Mayor's park plans go awry: AI art turns green dreams into mutant nightmares!
- Replies 6
In a world where technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, it's no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives.
From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is touted as the next big thing to revolutionize the way we live.
However, as with any new technology, there are bound to be some hiccups along the way.
The mayor of Australia's second-largest city faced a major setback in his effort to generate excitement about numerous proposed new parks, as creepy AI-generated concept images derailed the campaign.
On Sunday, September 22, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece shared AI-generated images on social media, showcasing some of the parks he promises to create if re-elected next month.
Cr Reece has pledged to transform the CBD into the ‘Garden City’ by opening 28 new parks if he secures another term in office.
However, the plan backfired when the AI-generated images left residents more worried than enthusiastic about the new parks.
The images contained numerous confusing errors, such as two people lying on the ground metres away from children playing, a man with two legs fused into one, and several extra arms, prompting a range of baffled reactions from Australians.
The bizarre visuals sparked a flurry of reactions from the public, ranging from genuine concern to tongue-in-cheek humour.
‘What is your policy on dealing with these mutant beings infiltrating Melbourne in your photographs?’ one jokingly asked.
‘Bro, you need to get these people to a hospital,’ another quipped.
‘Is this after the nukes hit Melbourne, nature takes it back, and only the mutants survive?’ a third chimed.
‘My favourite is this guy who appears to be taking his pet shoe for a walk,’ someone else pointed out.
‘Why is there a dead person in your park?’ another commented.
Others wondered why Cr Reece opted for AI-generated images instead of employing a professional to illustrate his ambitious plans.
‘Please hire an actual digital illustrator,’ one person suggested.
‘Do you not have enough money to pay concept artists?’ another asked.
Cr Reece defended his use of AI with a humorous remark, stating, ‘No humans were harmed in the making of these renders.’
He asserted that the new park initiative will create green spaces in nearly every Melbourne neighbourhood.
‘Victoria was once known as the Garden State. I want Melbourne to be the Garden City. This is the biggest addition to our city's parks and gardens since Charles La Trobe mapped out Melbourne's parks in the 1840s,’ Cr Reece explained.
‘Every great city is defined by its parks and gardens, and with this plan, we are taking Melbourne's green spaces to the next level.’
‘Nearly every area of Melbourne will receive at least one new park or green space under this initiative – making our city an even better and greener place to live,’ he added.
Some of the areas slated for transformation include the Banana Alley Vaults beneath the West Gate Freeway in Southbank, Moonee Ponds Creek, and the border of North Melbourne and West Melbourne.
Additionally, five new or upgraded parks will be established throughout the central city and Docklands, with the first redevelopment taking place at Brown Alley Square.
The initiative will also provide grants to existing building owners for creating publicly accessible rooftop gardens or green walls, reform permitting to enable more homeowners and businesses to plant gardens on footpaths and laneways and assist building owners and businesses in acquiring additional plants.
While the recent backlash over the AI-generated images for proposed parks in Melbourne has left some residents questioning the Lord Mayor's judgment, Nick Reece remains focused on his broader vision for the city.
In addition to transforming Melbourne's green spaces, he has unveiled a plan aimed at helping residents cut down on their energy bills.
This dual approach reflects his commitment to not only enhancing the city's landscape but also addressing the financial challenges faced by its citizens, ensuring a more sustainable and economically viable future for all Melburnians.
So, dear readers, what are your thoughts on the use of AI in public projects? Have you encountered any similar technological mishaps? Share your experiences and join the conversation below!
From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is touted as the next big thing to revolutionize the way we live.
However, as with any new technology, there are bound to be some hiccups along the way.
The mayor of Australia's second-largest city faced a major setback in his effort to generate excitement about numerous proposed new parks, as creepy AI-generated concept images derailed the campaign.
On Sunday, September 22, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece shared AI-generated images on social media, showcasing some of the parks he promises to create if re-elected next month.
Cr Reece has pledged to transform the CBD into the ‘Garden City’ by opening 28 new parks if he secures another term in office.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece shared AI-generated images to promote new parks, sparking humorous public reactions. Credit: X / Nick Reece
However, the plan backfired when the AI-generated images left residents more worried than enthusiastic about the new parks.
The images contained numerous confusing errors, such as two people lying on the ground metres away from children playing, a man with two legs fused into one, and several extra arms, prompting a range of baffled reactions from Australians.
The bizarre visuals sparked a flurry of reactions from the public, ranging from genuine concern to tongue-in-cheek humour.
‘What is your policy on dealing with these mutant beings infiltrating Melbourne in your photographs?’ one jokingly asked.
‘Bro, you need to get these people to a hospital,’ another quipped.
‘Is this after the nukes hit Melbourne, nature takes it back, and only the mutants survive?’ a third chimed.
‘My favourite is this guy who appears to be taking his pet shoe for a walk,’ someone else pointed out.
‘Why is there a dead person in your park?’ another commented.
Others wondered why Cr Reece opted for AI-generated images instead of employing a professional to illustrate his ambitious plans.
‘Please hire an actual digital illustrator,’ one person suggested.
‘Do you not have enough money to pay concept artists?’ another asked.
Cr Reece defended his use of AI with a humorous remark, stating, ‘No humans were harmed in the making of these renders.’
He asserted that the new park initiative will create green spaces in nearly every Melbourne neighbourhood.
‘Victoria was once known as the Garden State. I want Melbourne to be the Garden City. This is the biggest addition to our city's parks and gardens since Charles La Trobe mapped out Melbourne's parks in the 1840s,’ Cr Reece explained.
‘Every great city is defined by its parks and gardens, and with this plan, we are taking Melbourne's green spaces to the next level.’
‘Nearly every area of Melbourne will receive at least one new park or green space under this initiative – making our city an even better and greener place to live,’ he added.
Some of the areas slated for transformation include the Banana Alley Vaults beneath the West Gate Freeway in Southbank, Moonee Ponds Creek, and the border of North Melbourne and West Melbourne.
Additionally, five new or upgraded parks will be established throughout the central city and Docklands, with the first redevelopment taking place at Brown Alley Square.
The initiative will also provide grants to existing building owners for creating publicly accessible rooftop gardens or green walls, reform permitting to enable more homeowners and businesses to plant gardens on footpaths and laneways and assist building owners and businesses in acquiring additional plants.
While the recent backlash over the AI-generated images for proposed parks in Melbourne has left some residents questioning the Lord Mayor's judgment, Nick Reece remains focused on his broader vision for the city.
In addition to transforming Melbourne's green spaces, he has unveiled a plan aimed at helping residents cut down on their energy bills.
This dual approach reflects his commitment to not only enhancing the city's landscape but also addressing the financial challenges faced by its citizens, ensuring a more sustainable and economically viable future for all Melburnians.
.png){kind=icon}
