Nowadays, probably more than ever, the ability to effectively communicate a project is arguably as important as the design itself. Being able to clearly and engagingly describe an architectural idea is essential for gaining client approval, winning competitions, and promoting your work. Of course, this isn’t everything—there are other aspects of project storytelling, such as visuals, credits, and additional strategies, I explain it very well all in this dedicated post.
Nevertheless, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on texts, ChatGPT, can become a valuable ally in this process, helping to create descriptions and narratives that capture the essence of the project. In this article, we will explore how to create effective prompts to obtain powerful and persuasive project descriptions from ChatGPT, optimized for your audience of architects and designers.
How to create a well-structured prompt
A prompt is the input you provide to ChatGPT to get a response. The quality of the prompt directly determines the quality of the AI-generated response. To obtain detailed and coherent project descriptions, it’s crucial to structure prompts clearly and precisely.
A prompt should be clear and specific to avoid generic responses. For example, instead of asking, “Describe a residential building,” a more effective prompt could be, “Describe a five-story residential building located in an urban area, designed to maximize energy efficiency and offer modern communal spaces.”
Of course you can be a lot more specific. In any case, you should always provide context and clarify the objectives of the description. This helps ChatGPT focus the response on what’s most important for the project. For instance, you can specify whether the description is intended for a technical audience, such as other architects, or a non-technical audience, such as potential clients.
Key elements for describing an architectural project
When creating a prompt to describe a project, it’s helpful to include key elements that represent the project’s highlights. These elements can vary depending on the project phase, audience, and communication goals.
Building type and function
Start by specifying the building type (residential, commercial, cultural, etc.) and its primary function. For example, “Design a public library in a historic neighborhood that incorporates contemporary design elements.”
Context and site
Describe the project’s context and location, including climate, topography, and cultural or historical features of the site. For example, “Located in a hilly area with panoramic views, the building is designed to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding natural landscape.”
Materials and technology
Specify the materials and technologies used in the project, especially if they are innovative or sustainable. For example, “The building uses certified wood and low-emissivity glass to improve thermal insulation and reduce environmental impact.”
Design concept and philosophy
Describe the concept and philosophy behind the project. This helps communicate the intention behind the design choices. For example, “The project is based on the concept of ‘openness,’ with fluid internal spaces visually connected to the external environment.”
Example of a prompt structure to describe in detail architectural projects
Follow these instructions to create a structured, complete, and informative news article about an architectural project.
Start from a general intro
Act as if you are a journalist specializing in architecture writing for a reputable industry magazine. Your next article concerns the narrative description of an architectural project with the following characteristics:
Tone and Style
Use formal but not overly technical language, suitable for an audience of professionals in the field of architecture and design. Ensure sentences are elegant yet comprehensible, avoiding overly complex terms or unnecessary technical jargon. Make sure the text is rich in detailed descriptions to clearly evoke the image of the spaces and design choices.
Title and Introduction
Begin with a title that briefly describes the project, followed by a brief introduction that contextualizes the project, presenting its name, origin, location, involved client, and primary use.
Continue by specifying the type of intervention (whether new construction or renovation, etc.) and then give a preview of the architectural choices, explaining the reasoning behind each decision.
Mention the main actors involved in the project and their roles. Specify the names and roles of the consultants who contributed to this project.
Architectural Information
Briefly describe the main architect. Quotes from key figures add value and credibility to the article. Provide an overview of the building’s design, including unique and distinctive features of the project. Highlight key elements, such as the use of natural light, choice of materials, and spatial organization. Describe how the space meets the functional needs of the client.
Urban and Architectural Context
Place the building within the context of the city, mentioning surrounding buildings and architectural styles. Explain how the new building fits and responds to the local architectural context.
Technical Details and Design Features
Provide technical details about the building, such as total area, intended functions, and construction specifics. Describe in detail the design choices and the benefits they offer to the occupants, including the architectural solutions adopted. Introduce the choice of materials and finishes, explaining how they contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of the spaces.
Specify the current status of the project, summarize all its features in one sentence or a memorable concept, and hint at what to expect in the next phase.
Architectural storytelling with ChatGPT
Beyond simply describing the project, ChatGPT can also be used to develop a narrative that tells the story behind the design. This approach is particularly useful for engaging the audience and creating an emotional connection with the project.
Creating a project story
You can ask ChatGPT to create a story that narrates the project’s evolution, from initial inspirations to challenges faced during realization. For example, “Tell the story of designing a cultural center in a coastal city, exploring how the architect integrated elements of local tradition with innovative solutions to meet the community’s needs.”
Focus on human details
Integrate human aspects of the project into the narrative, such as its impact on the community or the stories of future occupants. For example, “Describe how the design of a new residential neighborhood took into account the needs of local families, creating communal spaces that promote social interaction and a sense of belonging.”
Use evocative language
Encourage ChatGPT to use evocative and sensory language to make the narrative more engaging. For example, “Describe the experience of walking through the inner courtyard of a restored monastery, with sunlight filtering through the columns and the sound of water flowing in the central fountain.”
Optimizing prompts for an audience of architects
When using ChatGPT to create descriptions and narratives, it’s important to consider the target audience. Architects and design professionals will appreciate detailed technical descriptions and precise language. However, if the audience includes clients or investors, it may be useful to simplify the language and focus on visual and emotional aspects.
Customization for the audience:
Tailor prompts based on the audience. For example, a prompt for a technical description might require details about structural systems or materials, while a prompt for a client-focused description could emphasize aesthetics and residential comfort.
Inclusion of SEO Keywords:
If the description will be used in an online context, such as the studio’s website or a blog, make sure to include relevant keywords in the prompt to optimize visibility in search engines. For example, “Create an SEO-optimized description for the renovation of a historic villa, focusing on sustainability and modern design.”
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Creating effective prompts is an iterative process. The first attempt may not always produce the perfect description. It’s important to refine prompts based on the results obtained, adding details or modifying the structure to improve responses.
Try different prompt variations and analyze ChatGPT’s responses. If a response is too generic, add details to the prompt. If it’s too technical, remove or simplify some parts.
ChatGPT offers a powerful tool for describing and narrating architectural projects in a clear, detailed, and engaging manner. By creating well-structured prompts, you can obtain descriptions that not only inform but also inspire and capture the imagination of your audience. Whether communicating with other professionals or clients, using ChatGPT for architectural storytelling can significantly improve the quality of communication and contribute to the success of your projects.
