# Is This the Future of Work? “Chat Haus” Offers Coworking Space for AI Chatbots

## Is This the Future of Work? “Chat Haus” Offers Coworking Space for AI Chatbots

A peculiar sight has popped up in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood: a “luxury” coworking space called Chat Haus, designed specifically for AI chatbots. But before you start imagining rows of humanoid robots huddled over miniature keyboards, there’s a twist: everything, including the diligent workers, is crafted entirely from cardboard.

Chat Haus is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based artist Nim Ben-Reuven, an exhibit born from a mix of frustration and humor in the face of AI’s increasing encroachment on the creative landscape. Ben-Reuven, whose work primarily revolves around graphic design and videography, told TechCrunch that he’s already experiencing the shift firsthand, losing freelance opportunities to AI-powered tools.

“It was like an expression of frustration in humor, so I wouldn’t get too bitter about the industry changing so quickly,” Ben-Reuven explained. “So I was like, I’ll just fight back with something silly that I can laugh at myself.”

The exhibit features a collection of cardboard robots animated by small motors, diligently “working” at their cardboard computers. A sign cheekily advertises desk space for a mere $1,999 a month, further emphasizing the satirical nature of the installation.

While the premise might seem overtly negative, Ben-Reuven aimed for a lighter tone. He believes that outright negativity can be alienating, whereas humor allows for broader engagement, attracting viewers of all ages and perspectives on AI. He also acknowledges that compared to global issues like war and trauma, the impact of AI on the creative world feels relatively minor.

Cardboard has long been a signature material in Ben-Reuven’s art. From life-sized airport terminals to his ongoing series of “cardboard babies,” the artist has a history of transforming the humble material into compelling commentary. In the context of Chat Haus, the choice of cardboard takes on an added layer of meaning.

“The impermanence of this cardboard stuff, and the ability for it to collapse under even just a little bit of weight, is how I feel that AI is interacting with the creative industries,” he said. He critiques the superficial appeal of AI-generated art, comparing the initial excitement to the fleeting satisfaction of junk food. While the images might look impressive on platforms like Instagram, Ben-Reuven argues they lack the depth and substance that comes with human creativity.

Despite his reservations, Ben-Reuven understands the allure of AI-generated content. He acknowledges the immediate gratification it provides, comparing it to the instant serotonin rush of indulging in junk food.

The Chat Haus is currently located in the front window of 121 Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, awaiting the building’s renovation permits. Ben-Reuven hopes to keep the exhibit running until at least mid-May and is exploring the possibility of moving it to a larger gallery, allowing him to expand the installation. His vision includes adding more “cute, kind of creepy, baby robots typing away because of our ChatGPT prompts in some warehouse somewhere, working non-stop taking as much electricity as Switzerland uses in a year.”

Whether Chat Haus is a glimpse into a dystopian future or a playful jab at the anxieties surrounding AI, Ben-Reuven’s exhibit offers a thought-provoking and humorous reflection on the changing landscape of work and creativity in the age of artificial intelligence. It serves as a reminder to critically examine the impact of technology while maintaining a sense of perspective and humor.