Updated: October 9, 2023
By James Bravo
Midjourney AI is a program that can generate images from text descriptions. The results are simply stunning. In this guide, you will find everything you need to start using Midjourney to create images for architecture, such as beautiful homes, buildings, and almost anything you can imagine.
Futuristic house by Midjourney
Midjourney is a program that uses generative artificial intelligence to create images from text descriptions in natural (human) language. It was developed by the Midjourney lab, a small, self-funded team that describe themselves as "an independent research lab exploring new mediums of thought and expanding the imaginative powers of the human species."
Since its launch in July 12, 2022, it has improved fast. Midjourney v5.2, the latest version, can create perfectly realistic images from just a few words. Unlike competing technologies, it doesn't need a lot of tricks and tweaks, making it a great tool for the architects in their design process.
Futuristic house modified by Midjourney, by night, using "image prompts". Notice how it keeps many of the elements from the original image.
Some of the things you can do with Midjourney are:
This is called "text to image" or "txt2img".
It can take an image and modify it in a particular way to match a prompt. This is called "image to image" or "img2img". While not as popular as the "text to image" functionality, the results of this feature are just as stunning. See Midjourney image-prompts docs for more information.
The reverse of text to image, called "image to text" or "img2txt". It can take an image, and create a text description which you can use to create more images like it.
This is a new feature that provides a lot of flexibility. See Vary Region + Remix feature for more information.
You can specify some attributes of the output image by passing parameters. Some common parameters to pass are --ar, for aspect ratio, and --stylize, which influences how strongly Midjourney's default aesthetic style is applied.
For more information on these features, you can check the "Advanced examples" section on the Midjourney docs
Midjourney AI will change architecture in many ways. Here's how:
Midjourney AI offers an accessible platform for anyone to generate images and visualize their ideas. This allows not just professional architects, but also amateurs, students, or anyone interested in architecture, to generate and experiment with designs. This level of accessibility has the potential to democratize the architectural design process, even if professionals are still a key part of the process for their context, understanding, credentials, and expertise.
Traditional architectural design processes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple iterations of sketches and models before finishing a design. Midjourney makes the design and ideations process many times faster.
Midjourney fosters innovation by providing a quick way to visualize new and bold ideas. The system encourages rapid prototyping, breeding creativity and pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural forms.
The nature of Midjourney allows for the seamless integration of architecture with other disciplines. For example, architects can collaborate with environmental scientists to visualize sustainable design principles, or with sociologists to model urban spaces that reflect community needs. This interdisciplinary integration can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive architectural solutions.
With Midjourney AI, architects can easily show their clients realistic images of proposed designs, enhancing the level of client involvement and understanding in the design process. This can lead to higher client satisfaction and better collaboration between architects and their clients.
In architectural education, Midjourney AI can serve as an effective tool for teaching and learning. By providing students with the ability to visualize their ideas, it can create a deeper understanding of architectural principles and concepts.
Midjourney will set new standards for the architectural profession. Its ability to generate realistic images from a few words can expedite the design process, inspire creative exploration, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance client engagement, and provide a valuable tool for education.
Midjourney runs on Discord, a messaging app. First you have to create your Discord account and then add the Midjourney server. It has multiple subscription plans, starting at $8/month for the basic plan with a yearly billing.
First, connect to the Discord server, enter one of the Discord channels, and type "/imagine" followed by your prompt. Then press enter. Midjourney will generate 4 images each time you do this process. Once it's done, you will get the results on the chat, and you will be able to upscale the images (make them bigger) or generate variations of them. You can also run the process again. You will always get different results.
For a full guide, check the Midjourney quick start guide.
You can get started with Midjourney for free, but you won't own the images you generate. As stated in the Terms of Service states "If You are not a Paid Member, You don’t own the Assets You create."
The images you create with Midjourney are yours to use and sell. However, other users may be able to see them and remix them. The only way to avoid this is purchasing a "Pro" plan, but even then, they don't guarantee that others won't see your images. In fact, Midjourney reserves the right to use your images in any way they want.
Another issue to keep in mind is that you can't use the service via third-parties. In fact, automation is explicitly prohibited. "You may not use automated tools to access, interact with, or generate Assets through the Services."
Remember that, even if you own the images you create, they can still be against copyright law. The generative AI space is brand new and nobody knows exactly how the legal system will adapt. If your output image is similar to copyrighted content it can infringe copyright law. This is not legal advice.
For more information, check the Midjourney Terms of Service.
One of the most prominent advantages of using Midjourney AI is the speed at which designs can be visualized. Rather than going through multiple iterations of sketches and physical models, an architect can simply input a few descriptive words and receive a realistic image almost instantaneously.
The AI generates high-resolution images that are visually appealing and realistic, enabling clients and stakeholders to better visualize and understand the proposed designs.
The tool encourages architects to play with ideas and experiment with designs that they may not have otherwise considered. The speed and ease of use can inspire more creative risk-taking.
This technology is relatively easy to use, and doesn't require extensive technical knowledge. This democratizes the design process, opening up opportunities for a wider range of individuals to participate in architectural design.
While Midjourney AI is impressive in its image generation, it may not always accurately follow the prompt. Also, it can sometimes generate "artifacts": weird, blurry image sections. This AI does not properly address specific design details, structural feasibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations.
Unlike traditional CAD or BIM software, images generated by Midjourney AI are not easily editable. Architects may have to iterate through numerous versions of descriptions to adjust their designs, which can be time-consuming.
There's a risk that over-reliance on such technologies could diminish the role of human creativity and intuition in the design process. It's crucial to maintain a balance between AI assistance and human input.
Given that Midjourney AI generates designs based on its training, there may be issues related to design originality and intellectual property. Determining who owns the rights to designs created by AI could pose legal challenges.
Here are some Midjourney prompts you can use to create stunning images every time.
contemporary style architecture, volumetric and minimal, panoramic windows, concrete and dark metal, trees and nature, daylight
environment living room interior, mid century modern, indoor garden with fountain, retro, vintage, designer furniture made of wood, wood walls, large window, outdoor forest landscape, beautiful sunset, sustainable architecture
art nouveau residential building
For more information on how to create great prompts, visit How to Craft The Perfect Prompt for AI Architecture
It's clear that Midjourney AI is reshaping the landscape of architecture. It's a tool that brings design processes into high gear and puts the power of creation into everyone's hands. With just a few words, Midjourney AI allows us to visualize stunning architectural designs, opening up possibilities not only for professionals but for anyone with creative ideas.
However, like every tool, it's crucial to understand how to use Midjourney effectively, and to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses. While its speed and image quality are impressive, it's important to remember that it may not always perfectly capture your design intent, and altering generated images can be challenging.
Furthermore, we must also consider the question of ownership when it comes to AI-generated designs. This is a key point in Midjourney's terms of service and something to bear in mind when using this tool.
As we step into this exciting new phase of architectural design, it's up to us to harness the potential of tools like Midjourney AI. Let's use it as a platform to experiment, innovate, shape the future of our built world.
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