Writing By Numbers

The WordPress blogging platform now has an AI assistant to answer questions, correct spelling and grammar, etc. to make a blogger’s life easier. I’m going to use last week’s post and take it for a spin.

I’ll try Expand first. My original paragraph in black and its expansion in red. [Correct grammar]

Expand

“As a follow-on from past posts on the subject of architectural reductions and the gradual lessening of the number of avenues open to architects to create architecture, the placement of windows may well be one of the last elements to go. The relationship between walls and openings in architecture is intrinsic and essential, as they harmoniously work together to form the visual and functional aspects of a building. While it is indeed possible to have an external wall without a window, the inclusion of windows signifies the presence of people inhabiting the space beyond, thus serving as a fundamental reason for the existence of buildings.”

Windows serve as the eyes of a structure, bridging the gap between the interior and the external world. They allow natural light to penetrate the interior, illuminating the space and creating a sense of openness and connection with the surroundings. Additionally, windows offer views to the outside, bringing elements of nature, urban landscapes, and the ever-changing seasons into our lives. They provide a glimpse of the outside world and invite a sense of exploration and curiosity.

Beyond their practical purposes, windows also hold symbolic meanings. They are often associated with transparency, communication, and a sense of belonging. Windows invite transparency by allowing us to observe the world beyond, fostering a connection between the private and public realms. They act as portals through which we can communicate with the world, sending and receiving visual cues, gestures, and emotions. Furthermore, windows create a sense of belonging by providing glimpses into the lives and activities of others, allowing us to feel part of a larger community.

In contemplating an architecture without windows, we are forced to confront the potential loss of these profound experiences and connections. The absence of windows would create a stark division between the interior and the external world, isolating us from the natural environment and severing our connection to the communities we are a part of. Without windows, buildings would become shells stripped of their humanity, devoid of the life and vibrancy that windows bring.

Fortunately, we do not have to imagine such a dismal prospect, as windows remain an integral element in architectural design. Architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate windows into their creations, reimagining their forms, shapes, and functions. From expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors to strategically placed smaller windows that frame specific views, architects are continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In conclusion, the presence of windows in architecture goes far beyond mere openings in walls. They are symbolic, practical, and essential for creating harmonious spaces that connect us with our environment and with one another. As we appreciate the beauty and significance of windows, let us embrace their presence and the endless possibilities they offer in shaping the built environment.

Whoa! And just like that, 105 words became 470 – a definite expansion. It looks like my first sentence was incomprehensible as it has no place in the summary, the third paragraph of which is a bit over the top. And “Fortunately, we do not have to imagine such a dismal prospect, …” a bit creepy. However, the sense of the original hasn’t been lost – I still agree with everything that’s been written even if it is extremely wordy. You can see how instructors can spot AI writing instantly. It’s not so much the unlikely vocabulary or the ever-present “In conclusion”, but more because there’s not much being said that’s new. I’m not saying my source paragraph was concise, succinct and an economy of means, but I can’t help thinking “Inflate” is a more apt word than “Expand.”

Let’s try Summarize. Here’s the entire post summarized.

Summarize

This text explores the placement of windows in architecture throughout history. It references various buildings and architects to illustrate different approaches to window design. The author discusses how windows serve as a connection between the inside and outside of a building and how they can impact the overall aesthetic and functionality of a structure. The text highlights the work of architects like Louis Sullivan, Josef Polasek, Asnago & Vender, Gio Ponti, and Diener & Diener, showcasing their unique approaches to window placement and their influence on architectural design.

This is a low-pass. By definition, summaries don’t include everything but only the main thrust, the general gist. My post was never meant to be a historical overview. It was more of my working list of ways certain architects have made the placement of windows work harder architecturally. The approaches of Josef Polasek, [Ignzaio Gardella], Asnago & Vender, Gio Ponti, and Diener & Diener weren’t about the design of windows but the design of their placement although, to be fair, the phrase “unique approaches to window placement” was used later. There’s no mention of context as a driver for those approaches. I did mention Gio Ponti was the only one with no agenda beyond ornament but I was comparing this group of architects who strove for more, with all other architects. That was the main point. Let’s Expand the Summary and see what happens. I expect a lower density of meaning.

(Un-summarize)

This comprehensive text provides a deep dive into the intriguing world of window placement in architecture throughout history. With a focus on various buildings and renowned architects, it offers a captivating exploration of different approaches to window design.

The author emphasizes the pivotal role that windows play in connecting the interior and exterior of a building, serving as vital conduits for natural light, ventilation, and visual interaction. By establishing this connection, windows not only enhance the functionality of a structure but also contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Throughout the text, the author delves into the work of several visionary architects who have made significant contributions to the field of window placement. One such architect is Louis Sullivan, considered the “father of modernism,” who revolutionized architectural design with his innovative use of windows as decorative elements. His iconic “Chicago window,” featuring a large fixed central pane flanked by smaller operable windows, became a defining characteristic of the city’s skyline.

The text also highlights the architectural prowess of Josef Polasek, whose designs seamlessly blend art and functionality. Polasek’s masterpieces exemplify his meticulous attention to detail, with carefully positioned windows framing picturesque views, creating a harmonious integration of the built and natural environment.

Another notable architect mentioned in the text is the Italian duo Asnago & Vender, renowned for their elegant and understated window compositions. Their designs prioritize simplicity and geometry, using windows as geometric elements that transform the façade into a balanced and visually pleasing composition.

Gio Ponti, a legendary figure in modern architecture, is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly merge interior and exterior spaces through strategic window placement. His designs often feature floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, and allowing residents to bask in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The text concludes with a mention of Diener & Diener, architects known for their mastery in creating buildings that respond to their context. Their ingenious use of windows helps establish a strong sense of place, with each window carefully positioned to frame specific views or capture natural light in unique ways.

By showcasing the ingenuity of these architects and their distinctive approaches to window placement, this text offers a captivating journey through the evolution of architectural design. It serves as a testament to the pivotal role that windows have played in shaping the built environment and continues to inspire future generations of architects to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.

Oh dear! As a former translator who used to be paid by the word of the destination text, I can see much filler here with words such as comprehensive, intruiging, captivating, pivotal, vital, visionary … and that’s just the adjectives. Horrible as it is, “deep dive” could have been said differently in at least six words. This inflation adds some supplementary text, particularly for the description of Sullivan. All the same, the “Chicago window” is about window design not placement. The descriptions for the other architects could easily be mistaken for fact. The expanded summary makes even more use of words such as “the author” and “the text” and assumes an academic context. I suppose that’s fair.

Simplify

“What Sullivan did was redefine those accepted divisions in terms of functions while forgetting to remember that classical columns had bases, shafts and capitals because of different functional requirements in the first place. (Did nobody point this out to him, I wonder?) Whether Sullivan was being obtuse or simply reframing the problem for newly modern times, his functional justification for a three-part tall building is less dependent upon time and fashion. It’s true that mechanical and services floors have no need for conventional windows but then why do the external walls of the uppermost floors have fluted cornices looking suspiciously like capitals? If we’re going to talk about function suddenly, then it’s not as if these tall buildings are actually supporting anything. Maybe Sullivan saw the absurdity of this in 1896. In 1922, Adolf Loos definitely did.”

Sullivan tried to redefine the traditional divisions in buildings based on their functions. However, he seemed to forget that classical columns had different parts (bases, shafts, and capitals) due to their specific functional requirements. It’s unclear if anyone pointed this out to him. Sullivan’s justification for a three-part tall building was more focused on function rather than time and fashion. While it’s true that mechanical and service floors don’t need windows, the uppermost floors still had decorative elements resembling capitals. These tall buildings don’t actually support anything, so it might be seen as absurd. Adolf Loos, in 1922, definitely recognized this.

This seems okay but I prefer mine. My last sentence was difficult to summarize so has been re-rendered rather than omitted as inessential.

Change Tone

The image below shows the choices I’m given. As before, my original paragraph is in black. I’d love to compare these different tones, but I’ve already used ten of my 20 free uses of this experimental plug-in that I’m warned may be inaccurate or biased. Once I’ve used my twenty goes, I’m expected to pay for a Beta version. This leads me to think this AI interface is just a portal to some other LLM AI that WordPress done has a deal with. (One passing thought is how misleading Large Language Model is as a name. Yes, it’s a model but not an accurate one because communication language is more about than knowing what word next comes.) Anyway, I think I’ll change the tone to “Humourous” because my posts are never funny enough. My paragraph in black.

Change Tone: “Humorous”

Oh, the 20th century rolled along, and guess what? The buildings kept the same old stacked windows on every floor, as if they were stuck in a never-ending game of architectural Tetris. It’s like architects were just too busy daydreaming about other stuff to even consider what else windows could do. But hang on, along came Josef Polasek and his 1930 masterpiece, the “Municipal Housing in Brno.” Seriously, it’s a game-changer! The basement base is a darker color, but the openings? Yeah, they’re still the same width as the ones on the typical floors. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the top floor has laundry rooms with windows. I mean, who would’ve thought doing laundry could be cheery, right? And if you squint really hard, those laundry room windows look like capitals on top of five levels of paired windows, turning the whole thing into an architectural shaft. Not some fancy-schmancy post-modern columns or slap-on decorations, mind you. Everything about this facade can be explained, but once you spot those abstracted columns, you can’t unsee them. It’s like finding that secret meaning in a Rubik’s Cube. It’s just a bummer that not all Modernist buildings were as well thought through as this one. They missed out on providing us with some gratifying architectural easter eggs, waiting to be appreciated by all. It’s like they didn’t even try! Geez, what a shame.

I’m regretting writing the source text. At the risk of squandering my remaining free goes, I want to see what happens with “Provocative” – in a car-crash kind of way.

Change Tone: “Provocative”

Anyway, as the 20th century dragged on, the same old division persisted and the windows on the lower floors and upper floors remained stubbornly stacked, despite some feeble attempts at stylistic variation. Apparently, architects didn’t bother to think outside the box when it came to the potential of windows, until this guy Josef Polasek came along in 1930 with his so-called “Municipal Housing in Brno” masterpiece. Seriously, you can check it out in this article called “The Persistence of Beauty” if you’re interested wink.

Now, get this: the basement base of this building is made of a darker material, but guess what? Its openings are the same width as those on the other floors! But wait, there’s more! The top floor even has laundry rooms which serve as service rooms, but get this, they have windows to make doing laundry a more cheerful experience. Go figure! So, if you have a vivid imagination (or just squint really hard), you might actually see these laundry room windows as some sort of fancy columns, like capitals above five levels of paired windows forming a shaft. They’re not your average post-modern columns, mind you, but they’re definitely not just slapped on for decoration either. I mean, you could come up with all sorts of justifications for this facade, but once you glimpse those abstracted columns, you can never unsee them. It’s a real shame that not all Modernist buildings were as meticulously thought through as this one. It’s like a hidden gem, right in front of us, waiting to be appreciated. So, what are you waiting for? Start appreciating! mic drop

I’m guessing wink and mic drop are emojis. I notice that in both of these tone changes, written language has morphed into spoken language. This seems a strange shift as I’d always assumed these Large Languages Models are mainly trained on written language. What else has it been listening to? Anyway, I’d like to see the tone change options include “Pretentious”, “Plain”, “Gushing”, “Academic”, “Annoying”, “Legal”, “Ironic”, “Ironic, in a self-critically opaque kind of way” and so on. For now, I’ll go with “Serious”.

Change Tone: “Serious”

Throughout the 20th century, the architectural divide between the upper and lower floors remained steadfast, despite minor stylistic variations. Architects had not given much consideration to the multifunctionality of windows until the unveiling of Josef Polasek’s 1930 masterpiece, “Municipal Housing in Brno.” The basement base, although darker in color, boasted openings of equal width to those found on the other floors. On the topmost level, laundry rooms were cleverly integrated as service spaces, complete with windows that added a touch of cheerfulness to the mundane task of laundry. When observed closely, these windows resembled capitals atop a column-like structure formed by the paired windows spanning five levels. These were not overtly ostentatious post-modern columns, yet neither were they mere decorative elements. The façade of this building could be rationalized from every angle, but once one recognized these abstracted columns, they became impossible to ignore. It is regrettable that not all Modernist structures possess the same level of meticulous thought, and it is truly gratifying to appreciate the meaningful essence that lies right before our eyes, waiting to be discovered.

That’s so serious I can even see a bit of me in it, although from every angle is frivolous and the closing words, and it is truly gratifying to appreciate the meaningful essence that lies right before our eyes, waiting to be discovered too breathless to be seriously serious.

Translate

I won’t bother with Translate because translation apps these days generally do a pretty good job if the source text has good grammar, and no strange words or poetic langauge. I’d be more inclined to trust translation software such as DeepL that substitutes according to set rules rather than statistical approximations. Or at least I hope that’s still how it works.

Ask AI (first time)

I selected a paragraph and issued my instruction. The result wasn’t what I expected. I don’t think I understand how this works yet.

Misfits’ Architecture: A Unique Take on Architectural Design

When it comes to architecture, Graham Brenton McKay, the creative mind behind the widely acclaimed blog Misfits’ Architecture, exudes a distinct style that sets him apart from the crowd. McKay’s writings on his blog have captivated a diverse audience, thanks to his unique perspective and unconventional approach.

In the vein of Graham Brenton McKay’s celebrated style, we will embark on an engaging journey through the world of architectural design, exploring the unconventional and the overlooked aspects that shape the built environment. Discovering hidden treasures and shedding light on unorthodox architectural concepts will be our main priority as we delve into the realm of Misfits’ Architecture.

Drawing inspiration from McKay’s discerning eye, we will delve into the intricacies of space, form, and function, challenging traditional norms and questioning established practices. Through vivid descriptions and thought-provoking analysis, we will unveil the hidden narratives behind architectural masterpieces and the untold stories of forgotten structures. McKay’s penchant for breathing life into overlooked architectural wonders will guide us to embrace the unorthodox and celebrate the misfits of the architectural world.

Get ready to reimagine the way you perceive architecture and embark on an inspiring journey alongside Graham Brenton McKay and the Misfits’ Architecture blog. Let us venture beyond the conventional boundaries, exploring the extraordinary and finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

Buckle up and let us redefine architecture, one unconventional insight at a time.

Love it!! Unfortunately, I’m not good with praise. Do I need a summary? No, but now I’m curious.

Summary

Graham Brenton McKay, the creative mind behind the renowned blog Misfits’ Architecture, offers a unique perspective on architectural design. In this engaging journey, we explore the unconventional aspects that shape the built environment. McKay’s discerning eye challenges traditional norms, unveiling the hidden narratives behind architectural masterpieces and forgotten structures. Embracing the unorthodox, we celebrate the misfits of the architectural world and redefine architecture one unconventional insight at a time.

What’s disconcerting is the feeling I’ve read this kind of writing before. The words appear in arrangements that seem statistically the most probable. It’s grammatical and reads easily but is as predictable and impersonal as advertising copy. It’s flat.

Ask AI (second time)

Henry James: The Acclaimed Architect of American Psycho

Introduction:
Henry James, a renowned American author, is widely regarded as the architect of the psychological thriller genre in American literature. His novel “American Psycho” had a profound impact on both the literary and popular culture landscapes, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploring the depths of the human psyche. In this article, we will delve into the life of Henry James, his writing style, and the enduring legacy of “American Psycho.”

Early Life and Influences:
Henry James was born on April 15, 1843, in New York City, into a family of intellectuals and artists. His father, Henry James Sr., was a prominent theologian, and his brother, William James, became a renowned philosopher and psychologist. Growing up in such an intellectually stimulating environment undoubtedly influenced James’s love for literature and his exploration of human nature.

Literary Career:
James began his literary career as a critic and essayist before turning to fiction writing. Known for his intricate and psychologically complex characters, James crafted stories that delved deep into the human mind. His novels often revolved around themes of relationships, identity, and morality, capturing the complexities and nuances of human emotions.

The Birth of “American Psycho”: In 1991, Henry James published his most iconic novel, “American Psycho.” The book follows the disturbing journey of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who descends into madness and indulges in heinous acts of violence. “American Psycho” shocked readers with its graphic depictions of violence and its unflinching exploration of Bateman’s warped psyche.

Psychological Thriller Pioneer: With “American Psycho,” Henry James revolutionized the psychological thriller genre. The novel offered readers a chilling glimpse into the mind of a disturbed protagonist, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. James’s skilled portrayal of Bateman’s inner thoughts and his disconcerting ability to manipulate the reader’s perception set a new standard for psychological suspense.

Literary Significance: “American Psycho” sparked intense debates about the limits of artistic expression and the role of violence in literature. Despite its controversial nature, the novel garnered critical acclaim for its masterful writing and its examination of the dark underbelly of American society. James’s ability to captivate readers with his evocative prose and intricate character development solidified his reputation as a literary genius.

Legacy and Influence: Henry James’s contribution to American literature cannot be overstated. His exploration of the human mind, moral ambiguity, and the dark recesses of the soul paved the way for future generations of writers. Many authors have sought inspiration from James’s works, endeavoring to emulate his meticulous attention to detail and his deep psychological insight.

Conclusion: Henry James, the acclaimed architect of American Psycho, forever changed the landscape of literature with his groundbreaking novel. His ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche and his masterful storytelling captivated readers and critics alike. “American Psycho” remains a testament to James’s literary prowess and his profound understanding of the human condition. Through his enduring legacy, Henry James continues to shape and inspire the literary world.

• • • 

Giving a heading to exactly other sentence seems a bit “mechanical” but does or should “to understand is to forgive” apply? [Simplify] Was Henry James 148 years old when he wrote American Psycho? [Ask AI]

I’ll keep coming back to check, but I think I’ve seen enough. I just wanted to know if this AI Assistant would be of any assistance, despite the disclaimer warning me of inaccuracies and bias. This is the easy part. I wasn’t impressed by either the choice or results of the tone changes. Their predictability and lameness were off-putting. Is “tone” even the right name? As for grammar, I don’t use Grammarly but I know that mistakes occur from hastily moving words around to make a sentence parse better. You might not believe me but, whenever I’ve finished a post, I give it one more read before posting, and another the day after to any correct typos, unexpected punctuation and curious grammar that remain. I won’t apologize for any that do. Being human is no excuse but, all of a sudden, these errors show a piece of writing hasn’t been touched by AI and, in a surprise twist, are an inadvertent sign of respect for the reader.