Jialu Hou

RAD (Reconfigurable Autonomous Demiurge) is a design research project that envisions a radical shift in how architecture is conceived, built, and inhabited. It proposes a living architecture, transforming the built environment into an adaptive system through the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and real-time user interaction.



In today’s rapidly evolving socio-technological landscape—shaped by unpredictable global challenges such as pandemics and wars—architecture must become dynamic, resilient, and adaptable. RAD proposes a modular, AI-driven architecture capable of autonomously assembling, disassembling, and reconfiguring itself in response to changing user needs and environmental conditions.



The system is structured around four interconnected sections:

1. Architectural Language – A formal and material vocabulary designed specifically for robotic assembly and dynamic expression.

2. Robotic Research – The development and prototyping of autonomous agents capable of constructing and deconstructing the system, trained using machine learning.

3. Computational Model – The use of algorithms such as spatial editors, random walk simulations, and layout graph generation to enable a wide range of spatial customizations, accessible through interactive platforms like a RAD app or a game-like website.

4. Project Life Cycle – A framework for environmentally conscious, open-ended architecture with evolving identities over time.



As one of many possible configurations, the research demonstrates a multifunctional building that hosts a mix of programs—residences, retail, galleries, and exhibitions. Designed to adapt to any context, urban or rural, and to any function, the structure consists of lightweight, modular components assembled by robotic agents, reducing labor and cost. These parts allow the building to grow, transform, or dissolve, resulting in a continuous life cycle rather than a fixed one. AI systems oversee spatial layouts, monitor usage, and coordinate robotic agents for real-time optimization, while users can freely customize scale, function, and layout without disrupting the system.



Ultimately, RAD redefines architecture as a living system—autonomous, intelligent, and deeply human-centric.