This term, we will be exploring visual generative AI methods, alternating between off-the-shelf AI tools such as MidJourney and self-programmed GANs. The course will focus on generating a new architectural language through the intentional creation of glitches.

Glitch Art, a movement that seeks to overload and manipulate new media devices to produce critical perspectives, will serve as an inspiration (Jones, 2020). Originally concerned with the pixelations and clicks of 1990s and early 2000s compression mechanisms, Glitch Art transcends mere errors. While “glitchy” often describes interactions with technology that feel unexpectedly erroneous, glitches are more than simple mistakes. They are noise artifacts with unknown causes, distinguishing them from known errors or bugs, which have solutions. Glitches surprise and baffle because they resist explanation (Gass, 2024).

For game developers Naomi Clark and merritt k, glitches are considered queer because they surprise both players and creators through the unexpected play of rules (Gass, 2024). In AI, glitches hold the potential to generate unforeseen behaviors not anticipated by their creators. These emergent behaviors arise from AI's ability to navigate logical pathways based on superficial problem representations, exploiting loopholes or unintended aspects of its programming to reach novel conclusions or behaviors.

The course will apply a mixed methodology of hands-on coding, text-to-image tools, and theoretical discussions. As text-to-image tools become more powerful and precise, we will delve into generating new glitches to break these precision cycles and explore new methods of design exploration.

Throughout the course, we will decode and encode data, transitioning from images to design parameters and back from parameters to images. We will use a mixed environment of Google Colab, Rhino Grasshopper, and MidJourney. Participants will have access to a joint MidJourney unlimited account.

Attendance and presence are obligatory throughout the course. If there are any pre-planned excursions, students must communicate this at the beginning of the semester.

Participation in the course and submission of assignments are both mandatory. If a student participates in the course but fails to submit their assignments, they will receive a negative grade.

The examination will consist of a presentation at the end of the semester, along with a 3,000-word text summarizing the experiments and results.