AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza

Rafael Leoz (1921–1976), Spanish architect and theorist, made a pioneering yet underacknowledged contribution to modular and participatory architecture through his HELE module (Habitación Expandible Lineal Evolutiva), a combinatorial system based on polyhedral logic and open-ended design. Originally...

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Main Authors: Graziella Bernardo, Luis Palmero Iglesias
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universitat Politècnica de València 2025-05-01
Series:Vitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/vitruvio/article/view/23801
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author Graziella Bernardo
Luis Palmero Iglesias
author_facet Graziella Bernardo
Luis Palmero Iglesias
author_sort Graziella Bernardo
collection DOAJ
description Rafael Leoz (1921–1976), Spanish architect and theorist, made a pioneering yet underacknowledged contribution to modular and participatory architecture through his HELE module (Habitación Expandible Lineal Evolutiva), a combinatorial system based on polyhedral logic and open-ended design. Originally conceived as a response to post-war housing shortages in Spain, the HELE system promoted structural flexibility, user autonomy, and community participation. Despite receiving praise from figures like Le Corbusier and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968, Leoz’s work remains marginal in architectural historiography. This article repositions his legacy within the framework of contemporary humanitarian and environmental challenges. Through critical study of technical and scientific literature and AI-driven design, we reinterpret the HELE module as a framework for ethical and context-sensitive architecture. The paper proposes a speculative reconstruction model for Gaza that integrates AI-driven parametric design, sustainable materials such as compressed earth blocks and recycled rubble, and participatory construction practices. The outcomes underscore the potential of systemic, modular design to support resilience, collective agency, and spatial justice in post-conflict territories. The study demonstrates how AI can function not as a substitute for human creativity but as an ally in realizing adaptive, inclusive, and materially grounded architectural futures, extending Leoz’s vision into the 21st century.
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spelling doaj-art-a0b603af7beb4c65a6fb33ab8d7d5ec92025-06-30T16:58:33ZengUniversitat Politècnica de ValènciaVitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability2444-90912025-05-0110110.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2025.2380122992AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of GazaGraziella Bernardo0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9291-6099Luis Palmero Iglesias1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0046-5134University of BasilicataUniversitat Politècnica de València Rafael Leoz (1921–1976), Spanish architect and theorist, made a pioneering yet underacknowledged contribution to modular and participatory architecture through his HELE module (Habitación Expandible Lineal Evolutiva), a combinatorial system based on polyhedral logic and open-ended design. Originally conceived as a response to post-war housing shortages in Spain, the HELE system promoted structural flexibility, user autonomy, and community participation. Despite receiving praise from figures like Le Corbusier and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968, Leoz’s work remains marginal in architectural historiography. This article repositions his legacy within the framework of contemporary humanitarian and environmental challenges. Through critical study of technical and scientific literature and AI-driven design, we reinterpret the HELE module as a framework for ethical and context-sensitive architecture. The paper proposes a speculative reconstruction model for Gaza that integrates AI-driven parametric design, sustainable materials such as compressed earth blocks and recycled rubble, and participatory construction practices. The outcomes underscore the potential of systemic, modular design to support resilience, collective agency, and spatial justice in post-conflict territories. The study demonstrates how AI can function not as a substitute for human creativity but as an ally in realizing adaptive, inclusive, and materially grounded architectural futures, extending Leoz’s vision into the 21st century.https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/vitruvio/article/view/23801rafael leozhele moduleai-driven designmodular systemscompressed earth blocks (cebs)compressed rubble blocks (crbs)
spellingShingle Graziella Bernardo
Luis Palmero Iglesias
AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
Vitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability
rafael leoz
hele module
ai-driven design
modular systems
compressed earth blocks (cebs)
compressed rubble blocks (crbs)
title AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
title_full AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
title_fullStr AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
title_full_unstemmed AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
title_short AI-Driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of Gaza
title_sort ai driven generative prototyping for the reconstruction of gaza
topic rafael leoz
hele module
ai-driven design
modular systems
compressed earth blocks (cebs)
compressed rubble blocks (crbs)
url https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/vitruvio/article/view/23801
work_keys_str_mv AT graziellabernardo aidrivengenerativeprototypingforthereconstructionofgaza
AT luispalmeroiglesias aidrivengenerativeprototypingforthereconstructionofgaza