midjourney reinvents ancient ziggurat pyramid as modern cultural landmarks 

rolando cedeño de la cruz rethinks ancient structures using ai

Reinventing ancient architectural typology using artificial intelligence, Rolando Cedeño de la Cruz’s Midjourney-generated series gives new life to the monumental Mesopotamian Ziggurat as a modern art center. The renderings imagine an earth-toned exterior and sleek, light-infused interior of a giant pyramid-like form planted in a contemporary urban context. Integrated with an intricate fusion of winding hierarchical levels, mixed terraces lined with vegetation, and a distinct spatial dynamism, the forms are evocative of the centuries old structures that were used as shrines to worship the gods. Stepping inside the reimagined ziggurat, the modern interior is defined by an interplay of light, water mirrors, natural materiality, quadruple height corridors and labyrinthine passageways for a serene yet enigmatic cultural experience.

Reimagined Ziggurats | all images courtesy of Rolando Cedeño de la Cruz

‘reimagined ziggurat’: a new cultural landmark

‘Reimagined Ziggurats’ explores how elements of the past and present can be united to envision colossal structures in new contexts.‘The architecture of the past has great values and spatial properties that are worth rescuing,’ notes Rolando Cedeño de la Cruz. The Chilean architect rethinks the ancient structures’ great symbolic and cultural value as places of worship by envisioning them as landmark museums for the present and future. ‘It also allows us to remember that architecture is a reflection of the region’s culture and that many times by importing foreign design styles, we forget to take into account local culture, art, and architecture, which are unique and are in danger of being left in the dark. forgotten by future generations.’

The structures transport the structural stability and spatial properties of their historic counterparts, notably drawing on their use of natural materials such as mud and baked brick that link us with the earth. The materials chosen are capable of regulating the internal temperatures of the modern day Ziggurat without the need for expensive cooling systems, providing optimal living conditions for the array of vegetation present throughout the space.

external view of the hybrid Ziggurat with multiple levels and terraces

colossal scale

internal corridors with natural and indirect artificial lighting

lobby space with quadruple height

internal water mirrors and labyrinthine routes

original Ziggurats’ earthen materiality reinterpreted for temperature regulation

quadruple height corridors as a transition to the underground levels

project info:

name: Reimagined Ziggurats
designer: Rolando Cedeño de la Cruz

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom