- QuirkySwirl's
- Posts
- The Hague Through AI Eyes: A QuirkySwirl Adventure in Digital Sketching
The Hague Through AI Eyes: A QuirkySwirl Adventure in Digital Sketching
Exploring how AI automation can transform creative processes and boost efficiency in unexpected ways

Sketches of The Hague with Dall.e-3
Welcome to another QuirkySwirl innovation journey, where we explore the intersection of AI and creativity to unlock new efficiencies. Today, we're taking a virtual sketch tour of The Hague, powered by cutting-edge AI. This experiment isn't just about creating beautiful images – it's a demonstration of how AI can streamline creative processes and open new possibilities for businesses across industries

As a resident of The Hague and a technology enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of innovation and art. Recently, I embarked on a unique project: using AI to create sketches of our city's most iconic landmarks. This journey not only produced stunning visual results but also opened up new perspectives on how we can preserve and reimagine our urban heritage.

The Artistic Process with AI
The journey started when I experimented with an AI program that translates written prompts into sketches. I wanted to see if it could visualize the heritage around me in The Hague. So, I gave the AI carefully crafted descriptions of landmarks like the Grote Kerk and Hofvijver—places that resonate with history and narrative.
This AI sketching experiment is more than just a fun exercise. It's a prime example of how AI can automate and enhance creative tasks, potentially saving hours of work for designers, marketers, and urban planners. At QuirkySwirl, we specialize in developing custom AI solutions that can bring this level of efficiency to your business processes, no matter your industry.
The AI Behind the Art
For this project, I utilized DALL-E 3, a state-of-the-art AI model developed by OpenAI. This advanced system uses natural language processing to interpret textual descriptions and generate corresponding images. Unlike traditional digital art tools, DALL-E 3 doesn't just manipulate existing images; it creates entirely new visuals based on the prompts it receives.
The process involves feeding the AI detailed descriptions of The Hague's landmarks, carefully crafted to capture not just the physical attributes but also the mood and historical significance of each location. The AI then processes this information through its vast neural network, which has been trained on millions of images and their associated descriptions. The result is a unique interpretation that blends the factual details with an almost intuitive understanding of artistic style and composition.
What makes this technology particularly fascinating is its ability to understand and apply complex concepts like architectural styles, historical contexts, and even emotional atmospheres. It's not just replicating existing images but creating new art that captures the essence of The Hague through a digital lens.

A sketch of the iconic Grote Kerk located in The Hague. The image should capture the church in its grandeur, showcasing its Gothic architectural style with detailed ornate stonework, tall spires, and the large, arched windows that are characteristic of this style. The church stands imposingly against a clear sky, with its intricate facade clearly visible, emphasizing its historical and architectural significance. The sketch should be done in black and white to give it a classic, timeless feel. There should be a hint of surrounding trees but the focus remains on the church's structure, conveying a sense of antiquity and elegance.
Each prompt was a deliberate attempt to make sure the AI understood not just the structures but the mood and atmosphere of these places. For instance, I described the Grote Kerk’s Gothic features and the peaceful vibe of the Hofvijver, hoping the AI would grasp the detailed facets of these iconic spots.
The Pier in Scheveningen

A dynamic black and white sketch of The Pier in Scheveningen, The Hague. The composition should highlight the iconic structure as a prominent leisure destination with its various levels, including the lower deck, the restaurants, the Bungy Jump and the giant Ferris wheel. The bustling atmosphere of visitors enjoying the seaside attractions should be captured, along with detailed renderings of the Pier’s modern and distinctive design elements such as the steel frames and glass facades. The North Sea should be depicted in the background with textured waves, emphasizing the Pier's setting over the water, making it a unique and recognizable landmark of The Hague’s coastline
Dall.e.3 mostly got it right, except for the number of people - I have never seen these many people in all of Den Haag, let alone the pier 🤣

An artistic black and white sketch of The Hague's Holland Spoor railway station (Den Haag HS). The focus of the sketch should be on capturing the majestic facade of this 19th-century structure with its historic architectural detailing. The drawing should include the station's characteristic clock tower, ornate stonework, and the grand entrance that welcomes travelers. The sketch aims to convey the bustling energy of a key transit hub while maintaining the building's historical elegance. Emphasis should be placed on the contrast and depth to highlight the intricate designs and the station's importance as both an architectural landmark and a gateway for visitors and residents alike.
Landgoed Ockenburg - A historic estate with beautiful architecture surrounded by nature.

A black and white sketch that captures the serene beauty of Landgoed Ockenburg, a historic estate in The Hague, nestled in nature. The drawing should emphasize the architectural elegance of the main building with its classical facade and symmetrical proportions. Surrounding the estate, lush foliage, mature trees, and manicured gardens should be illustrated to reflect the harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape. Details such as ornamental shrubs and the texture of the vegetation should be included, creating a tranquil natural setting that complements the estate's grandeur. The sketch should convey a peaceful retreat, a portal to a bygone era.
Curious about how AI can streamline your business processes? Book a free consultation with our AI experts and discover how we can boost your efficiency by up to 40% in just 90 days!
Sketching Landmarks
What I got back from the AI was fascinating—black and white sketches that transformed my words into visuals. The sketches had a striking amount of detail and character. It was a different way of seeing the Binnenhof and its ancient grandeur contrasted against the dynamic city center—a visual celebration of The Hague's blend of old and new.
Hofvijver - The picturesque pond

A serene black and white sketch of Hofvijver, the iconic pond beside the Binnenhof in The Hague. The drawing should illustrate the tranquil waters of the pond, with reflections of the surrounding historical buildings and the grandeur of the Dutch parliament in the background. The sketch should highlight the beauty of the trees and greenery around the pond, as well as the sense of calm that the area exudes. Fine lines and detailed shading should be used to emphasize the textures of the water, foliage, and architecture, creating a harmonious and picturesque scene that captures the essence of this peaceful city landmark.
Grote Kirk - another attempt

Peace Palace

An elegant black and white sketch of the Peace Palace in The Hague, the prestigious building that hosts the International Court of Justice. The drawing should emphasize the grandeur and historical architecture of the palace, featuring its striking Neo-Renaissance style with ornate facades, towering spires, and harmonious symmetrical gardens. Details would include the intricately carved stonework, the grand staircase leading up to the main entrance, and the iconic Peace Flame monument. The sketch aims to reflect the significance and the international symbolism of the Peace Palace as a beacon of justice and diplomacy in a dignified, respectful manner
Museum Meermanno, also known as the House of the Book

A detailed black and white sketch of Museum Meermanno, also known as the House of the Book, located in The Hague. This image should capture the refined neoclassical architecture of the building, with its symmetrical design and ornate details. Key architectural elements such as columns, pediments, and decorative reliefs that adorn the facade should be meticulously illustrated. The museum's dignified and educational character should be evident through the presence of statues and inscriptions that grace the exterior. Surrounding the museum, subtle hints of the quiet street and neighboring buildings should provide context while keeping the focus on the museum's grand and scholarly presence.
Noordeinde Palace

A refined black and white sketch of Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde), one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family located in The Hague. The image should accurately portray the elegance and stately presence of the palace, highlighting its classic 16th-century architecture with its symmetrical facades and ornate decorations. The palace's grand entrance, the windows with their elaborate frames, and the sculpted details on the roofline should be depicted with care and precision. The sketch should express the regal atmosphere and political importance of this historic palace, including the beautiful palace gardens in the background, all rendered with fine lines to emphasize the artistic and architectural beauty
Ridderzaal

An intricate black and white sketch of Ridderzaal, the central building of the 13th-century Binnenhof complex in The Hague. The image should capture the majestic Gothic architecture of Ridderzaal, with its high gabled façade, leaded windows, and the Dutch flags flying proudly above. The detail in the sketch should reveal the craftsmanship of the stonework and the historical significance of the building. Artistic attention is given to the textures of the materials and the play of light and shadow, creating a visually stunning representation that pays homage to this landmark's medieval roots and importance in Dutch history
Madurodam

A detailed black and white sketch of Madurodam, the famous miniature park in The Hague. The image should capture the essence of this unique attraction, showcasing a variety of the meticulously crafted miniature buildings, bridges, and landscapes that represent Dutch landmarks and historical sites. The sketch should highlight the scale and intricacy of the models with fine lines and shading, giving a sense of the park's playful yet astonishingly detailed recreations. The composition should offer a panoramic view that conveys the park's lively atmosphere and the craftsmanship evident in each miniature structure.
Binnenhof

A detailed sketch of the Binnenhof, the political heart of The Hague. The image should depict the Binnenhof's stately and historical architecture with prominence given to its characteristic Gothic and Renaissance elements. The sketch must capture the essence of its grand courtyards and the iconic Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall), with attention to the intricate facades and the prominent towers. The drawing should be done in a classic pen sketch style, highlighting textures and shadows, conveying both the importance and the age of the structure. The depiction should be monochromatic to reflect the timeless elegance of the Binnenhof against a serene sky, void of modern disturbances, focusing purely on the architectural beauty
Reflections on the Experience
This journey with AI-generated sketches of The Hague has been more than just an artistic experiment; it's been a window into the future of creative expression. As I compared the AI's interpretations with my own mental images of these familiar places, I found myself appreciating both the accuracy and the subtle nuances introduced by the AI.
What struck me most was how the AI captured not just the physical structures, but also the intangible essence of each location. The Grote Kerk sketch, for instance, didn't just depict a building; it conveyed a sense of historical gravitas and spiritual significance. Similarly, the Scheveningen Pier illustration managed to capture the vibrant energy of the seaside, even if it perhaps overestimated the typical crowd size!
This experience has reinforced my belief that AI is not a replacement for human creativity, but rather a powerful tool that can augment and inspire it. It challenges us to see our surroundings through a new lens, potentially uncovering aspects we might have overlooked.
As a co-founder working with AI, this project has also given me valuable insights into the potential applications of such technology beyond art. I can envision similar approaches being used in urban planning, historical preservation, or even in creating immersive educational experiences about cities and their heritage.
While we've focused on AI-generated art in this newsletter, the possibilities for AI automation extend far beyond creativity. From chatbots that enhance customer service to workflow automations that save hours of manual work, QuirkySwirl is at the forefront of developing AI solutions that drive real business results.
Conclusion
As we've seen through this AI sketching experiment, the fusion of technology and creativity can yield impressive results and significant efficiency gains. At QuirkySwirl, we're passionate about harnessing the power of AI to transform businesses across all sectors.
Whether you're looking to automate workflows, develop custom AI applications, or simply explore how AI can benefit your company, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of experts can help you implement AI solutions that not only boost efficiency but also drive innovation and growth.
Ready to start your AI journey? Get in touch with us today and let's explore how we can tailor our AI solutions to your unique business needs. Together, we can turn the quirky potential of AI into tangible business success!
Bonus

A striking black and white sketch of the Eiffel Tower, the iconic landmark of Paris, France. This image should focus on the intricate iron lattice work that makes up the tower's structure, capturing both its immensity and the delicate engineering artistry. The perspective of the sketch should provide a sense of the tower's height as it stretches upwards towards the sky. Include details such as the arched bases, the viewing platforms, and the complex network of beams and girders. The surrounding Champ de Mars park and the Parisian cityscape in the background should be subtly indicated, ensuring the Eiffel Tower remains the central focal point of the composition.
Girl who had the pearl earring once upon a time, now has a guitar and boots!

Create an image inspired by Def Leppard's 'Retro Active' album cover, interpreted through the artistic lens of Johannes Vermeer. The composition should integrate the retro elements from the album cover, such as the woman and the acoustic guitar, into a scene that echoes Vermeer's tranquil interior settings, complete with his characteristic use of light and shadow. The palette should draw on Vermeer's subtle use of colors, and the image should possess the depth and texture reminiscent of his 17th-century works. This fusion should aim to blend rock nostalgia with the quiet domesticity often seen in Vermeer's paintings.