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ZEYN

Fab-Union / Archi-Union · PROFESSIONAL · DESIGN · FAB LAB · RESEARCH

Nanjing Radisson Collection Resort

Generative AI Design & Digital Construction System

Context
Fab-Union / Archi-Union — Professional Project
Role
Robotics Technology & Process Lead
Year
2020–2021
Practice
DESIGN · FAB LAB · RESEARCH
Location
Nanjing, China
Status
COMPLETED
Aerial view of the Radisson Collection Resort winding through the Nanjing Garden Expo quarry landscape

Overview

A resort hotel in the reclaimed quarry landscape of Nanjing Tangshan Garden Expo Park, integrating generative design, artificial intelligence and robotic construction. Digital terrain analysis and parametric modeling shape the building to the quarry slopes, while AI-based image translation turns traditional Chinese mountain-painting imagery into façade construction parameters, realized through robotic bricklaying. Implemented as part of China's 13th Five-Year Plan national research program on robotic intelligent manufacturing.

Robotic brick facade of the banquet hall — the 'thousand miles of rivers and mountains' wall
Site aerial of the resort and its terraced landscape
Quarry cliffs and terraced gardens around the hotel
GAN-trained digital shanshui painting translated into brick rotation data

Responsibilities

  • Led the parametric robotic brick façade project as Robotics Technology & Process Lead
  • Established the complete technical workflow from generative AI–based design to high-precision robotic bricklaying

Methodology

  • Site Analysis — digital terrain analysis and GIS data evaluated slope, elevation and geological conditions of the quarry site, informing spatial organization and massing
  • AI-Based Pattern Generation — landscape imagery inspired by traditional Chinese mountain painting translated into façade patterns through AI-based image processing
  • Computational Design — parametric modeling and generative algorithms producing forms that adapt to the terrain
  • Robotic Fabrication — façade brick system digitally encoded into robotic construction parameters, enabling precise rotation and placement of individual bricks
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) — standardized each stage of the workflow for consistent factory manufacturing capacity and quality control

Outcomes

  • A resort hotel integrating architecture with the quarry landscape
  • Demonstrated feasibility of combining generative design and robotic construction in a real-world large-scale project
  • A practical case study for AI-assisted architectural design and intelligent construction workflows