ConvNet Use in Architectural Design Process: Evaluation System of the Artificial Creativity Couple

The use of algorithms in the architectural design process can be driven by interrelated motivations including reducing labour in the representation phase and gaining fast visual feedback. Kostas Terzidis coined the term ‘algorithmic design’ in his book Algorithmic Architecture. Based on the interaction loop between human and computer unveiled in his book, this paper proposes to apply the concept to a specific kind of algorithmic tool: convolutional neural networks (ConvNet). Some types of ConvNet can be used with deconvolution operations to produce realistic images with only a few inputs. The paper will present an evaluation system to compare digital tools that can be used in the design process. This system focuses on the couple of User and Tool in creative design issue. From these evaluations, insight on the typology of tools for designer are discussed. Then, the specificity of ConvNet based tools considered amongst other conventional tools will be presented.