Exhibition Details

DOTTOD proudly unveils its latest project, Icons' Replicants, on May 11, 2023 at the design gallery Il·lacions. The project's goal is to create a unique collection of cybernetic interpretations of iconic pieces by harnessing the power of advanced AI technologies. This process results in unconventional visual representations of well-known design classics, while also illustrating the creative potential of AI and the role of human designers in transforming digital ideas into functional physical objects.
Icons' Replicants bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds through two primary components: the AI-generated digital images of the original pieces' descriptions, and the tangible prototypes based on these snapshots. To produce the AI-generated images, five iconic chairs and a selection of small objects with significant historical impact on furniture design were selected. These objects' official descriptions served as input for an AI system capable of creating images and art forms from text descriptions. The outcome is a captivating gallery that offers the AI's visual interpretation of these iconic furniture pieces.
Once the images were generated, human designers stepped in to convert the AI creations into functional, real-life prototypes. This process involved continuous negotiation between designers and the artefacts, striking a balance between feasibility and fidelity, as well as materiality and surreality. The shift from traditional design methodology challenged the designers to exhibit meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, striving to bring the AI's vision to life while preserving the functionality and integrity of the original designs.
To further enhance the project's impact, DOTTOD has established an online gallery showcasing both the digital and physical works produced during the project. This virtual exhibition space serves as a platform for AI-generated images and physical objects to coexist, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the digital and physical realms in design.
Artificial Intelligence as Curator and Creator
One of the key aspects that set Icons' Replicants apart from traditional design projects is the role of artificial intelligence as both the curator and creator. By utilizing AI to interpret and recreate iconic designs, the designers can focus the creative effort into other aspects of the process delegating part of the practice to this new tool.
This approach emphasizes the potential of AI as a creative tool and questions the role of human designers in an increasingly digital world. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between AI and human designers, as they dialogue between digital creations and their physical counterparts.
Conclusions
Icons' Replicants is a fresh project that showcases the creative potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of furniture design. By merging AI-generated interpretations with skilled craftsmanship and physical prototyping, the designers bring a unique perspective to the world of design and challenge the traditional boundaries between the digital and physical domains. As Icons' Replicants continues to grow, it will undoubtedly inspire further exploration of AI's role in design and prompt a reevaluation of the relationship between human designers and their increasingly sophisticated digital counterparts.