Latvia, Romania
Cities: Cracow, Warsaw, Riga, Bucharest

KEYWORDS: Architecture of Power / Locus of Control / Redesign / Machine Learning Algorithms / Participatory creative research

 

GRANT: BUILDING TRANSFORMATION CAPACITY THROUGH ARTS AND DESIGN: UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL FOR URBAN TRANSITIONS
A Joint Call within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme ERA-NET Cofund Urban Transformation Capacities (ENUTC) under Grant Agreement No. 101003758

 

ART + PARTICIPATION + AI + URBAN THEORY

 

PROJECT GOAL

The project examines how power relations are reflected in the Socialist-period architecture of the former Eastern Bloc countries. Using new technologies, we aim to reshape perceptions of this dissonant architectural heritage. Drawing from historical and social inspirations, AI, art, design and computer programming, we develop alternative visions of urban space. The project situates itself within the broader context of architectural history and urban planning, and examines how social control and conflict manifest in public spaces. Our objective is to spark dialogue between urban spaces and their residents, providing tools to better understand resident needs and fostering sustainable urban planning practices.

 

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Theoretical Analysis: Review the impact of architecture of power on urban spaces; explore redesign possibilities.
Social Feedback: Gather residents’ perspectives and assess decentralization effects.
AI-based Research: Create AI tools for innovative spatial design.
Prototype Development: Test neural network tool for ecological and inclusive cities.
Participatory Action Research: Art and design as tactics for creatively reinterpreting architecture.
Democratic Approach: Identify sustainable, inclusive urban design functions.
Grey to Green Strategy: Link self-sufficiency to resident control in green cities.
Evaluation: Assess human-machine collaboration in design.

 

RESEARCH CONTEXT / PROJECT GOAL

The title of the project – unLoc – is inspired by the concept of “locus of control”, which we use as a metaphorical reference to the symbolism of the architecture of power. In the project, we explore how the history of power relations is reflected in architecture. We use new technologies that can change the way people perceive and understand architecture.
Using historical and social inspirations, computer programming, art, design and artificial intelligence, we create a platform for alternative visions of urban space. The project is embedded in the broad context of the history of architecture, urban planning, and how social control, influence, and conflict manifest themselves through the structure of public space. We analyze the architecture of power to select objects with a ” history”, that constitute symbols of power and dependence. We focus the research area on post-communist architecture in the countries of the former Eastern Bloc.
We explore alternative possibilities, artistic inspiration, and dialogue between urban space and its inhabitants. We want to provide the tool for a better understanding of the needs of the city residents, discussing different perspectives and approaches for urban planning and the platform for creating sustainable and well-designed cities.

 

RESEARCH PROCESS AND RESULTS

Research activities include a sequence of research on the architecture of power on spatial structures in cities (WP1), providing adequate social feedback from inhabitants and experts (WP2), re-design participatory research oriented on art, design and experimental creation (WP3), that are simultaneously supported by ongoing AI-based research investigating the potential of machine learning algorithms as a supplementary instrument for the creative process in terms of urban planning (WP5). The methodology of each WP provides different scientific backgrounds, tools and perspective and enables to actively engage experts, neighborhoods, and stakeholders. Dissemination activities include final event “Rethinking the Architecture of Power” (WP4), which included symposium oriented on artists, designers, researchers, experts, policymakers, and neighborhood representatives and exhibition of a resarch results as a narrative, engaging, and attractive method of results dissemination to the wider public. Another important form of dissemination is an online platform Redesign Your City (WP6) as a globally accessible project repository enabling the further use of methodology and multiplication of researches on different cities, sites, etc. The main phases are supported by providing and developing a data repository to effectively store, manage, and share the data collected and generated throughout the project (WP7) and adequate management of interdisciplinary and international Consortium (WP8).

 

PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND FINANCING

 

Poland | consortium leader

Financed by National Science Centre, Poland, within the ENUTC programme (JPI Urban Europe). Registration number 2023/05/Y/HS6/00117. Exploring the Synergy of Human and Machine Creativity in Architecture. Redesigning Urban Space through Machine Learning, Artistic Expression, and Community Collaboration (unLoc).

UKEN budget = 900 056 PLN
PI: Dr Jacek Złoczowski
University of the National Education Commission, Krakow
Institute of Art and Design
email: jacek.zloczowski@uken.krakow.pl

 

Romania | consortium partner

Contract no. 62 din 18/03/2024; ERANET-ENUTC-unLoc-2: Exploring the Synergy of Human and Machine Creativity in Architecture. Redesigning Urban Space through Machine Learning, Artistic Expression, and Community Collaboration (unLoc), financed by UEFISCDI, Program ERANET-ENUTC.

SNSPA budget = 80.000 euro/400.000 RON
PI: Loredana Ivan Professor, PhD
National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Communication Department, Povernei 6, 010643, Bucharest, Phone 0372249771,
Email: loredana.ivan@comunicare.ro

Report_RO_2024
Report_RO_2025
Report_Ro_2026_final

 

Latvia | consortium partner

Exploring the Synergy of Human and Machine Creativity in Architecture. Redesigning Urban Space through Machine Learning, Artistic Expression, and Community Collaboration (unLoc), financed by State Education Development Agency.

PI: Dr Liene Jakobsone
Art Academy of Latvia, Riga
Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture
email: liene.jakobsone@lma.lv