In the heart of Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, a unique “luxury” coworking space has emerged, situated between an elementary school and a public library.

The space, dubbed the Chat Haus, bears a striking resemblance to a traditional coworking office, complete with individuals typing away on their computers, taking phone calls, and sipping coffee. However, there is a notable difference: the Chat Haus is a coworking space designed specifically for AI chatbots, and everything, including the occupants, is crafted from cardboard.

The Chat Haus is, in fact, an art exhibit created by Brooklyn-based artist Nim Ben-Reuven. The exhibit features a handful of cardboard robots diligently working at their computers, with movements controlled by small motors. A sign advertises desk space for the hefty sum of $1,999 per month, while another sign proudly labels the space as “A luxury co-working space for chatbots.”

Ben-Reuven revealed to TechCrunch that he conceived the exhibit as a means to cope with and inject humor into the reality that his work, primarily focused on graphic design and videography, is being increasingly pushed into the AI realm. He has already experienced rejection for freelance jobs as companies opt for AI tools instead.

Ben-Reuven expressed that creating the exhibit was a way for him to channel his frustration into humor, rather than bitterness, as the industry undergoes rapid changes. He acknowledged that he didn’t want to create something overly negative, as that would limit the message and require it to be defensive. By giving the display a “lighter tone,” he aimed to make it more accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages and opinions on AI.

During our conversation at Pan Pan Vino Vino, a cafe located across the street from the window display, numerous groups of people stopped to admire the Chat Haus. A group of millennial women took pictures, while a group of elementary school students asked their companions questions about the exhibit.

Ben-Reuven also reflected on the fact that, despite the challenges AI poses to his industry, the situation is relatively less severe compared to other global issues, such as war and trauma.

“I think AI, in the context of the creative world, seems like a relatively minor concern when compared to the many other pressing issues and traumatic events unfolding in the world,” he said.

Ben-Reuven has consistently incorporated cardboard into his art, having created a life-size replica of an airport terminal out of cardboard during his graduate studies. Over the past decade, he has worked on building cardboard robots, or “cardboard babies,” in his free time. While using these robots in the Chat Haus was a natural choice, the material also serves as a commentary on the impermanence and fragility of AI.

“The ephemeral nature of cardboard and its tendency to collapse under minimal weight is reminiscent of how AI interacts with creative industries,” he explained. “While AI-generated art may impress at first glance, it often lacks substance and can be easily dismissed upon closer inspection, much like these cardboard structures.”

Ben-Reuven understands the appeal of AI-generated art, likening it to the instant gratification of junk food. However, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations and superficiality of such art.

The Chat Haus is a temporary installation, as the building awaits permits for renovation. Ben-Reuven hopes to keep the display up until mid-May and is exploring the possibility of moving it to a larger gallery. He aims to expand the exhibit, but is concerned about where he will store the additional materials once the display is dismantled.

“I thought it would be amusing to depict a group of cute, yet slightly unsettling, robot babies typing away due to our ChatGPT prompts in a warehouse, consuming as much electricity as Switzerland uses in a year,” Ben-Reuven said.

The Chat Haus is currently on display in the front window of 121 Norman Avenue in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood.