If you wander through Greenpoint, Brooklyn, you might stumble upon a quirky sight nestled between an elementary school and a public library: Chat Haus. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary co-working space, but a closer look reveals a delightful surprise.

Inside Chat Haus, you’ll find "workers" busily tapping away at keyboards, taking calls, and sipping coffee. But these aren’t your standard office-goers; everything, including the workers themselves, is crafted entirely from cardboard.

The Artistic Vision Behind Chat Haus

This imaginative installation is the brainchild of Brooklyn artist Nim Ben-Reuven. Within Chat Haus, you encounter a colorful cast of cardboard robots, all animated with small motors that imbue them with lifelike movements. A nearby sign humorously advertises desk space for a staggering $1,999 a month, labeling the creation as "A luxury co-working space for chatbots."

A Humorous Response to Industry Changes

Nim Ben-Reuven revealed that he conceived Chat Haus as a humorous reaction to the rapid advancement of AI in the creative world. As a graphic designer and videographer, he’s witnessed firsthand how AI tools are increasingly encroaching on his freelance work. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, he decided to confront these changes head-on with a light-hearted approach.

"It was like expressing frustration with humor, so I wouldn’t grow bitter about the industry changing so quickly," he said. Ben-Reuven emphasized the importance of keeping the project playful, arguing that a cheerful tone welcomes everyone, regardless of their views on AI.

A Community Engaged in Creativity

While enjoying coffee at a nearby café, Ben-Reuven noticed locals stopping to appreciate Chat Haus. From young women snapping photos to excited school children asking questions, the installation has captured the community’s imagination.

Despite his worries about AI’s influence on creative professions, Ben-Reuven maintains perspective. "Compared to larger global issues like war and trauma, AI’s impact feels relatively minor," he remarked.

The Symbolism of Cardboard

Ben-Reuven’s choice of materials carries deeper significance. He’s been working with cardboard for years, even creating a life-size airport terminal during graduate school. His affection for these "cardboard babies" serves more than just aesthetic purposes—it's also a commentary on the fragility he sees in AI-generated creativity.

"The impermanence of cardboard, its tendency to collapse under pressure, mirrors how I perceive AI interacting with the creative industry," he explained. While many may be dazzled by AI art, Ben-Reuven likens it to junk food—offering instant satisfaction yet lacking substantive depth.

What Lies Ahead for Chat Haus?

Chat Haus is a temporary installation, set to remain open as long as the building awaits renovation permits. Ben-Reuven hopes it stays on display until mid-May and dreams of migrating it to a larger gallery in the future. He jokingly expressed concerns about where to store his burgeoning creations after the exhibit ends.

"I thought it would be amusing to visualize a warehouse full of cute yet slightly creepy cardboard robots tirelessly typing, inspired by our ChatGPT prompts, all while consuming as much power as Switzerland in a year," he quipped.

If you’re intrigued, you can visit Chat Haus at 121 Norman Avenue in Brooklyn. It offers a whimsical yet thought-provoking exploration of how creativity adapts in the age of technology.