Communal Houses of the Javari Valley: an AI Contribution through Stable Diffusion for the Preservation of Brazilian Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This study explored the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the reimagining and digital preservation of indigenous communal houses in the Northwestern Amazon. By discussing the transformative potential of AI technologies in interpreting and safeguarding this irreplaceable cultural heritage, the research highlights the intrinsic role of these structures as hubs of community, social, and spiritual life among indigenous peoples. Through the analysis of a photographic collection, the research aimed at digital conservation and the investigation of new architectural forms in the pursuit of bridging tradition and innovation. This study, by employing Generative AI, opens new horizons for the understanding and reinterpretation of indigenous architecture and culture, demonstrating the potential of this technology as a possible tool for the preservation and celebration of global architectural heritage. The results underscore the AI’s ability to generate visual representations that capture the formal essence of the communal houses, providing insights for future research and practical applications in material cultural heritage.