The Quid Pro Coaster

Designers, writers, and illustrators in general are skilled at drawing inspiration from just about any source. As I have shown in previous posts, LLMs seem capable of something similar, especially with source texts that are colourful, include spatial cues, characters, situations and accounts of interesting experiences. But how do they handle dull, prosaic, non-spatial texts, such as dry legal documents?

I uploaded to ChatGPT the publicly available PDF of the text of House Resolution that details the Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump when President of the United States for his first term. That’s the first impeachment document of 2020, accusing Trump of pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rivals while withholding congressionally approved military aid, along with various attempts to obstruct investigations into the charges.

I chose this document as it’s an unlikely source with which to start a design. It contains little in the way of overt spatial cues.

I prompted ChatGPT with the proposition that as an architect I wished to design a civic building informed by this document. What would it be like to experience such a building? It replied that an architectural response to these Articles of Impeachment would prioritize themes of accountability, transparency, and the balance of power. In sober terms the design could feature a monumental yet transparent façade, symbolizing both the authority and vulnerability of governance. Spatial elements could include a central open forum or amphitheater for public debate, surrounded by contrasting enclosed and open areas to reflect the path from conflict to resolution:

“Materials like heavy stone, glass, and steel would evoke permanence, fragility, and strength. Interactive spaces would engage visitors in democratic processes, while lighting would dramatise themes of revelation and concealment. The building’s circulation would emphasise complexity and discovery, inviting visitors to navigate layers of meaning and engage with the democratic ideals embedded in the document.”

It’s first pictorial response was austere and even plausible as a piece of architecture.

To lighten things up and to force further contrasts I asked for a theme park treatment of the document. It had no difficulty in stretching its invention to a series of theme park rides.

“The theme park inspired by the Articles of Impeachment, titled ‘ConstitutionLand: The Accountability Adventure,’ transforms civic processes into engaging entertainment and education. Designed on the scale of Disneyland, the park features zones like ‘Impeachment Plaza,’ with monumental statues of historical figures, and attractions such as the ‘Quid Pro Coaster’ and ‘Subpoena Spins,’ embodying the drama of political conflict. Interactive areas like ‘Obstruction Junction’ and the ‘Trial of Trivia’ encourage playful participation in themes of transparency and governance, while spaces like ‘Checks & Balances Bistro’ provide themed dining. Blending humor, vibrant aesthetics, and educational displays, the park offers a lively, immersive experience, fostering an appreciation for democratic principles in a lighthearted, family-friendly environment.”

However, the platform baulked at my invitation to include elements pertaining to the places named and suggested in the document: “I was unable to generate the requested image as it did not align with our content policy, which restricts the inclusion of specific geopolitical or sensitive references in generated content. If you’d like, I can create an alternative design focusing on general civic and democratic themes without referencing specific locations.”

The featured image for this post was generated by WordPress, and unedited. I find it more satisfying than the other images in this post as it focuses on one element of the theme park, and has a more immersive prospect. It also includes some Ukrainian elements, such as the onion domes and colours of the Ukrainian flag.

I then asked ChatGPT to adapt its theme park picture as if riding the roller coaster. It’s a more immersive view, if not less plausible in detail.

Reference

• Speaker of the House of Representatives (2019), Articles of Impeachment against Donald John Trump, Washington DC: US Government Publishing Office.