2026 | Student

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

URBAN PLUSH:Generative Digital Toys & Emotional IP Ecosystem

Entrant

Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Category

Conceptual Design - Interaction

Client's Name

-

Country / Region

China

About The Entry

The Concept: From Concrete to Plush

In the high-pressure rhythm of modern metropolises, architecture often acts as a source of silent oppression—a "Hard Reality" of cold steel and concrete. Velvet City challenges this alienation by reimagining the urban landscape not as a machine, but as a playground of "Soft Fantasies." We propose a generative IP ecosystem that transforms intimidating landmarks into clumsy, huggable "Giant Plushies," turning the city’s sources of anxiety into collectible digital friends.

The Interaction: Rubbing as Therapy

The core experience is defined by a unique haptic gesture: "Rubbing." Through an AR interface, users physically "rub" their screens to deconstruct the rigid textures of real-world buildings. This act serves as a form of "Cyber-Catharsis." As the user rubs, the sharp edges of skyscrapers dissolve into warm, fuzzy textures—felt, cotton, and yarn—visualizing the psychological process of melting down inner defenses and finding comfort in a hardened world.

The Technology: AI-Integrated Workflow

Behind this emotional experience lies a rigorous AI-driven production pipeline. We utilize a hybrid workflow combining traditional architectural modeling with generative AI tools. By injecting semantic prompts like "knitted texture" or "soft felt" into precise geometric constraints, we generate semi-autonomous "Digital Souls" for static objects. This allows for the rapid creation of high-fidelity, AR-ready 3D assets that retain the building's identity while completely rewriting its emotional impact.

The Outcome: An Emotional Economy

Ultimately, Velvet City is a "Blind Box" for the urban soul. Users collect these softened architectural fragments as Digital Toys, storing them in a personalized "Sanctuary" within the app. By gamifying the urban experience, we convert the stress of navigating a mega-city into the joy of curating a personal exhibition of softness. It is a project where Pop-Art aesthetics meet Mental Health therapy, powered by the latest advancements in Generative AI.

Credits

Cai Yuhan
Zhao Jianing
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