Empathy with place: understanding the concept and application of an artistic research approach using AI-based tools

Empathy – the projection of a subjective state into an object using one’s imagination, so that the object appears to be infused with this state – can be experienced not only on an interpersonal level but also with animals, machines, ecosystems and places. The importance of empathy in design and other place-related practices is currently acknowledged by researchers and designers. The aim of this research was to develop a theory-grounded artistic research approach using Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools in order to stimulate connection with a place and induce empathy with the place. The first section of the article presents a literature analysis and systematisation in connection with place, empathy, and human-place relationships. Selected theoretical landscape models are analysed in order to reveal the theoretical premises for human-place relationships involving empathy. The second section includes the presentation of the proposed methodology for artistic research, the application of the methodology in two historical localities for recreation (Panemune and Kulautuva) situated in and around the city of Kaunas (Lithuania), and an assessment of the results using an approach based on self-reflection and autoethnography. The research proves that it is possible to develop artworks using AI-based tools to create a connection between human beings, places and artificial intelligence. The creation of the artworks induced biophilic and topophilic reactions to the places chosen by the creators, as well as the experience of the genius loci and empathy with the places in which the artistic research was carried out. Key words: empathy, place, artistic research, artificial intelligence.