A Beginner's Guide to MidJourney for Architectural Visualization

Welcome back to Simplify AI. In this article, we’ll explore the power of MidJourney and how you can generate stunning architectural images.

The image you see here was created using MidJourney’s web version and later fine-tuned in Photoshop.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions for generating and modifying your projects. By the end, you’ll be ready to create amazing architectural designs using AI.

Getting Started with MidJourney

To begin, visit MidJourney’s homepage and sign up using Discord or Google. If you already have an account, log in and explore the Web UI, which is an easier alternative to using MidJourney’s Discord bot.

In the Explore tab, you can browse images generated by other users. MidJourney offers various subscription plans, with options for earning render points by completing surveys.

MidJourney Web UI vs. Discord

The Web UI is ideal for beginners as it offers a cleaner workflow compared to MidJourney’s Discord-based bot. It makes navigating prompts, parameters, and image generation easier without the complexity of Discord commands.

Your generated images appear in the Create tab, where each prompt produces four images. From here, you can adjust parameters such as:

• Aspect Ratio: Choose from square, portrait, or landscape formats.

• Model Version: Use v6.1 for improved accuracy and realism.

• Stylization: Controls how much artistic freedom MidJourney takes with your prompt.

• Variety (Chaos Value): A higher value creates more unique variations per generation.

What’s New in MidJourney v6.1?

MidJourney v6.1 introduces:

• Faster generation speeds

• Improved facial details, hands, and object clarity

• New upscaling options for higher-resolution images

• Personalization Mode, allowing users to train the model to match their style

Writing an Effective AI Prompt

Here’s an example of a well-structured architectural prompt:
"Exterior photo of a school made by Zaha Hadid, daylight, summer."

In MidJourney’s Web UI, parameters can be selected via buttons, unlike in Discord, where they require commands.

Recommended Settings for Architectural Rendering:

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 for wider architectural compositions

• Model Version: v6.1 for the most accurate results

• Stylization: 200 (Balances prompt accuracy and artistic creativity)

• Variety (Chaos Value): Higher values provide diverse concepts; lower values offer consistent iterations

Modifying AI-Generated Images in MidJourney

Once your images are generated, MidJourney allows further refinement and control using these key tools:

• Vary (Subtle/Strong): Generates slightly different versions of an image.

• Upscaling (Subtle/Creative): Adds extra detail and enhances image resolution.

• Retexturing: Lets you change materials and finishes while keeping the original form.

Exploring Architectural Styles Using MidLibrary

MidLibrary.io is a valuable resource that lets you explore different architectural styles in MidJourney. You can search for:

• Famous Architects (e.g., MVRDV, Norman Foster, Bjarke Ingels)

• Architectural Styles (e.g., modern, high-tech, Gothic, Scandinavian)

• Photography Styles to refine lighting, composition, and realism

Personalizing MidJourney with Training Mode

MidJourney’s Personalization Mode allows you to train the AI based on your design preferences. You’ll be asked to rate 200+ images, helping the AI understand your architectural style.

This feature ensures that your future generations align more closely with your preferred aesthetic.

The Strengths and Limitations of MidJourney in Architecture

MidJourney is excellent for conceptual design, producing stunning, high-quality visuals with minimal effort. However, it lacks precise control over design details, making it more suitable for early-stage ideation rather than final architectural visualization.

If you're working on detailed, technical renders, a hybrid workflow using MidJourney + Stable Diffusion or Photoshop can help refine designs with greater accuracy.

Final Thoughts

MidJourney is a powerful AI tool for architectural concept development, offering high-resolution visuals in seconds. The Web UI makes AI rendering more accessible, even for users unfamiliar with Discord commands.

If you found this article helpful, be sure you’re subscribed!

Also, check out MidLibrary and Stable Diffusion for more AI-powered design tools.

Want to take your AI skills further? Stay tuned for my next article.

And have a great day!

Hanine Salman

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