DEFRAGMENTED BEYOND AI - by TOFA
DEFRAGMENTED BEYOND AI - by TOFA
DEFRAGMENTED BEYOND AI - by TOFA
mented
BEYOND
ai CHRISTOPHER NOELLE AKA TOFA
TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
INTRODUCTION 03
FLUID ARCHITECTURE 04
ONE OF A MILLION 19
THE QUESTION IS 37
PENCIL DRAWINGS 72
CROCHETED STYLE 82
CONTACT 150
DEFRAGMENTED BEYOND ARCHITECTURE.
BUILDING A FUTURE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.
Text: Christopher Noelle aka TOFA
Working with wordings like architetturafuturista and neural architecture based on macro structures in AI helps in
research and development of the creativitiy workflow to find inspirations for new materials.
A skyscraper in liquid
neural designed shapes.
Two results using macro images as stylereference (--sref) in combination with liquid neural architecture
STYLEREFERENCE TO DEFINE YOUR LOOK
When you found a good prompt, the term style reference When you place the value 1-5 behind each link, it needs
can have a huge impact on your creations look. a space and a “::” so a sample prompt will look like this:
The term is used at the end of your prompt to define the placeyourprompthere --ar 16:9 --sref www.imagelink1.
look, so e.g. you could use several images to define your jpg ::5 www.imagelink2.jpg ::3 www.imagelink3.jpg ::1
preferred style. --sw 330
Now either upload your own image, use one from the The term --ar defines your aspect ratio.
running Midjourney channel or from an external online The --sref images will influence your look while the value
link. (open the image, right click “...save image link” and ::5 tells to generate exactly in this look and the value ::1
paste this into your prompt. Not every external image will is only a bit of this look and the term --sw 1-999 defines
work from copied online image-links, as this is depend- the stylwheight which defines the mixture between your
ing on how they are stored reference pictures.
Using the images from the page before as --sref
Using the terms “pan-tilt”, “depth of field” or “blurred background” seperatly or in combination as attributes in your
text promt can create much more dramaturgy in your generated images and will add a more realisitc look to the
scene. The more details you add to your prompt, the more accurate the AI will match to your vision.
THE CROSS THINKING PROCESS related comic style look in the resulting images.
While running this prompt series, other people also
created stunning stuff that triggered myself to find new Also the usage of multiple --sref images with the add-
style directions to experiment with. This usage of a single on --sw 660 (example value of styleweight) defines how
change in your prompt expression can lead to a huge heavily the used reference images should influence your
difference in the look. style.
So I started to fool around with changing my prompt at Instead of real sref images, using only the term “--sref
the beginning with “Monochrome pencil sketch of...” and random” will create 4 very different randomized looks.
later on also added the term --niji to get some anime
Think about the text describing distances or sizes of the wished view, defining the perspective (lower angle, birdview,
droneview, fisheye, etc.) or adding details in your prompt from the camera you want the rendering to be shooted with
e.g, Red V-Raptor XL, 16mm lens will directly affect your results.
Comparison of --niji mode (left side) and --niji mode in combination with beginning your prompt with “Monochrome
pencil sketch drawing... (right side).
Using the term “blueprint”, “outline” or “pencil
sketch” (next page) will result in different looks.
Adding a single color or a phrase like “duotone blue” or “screenprint style overlays with foggy elements” or “blurred
urban skyline in the background” will cause a different style to your resulting images.
THE ATTRIBUTES
The options of attributes creat such big playground to tween different attributes affects your AI generated look.
fool around with, so when you are interested in what This might sound boring, but knowing the right influenc-
affects what, try using different attributes on one and the ing attributes to create a custom design is the core for a
same prompt several time to see how the reaction be successfull creator.
And if you´re still in search for a different workflow, try to matching prompt for you and use this inside MJ. Here
use ChatGPT (or a similar AI Text generator) to write a aswell, some small add-on attributes at the end of the
prompt helpt to get crazy different results.
Here you chose the style to generate a bigger single image by
clicking U1/U2/U3/U4.
Or you use V1/V2/V3/V4 to get 4 new variations from one of the
four perview images.
The Ubscale function (Subtle) will upscale your single image to maximum size with more or less 1:1 adaption,while
the Upscale (Crative) will add a few variations in the final look, the button Vary will remix your image while the Vary
(Region) will open a pop-up box that lets you draw one ore multiple checkerboxes above unwanted parts where
you could e.g. erase people by typing in “replace with adaption from the surrounding image” or “replace with back-
ground”.
I´ve chosen V1 and changed a single value in the prompt to --w 3000 to cause the maximum of unusal experimental
aesthetics. From there I selected U3 and made 2 upscale variations (> Upscale Creative) from the single picture to
have a choice of two slightly different styles. Additionally when you press the remix button, you can add different val-
ues, colorsettings or changing the entire prompt or just attributes in the remix (for example change the --w settings or
--ar to 1:1 or write something totally different) and by this you will influence the next generated style.
In the next sample´I used the remix of this image and added 4 different
--sref images and the new remix looks like this:
THE 11.th FINGER
Within the creating process you will tumble upon AI is just the 11th finger of your hands while you
several tasks that will define your future workflow. only have to learn how to use it.
It´s good to have a clear general idea or vision in With art inspired architecture and sculptural instal-
mind to keep the focus, otherwise getting lost in lations I use AI content for new conceptual research
endless AI sessions is way too easy. and styles within different projects.
Diving into macro aesthetics
can trigger creative process-
es for finding new materials
or textures for your own 3D
renderings.
Chrome objects have always held a peculiar al- a strong part of graffiti and tagggin/writing culture
lure for me. From the sleek curves of vintage au- and still has an influence on my work today where
tomobiles to the modern sheen of contemporary I work with drippings on 3D printed calligraphy
sculptures, there’s an undeniable magnetism in the sculptures and concrete casted tiles.
reflective surfaces of chrome.
While working with those texture definitions in MJ,
Its lustrous finish seems to capture not just light, macro worlds as well as largscale scultural installa-
but also a sense of timelessness and elegance, tions caught my attention, pushing my boundaries
evoking visions of a bygone era while remaining to think bigger in terms of my own work on sculp-
firmly rooted in the present. Whether it’s the gleam tural installations. Also the macro worlds and tex-
of a chrome bumper catching the sunlight or the tural images can be used on 3D renderings on my
polished edges of a cutting-edge smartphone, own objects surface. Like this, it´s not the AI taking
there’s something undeniably captivating about care of the final design, but it helps me to evaluate
the way chrome objects effortlessly blend new looks in the style of my own vision.
form and function, drawing the eye So AI could be seen as an add-on tool for textures
and sparking the imagina- and as an inspirational source aswell
tion. Chrome has This is the eleventh finger, which is helping me to
also been embrace the future by redefining my new workflow.
Working with drips and drops looks great in a AI visualization, but which material is stable enough for 3D printing or
customized affordable production in your preferred material? Protoyping has to become much easier for supporting
creative visions worldwide. Here, new customizable in-app-integration services and usefull crossmedial-thinking AI
tools will have to be invented.
From Escher-Style Op-Art object to bonsai aestehtic sculpture, architecture is not always a house. The intention of
being creative in terms of the right choice of words will influence the next generations who are already in the starting
blocks. When you start producing, don´t hesitate to copy, but always add your own style on top.
WITHIN THE ROCKS
Welcome to a fusion of industrial strength and Bau- a symphony of design and nature unfolds, inviting
haus elegance, where concrete architecture emerg- you to explore a captivating union of architecture
es from the rugged rocks beside the ocean and the and landscape.
mountains.
As I´m not an architect, I see AI more as an inspira-
In this innovative design approach, Bauhaus prin- tional source that helps me triggering my crossme-
ciples converge with the raw beauty of nature, as dial thinking process:
sleek lines and geometric forms are intricately em-
bedded into the natural rock formations. Drawing If I see such a great AI genrated rendering, a simple
inspiration from the Bauhaus movement’s emphasis question pops up immediatly - how could integrate
on functionality and simplicity, these structures har- or realize this look within my next project?
monize with their surroundings while offering a bold
statement of modernity against the backdrop of This way AI triggers the interest in deeper research
the expansive wild nature. With each wave crash- by visual stimulus and influences my workflow.
ing against the rocks, each snowstorm in the alp,
Robotic 3D concrete printing could be used not only to reproduce largesale 3d designed elements, but also for
accurate use of shotcrete to become one with nature.
Shapes could be fluid, liquid or hard geometric with brutalism in-
fluence. If you describe your prompt with “photographed at dawn
or “warm natural lighting” the viewer will always fell a positive vibe
spreading from the presented image.
Comparison between daylight pure concrete look and the use
of “warm lighting at dawn”, the upper one looks colder and
almost a but military-bunker like while the one below looks
friendly and positive. Both styles are great, but which one you
prefer?
Combining forced styles like “brutalism” with organic shapes that are partially covered by moss for renaturalization
can create cozy and good-looking concrete architecture that interacts with nature.
At the ocean, lakeside
view or in the Alps can
add natural forces to the
visualization.
Think about how the architectural sur-
face will change by the four elements
like wind, weather and time will be
visible in longterms.
And when cars are becoming drones,
integrating a landing platform in your
design could be usefull too.
Integration of realsize people helps
to define the overall project scale
for the viewer.
THE ADAPTION TO URBAN SPACE emerged as symbols of modernity and progress,
reshaping city skylines around the world.
Coming from nature into urban space is adapting
the style to liquid shape in urban surroundings. This One of the defining characteristics of concrete style
could be a flagship store, a modern office or a pub- Bauhaus architecture is its emphasis on geometric
lic institution. Liquid concrete in t combination with shapes and clean lines. Now in the symbiosis with
Bauhaus architecture in urban space epitomizes the neural liquid shapes, buildings lose sharp angles
marriage of functionality, minimalism, and aesthetic and get smooth surfaces instead to create a sense
appeal. The Bauhaus movement, originating in Ger- of order and clarity amidst the chaotic urban envi-
many in the early 20th century, sought to integrate ronment. This aesthetic coherence extends beyond
art, craft, and technology to create designs that individual structures to entire cityscapes, where
were both utilitarian and visually striking. This ethos Bauhaus-inspired concrete architecture forms co-
found its manifestation in concrete architecture, hesive urban ensembles that exude sophistication
where the raw material’s versatility and strength and purpose.
were harnessed to sculpt urban landscapes with a
distinct Bauhaus flair. Moreover, fluid concrete architecture prioritizes
functionality without sacrificing elegance. Mul-
At the heart of Bauhaus architecture lies the prin- ti-functional spaces, modular designs, and efficient
ciple of form follows function, a mantra that cham- use of materials characterize these buildings, re-
pions simplicity and purposeful design. Concrete, flecting the Bauhaus philosophy of practicality and
with its moldable nature and structural integrity, innovation on a new meta level.
became the ideal medium for realizing this vision
in urban spaces. From apartment buildings to civic Furthermore, fluid concrete style architecture fos-
structures, Bauhaus-inspired concrete edifices ters a dialogue between the built environment, its
Cutsom ideas need custom solutions - in the production chain, think about who from your network could deliver
things like round shaped glass or a complex lighting system for the interior design? And what happens when the
store is closed, what kind of illumination will take over and how does this correspond with the surrounding space?
inhabitants and nature. Public squares, parks, and In conclusion, liquid concrete architecture in urban
plazas surrounded by concrete structures become space represents a convergence of functionality,
vibrant communal spaces where people gather, aesthetics, and sustainability. By embracing the
interact, and engage with their surroundings. The principles of simplicity, functionality, and innovation,
integration of greenery, moss walls, water features, these organic structures can redefine the urban
and public art enhances the urban experience, landscape, offering a vision of modernity that is
transforming concrete jungles into dynamic hubs of both timeless and transformative. From their fluid
creativity and social exchange. geometric forms to their efficient design solutions,
these buildings embody the enduring legacy of the
Bauhaus movement, shaping cities that inspire,
provoke, and endure.
STYLE MATTERS ences you could define.
Like looking for inspiration by MJs´ searfch function,
Style matters in visualizations because it serves as when an image should become an animation scene
the language through which your idea speaks to the with movements, there is not only the style, there´s
viewer. Just as in spoken or written communica- also camera movement and brush definition for
tion, style influences how information is perceived, adding movement in content.
understood and remembered.
So ideally, generated stuff should never be the fin-
Now when you generate content, always think ished version. Be creative and use AI as an in-be-
about second life. The generated image is never the tween-app to visualize your own vision.
final step. It´s about the work-in-progress workflow
that you should have in mind. Where do I want to Whether it’s through color choices, typography,
use the image, is it part of a moodboard, a re- sketched or highend renderings or the use of
search, a portfolio or an animated showreel? graphical elements, all this can evoke emotions,
convey hierarchy, and enhance comprehension,
The style overview from RunwayGL gives you a ultimately shaping the viewer’s interpretation and
clear idea, how many (and even more) style differ- engagement with your vision and idea.
THE RIGHT COMBO interact with eachother, so the propper combination of
camera settings, brushes for partially scene animations
You can use AI in many directions, also to generate and the text prompt become essential for getting good
animations from stills or from video material. But the results.
real power comes in the combination of both, AI and
softwares like Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere For creating a short showreel or clip, think about a one
(etc.), which can turn your work into impressing results to minute clip, collect short clips, work with keyframe ani-
produce a showreel from scratch. mated movements of the stills in combo with transitions
or even hard cuts - and to complete this task, use the
In the different settings of RunwayGL there are a lot combination to beatmatching soundscapes that deliver
of combinations possible, but be aware that they also the wanted atmosphere and mood.
LIVING IN THE TREES
Imagine towering treehouses, seamlessly integrated this getting part of our nature.
into the lush canopy, embodying the spirit of luxury
and innovation in architectural design reminiscent From their cantilevered balconies to their sweeping
of Frank Lloyd Wright. These giant treehouses, in- lines and use of natural materials in combination
spired by Wright’s organic principles, blend harmo- with, mirrors, concrete and glass, these structures
niously with their natural surroundings while offer- pay homage to Wright’s vision of architecture as an
ing opulent living spaces suspended amongst the extension of the landscape, providing an unparal-
branches with largscaled window fronts to become leled retreat where organic style meets the tranquil-
an explorer of the unseen levels of a forest and by ity of nature.
A PROMPT CREATED WITH CHAT GBT
The futuristic tree house nestled within the mammoth trees of Sequoia National Park is a striking blend of contempo-
rary architecture and organic design. Here’s a detailed description: Location and Setting: Situated amidst the tower-
ing sequoia trees of the national park, the tree house is a marvel of modern engineering harmoniously integrated into
the natural landscape. From the street view, it appears as a futuristic oasis amidst the ancient giants. Contemporary
Architecture: The tree house showcases sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics typical of contemporary design. Its
structure combines glass, steel, and sustainable materials to create a visually stunning yet environmentally conscious
masterpiece. Cantilevered Design: The tree house features a cantilevered design that extends out from the trunk
of a massive sequoia tree, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding forest canopy and distant mountains.
Evening Atmosphere: As evening descends, the tree house comes alive with subtle lighting that illuminates its curves
and contours, casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. The play of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing
ambiance, inviting visitors to linger and savor the magic of the moment. Organic Curves: The architecture of the tree
house seamlessly integrates with the natural curves of the sequoia trees, mimicking their organic forms and creating
a sense of harmony with the environment. Innovative Materials: The exterior of the tree house is constructed from a
cutting-edge blend of materials, including nylon, cevlar (a fictional material combining the strength of carbon fiber
with the flexibility of Kevlar), and organic moss. This unique combination gives the structure its distinctive bionic bub-
blegum-like appearance while ensuring durability and sustainability. Bionic Bubblegum Aesthetics: The tree house’s
unconventional design evokes images of a futuristic bubblegum sculpture, with its sinuous lines and vibrant colors
standing out against the backdrop of the forest. Yet, despite its avant-garde appearance, the structure feels perfectly
at home among the ancient trees, a testament to the ingenuity of human creativity. Overall, the futuristic tree house
at Sequoia National Park is a testament to the possibilities of blending cutting-edge architecture with the timeless
beauty of nature, creating a truly unforgettable experience for visitors
Adding “street view” or “urban
enviornment” to the prompt
places your sceene into public
spaces.
When you add “by the ocean” or “built into
rocks”, the AI tries to create a fusion of nature
elements and your architectural description, in
this case “fluid architecture was used”
(This & next page)
By the prompt part “photographed at night in
the alps”, a foggy mystic style can be created.
Working with neural architecture and the --niji
attribute will switch the styles into a more illus-
trated hand-drawn look (This & next 3 pages)
A phrase like “watercolor blueprint”
can add a hand-drawn look too.
PENCIL DRAWINGS---------------------
The use of sketched illustrations that look like hand- With organic lines and charming imperfections,
drawn can add a custom look to your visualizations. hand-drawn sketches infuse a sense of warmth and
authenticity into designs, captivating audiences
In the realm of visual communication, the allure with their distinctive character.
of sketched illustrations offer a unique and per-
sonalized touch to any project. Whether rendered Also the --niji attribute can help here to get into a
in pure black-and-white simplicity, adorned with different direction. Try out parts in your promt where
monochrome colorings, or enhanced with delicate you use things like “sketched pencil drawing, blue-
watercolor gradients, this style elevates visualiza- print, comic illustration, screenprint style watercolor
tions to new heights of creativity and individuality. or wet ink” to get some stunning results..
Using the black and white sketched
visualization from MJ in Photoshop
with an overlay layer to add color par-
tially is a simple but effective trick.
Try out “Dribble in black and white” and “add some natural elements to the geometrically shaped structure of the
architecture on a blueprint background” (Next page)
Try out to combine
your vision and green
thinking in your
prompts “urban sky-
scraper where nature
takes over”
When blindtext appears in a generated image,
you can reedit these parts in PS by right click
on mouse and use “Content aware fill” and
add text on a layer above.
CROCHETED STyLE
Using the art of crochet to create visualizations tion. Things immediatly look like homemade and by
adds a unique and intricate dimension to data intertwining mathematical precision with creative
representation. With its delicate yet structured craftsmanship, crocheted visualizations transform
patterns, crocheted visualizations offer a tactile and common things into tangible works of art, inviting
visually engaging way to convey complex informa- the viewer to explore another dimension.
Working with the term “abandoned” or “industrial space” and “sunlight” or “dailyight” combined with “coming threw
the windows” can cause an interesting light and shadow play in the visualization
Often MJ will spit out designs with wheels, so if you want to create floating cars, PS is
highly recommended to get rid of single “errors”.
There you can use stamp effect, soft brushes, smudge tool or AI effects like “generative fill”
or the “Content aware fill”. Always make sure to make a duplicate layer from the original
image first, so you can always jump back to zero. Also duplicating the final image and play-
ing around with the layer settings is a powerfull effect to add more depth or brighten your
picture. In combination with using this modified layer only partially, try out to use a soft
eraser to highlight or darken a specific area within the composition.
Retro future - often oldtimers had such a great design lens of futuristic innovation. With sleek curves, chrome
- much better than today, so I used this as inspiration accents, and streamlined profiles reminiscent of a by-
for futuristic floating cars. The fusion of past and future gone era, these cars captivate imaginations and evoke a
emerges in the form of futuristic concept cars inspired by sense of nostalgia for the romance of the open road. Yet,
the nostalgic allure of oldtimers. beneath their timeless exterior lies a wealth of techno-
logical advancements and futuristic features such as
Drawings and pictures from the iconic shapes and floating by magnetic impulse field drives or sustainable
silhouettes of vintage automobiles, these cutting-edge selfcharging motor solutions, that will redefine the next
creations reimagine classic design elements through a era of automotive construction.
“Function follows form”
unnatural futuristic shapes can
create new provoking designs
BIOMECHANICAL PROJECTION
AV stands for audiovisual. From my point of view These biomechanical macro organisms, with their
one of the hardest levels to cope with, so to say a fluid extraterrestrial structures, defy conventional
master discipline. In the ever-evolving intersection notions of life and biology, inviting viewers into a
of art, technology, and imagination, a mesmerizing realm where the boundaries between the natural
new form of audiovisual experience can emerge: and the artificial blur into a mesmerizing tapestry of
in this case I used biomechanical macro organism sight that goes along to electronic music.
images generated and animated by AI (MJ & Run-
wayGL) as live content for an audiovisual show. Again, this case shows that creativity is not finished
by a prompt. With the usage of other softwares
Stunning visuals of otherworldly creatures, born and by the live-transformation with hand-controlled
from the depths of AI, come to life in real-time, effects of distortions and overlay remixes, the AI
synchronized to sound by Midi-controls in the live generated content is not the end of the line.
softwares of Resolume and Madmapper.
PROMPT
crocheted livingroom in 70s
colors, even the walls and
shelves and everything else
is crocheted
--ar 3:2 --s 750
PROMPT
ultra realistic macro photo of a biome-
chanical organism in intense blue with
black background in the style of H.R.
Giger
--chaos 100 --ar 3:2 --v 4 --q 5 --s 1000
Combining “wet and slimy” with “trans-
lucent holographic shimmering organic
skin” in the prompt
PROMPT
Defining all details with % attributes:
biomechanical macro organism::75
black and white::50
with a glimpse of intense blue::23
atmospheric::22
intricate fine geometrical::80
cinematic::80
hyper realism::100
mono directional light::45
Caustics::30
blade runner::9
crystalcore::25
high detail::100
octane redshift Lumion render 8k::90
concept art::1
Using “intergalactic underwater
snail” in the prompt.
extending AI content by adding vectorshapes and colorfades in Illustrator, later used for an audiovisual live performance
at Ars Electronica Center, Linz 2023
Adding “black background” to the
prompt will leave some space to
breath for the rest of the image.
Intense colors appear in the macro
rendering with the term “Yves Klein blue”.
Using remixed AI content with distortion vortex
effects in the visual live software Madmapper for
an audiovisual live performance @ Ars Electronica
Center, Linz 2023
Testing different content during rehersals is cool to
see how and if it works like you imagined.
“Typo Brutal” testrun at Deepspace of
the Ars Electronica Center, Linz.
TYPO BRUTAL
TYPO BRUTAL is a series in which I combine Vasarely do with the AI?” I combined several steps
AI-generated brutalism architecture as typograph- to create an XR (= crossmedial) workflow.
ic ABC with vector illustrations. Adapted from the The rough aesthetics merge with the delicate look
famous “sir res negative” drawing of op-art master of the fineline vectors and adapt the spatial compo-
Victor Vasarely, each typographic architecture was nent of the respective letter resulting in analog art.
remixed to create a perspective fineline overlay
which adds even more depth to the brutalism struc- These remixes serve as a template for the Polaroid
tures. transfer print series, in which the images are trans-
In this series I focused on how AI content could ferred onto watercolor paper to create the analog
become analog art. My main intention was getting it counterpart as a unique piece.
out of the computer to hold something in my hands The final series is a complete ABC which I named
instead of just storing the pics in never-ending dig- TYPO BRUTAL.
ital archives. A second question was: “What would
This lookbook was created by Christopher Noelle, soundscapes and urban art, his work captivates
a crossmedia artist (XR) better known as TOFA, audiences worldwide, inviting them to explore the
whose innovative creations span the realms of intersection of art and technology.
visual art, music, digital media and stuff beyond.
By his research and development of XR crea-
With a bold and dynamic approach, TOFA seam- tive-thinking workflows, he started his first ex-
lessly blends traditional techniques with cut- periments in Midjourney late 2022 and since then
ting-edge technologies to craft new immersive shares his knowledge on different platforms and is
experiences that defy conventional boundaries. currently involved in multiple international
From striking visual installations to mesmerizing network-collaborations.
LEGAL NOTES
The shown artwork of this portfolio is entirely cre- due to copyright infringements, publication restric-
ated by Christopher Noelle aka TOFA by the use of tions need a written permission by the author and
Midjourney, RunwayGL, Adobe Photoshop, Illus- mentioning of the full artist credits.
trator and InDesign. Presentation, usage or online Place of jurisdication:
publication of chapters, texts or extracts without Linz, Austria, 05.2024, all rights reserved.
written permission will cause legal consequences