Algorithmic Design

Algorithmic DesignIs it possible with architecture?What is Algorithmic Design?It is type of design whose philosophy is derived from the observation of nature.[1]

The development of Algorithm for architecture is an inquisition on the complex forms that exist in living forms that are defined by the relatively simple genetic code.

Algorithmic design can be used to define forms and in future may be extended to solving complex architectural problems. Why do we seek algorithms?Todays architectural problems are very complex and these complexities cannot be met with conventional methods.

Algorithms are already in use to design structures and to define mechanical problems.Genetic Algorithms are used as stochastic methods for solving optimization and search problems, operating on a population of possible solutions.[1]Who started it?Genetic Algorithms were invented by John Holland in the 1960s and since then they have been used as stochastic methods.[1]

STOCHASTIC - having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analysed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.[4]

Form from fractalsMost of the forms generated in nature are based on fractals.It is an algorithm that gives rise various symmetric and asymmetric forms.An example is seen in the previous slide.

This concept can be extended to produce such interesting and amazing forms.

Its basis and other details will be discussed later.Application of algorithm in architectureAlgorithm is used for Solving structural problemsGeneration of dynamic forms.Tools developedOptimization toolsGenerative ToolsOptimization toolsOptimization tools are used for obtaining high reliability, high performance with low cost for building projects.For large scale projects with thousands of structural members optimization tools are inevitable.For e.g., National Aquatic Centre, Beijing.National Aquatic Centre, BeijingIt was designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games.The design of the steel trusses for the roof were optimized using algorithm based optimization.The size of steel sections based on standards were selected automatically using the tool. [1]

Beijing National Aquatic Centre: an algorithmic design.

Another example for OptimizationTwo office buildings are examined, both with controlled internal climate and artificial lighting. The buildings are located in two different cities: Phoenix, Arizona and Chicago*, Illinois. After the GAs have generated possible design solutions, the designs are then evaluated in terms of lighting and thermal performance through a detailed thermal analysis program.Then the GAs use the results from these simulations to further investigate towards finding low energy solutions to the problem under study.[1]

The various window shapes generated by the ALGORITHM[1]

The windows selected on evaluation are applied and visualized digitally using visualization software.*similarly, the process is followed for other building also.[1]Generative toolsGenerative tools based on algorithms are used for form generation.

Generative form is based on the theory of Emergence.EmergenceEmergenceis conceived as a process whereby larger entities, patterns, and regularities arise through interactions among smaller or simpler entities that themselves do not exhibit such properties.[3]

Vivid examples from the natural world are the hive, swarming, and flocking where independent parts are formed into one system with a complex or/and random behaviour.[1]

Emergence refers to the universal way in which small parts of systems in nature driven by very simple behaviours are tended toward coherent organizations with their own distinctly different behaviours.

Vivid Examples.Bee hive.Flock of birds individuals interact in a system to form a complex pattern

A termite hill is a classic example of emergence.

Snowflakes forming complex symmetrical andfractalpatterns is an example of emergence in a physical system.Inspired from natureThe forms we see in living organisms occur due to complex interacting forces whose functioning can be defined by complex algorithms.

Algorithms thus can be used as a generative tool for achieving several interesting forms with the help of digital instruments.[1]

Though it may not be possible to generate forms comparable to the complexity existent in nature, it is possible to generate simple ones that are far more exuberant than the ones that would be generated by the creative mind.[1]

Why Generative tools are needed?Architects try to create architecture as nature.In order to create architecture as nature, they must consider buildings as living organisms.That is why the theory of emergence is so closely linked to generative design.Architects attempt to apply the principles of nature and that is when Algorithmic Architecture is born.ALGORITHM and ARCHITECTUREAlgorithm is a tool that can solve a problem with a defined set of parameters and provide an optimum set of solutions.

Architecture is an art where designing is the problem and the problem itself is ill-defined.Limitation of Algorithm in ArchitectureAlgorithm can solve well defined problems and Design is an ill defined problem!

Parts of the design like the structure and other mechanical problems that are well-defined can be solved using this tool.Algorithm in architecture as an inevitable tool !Although the application can be limited, todays complexity in the structures and other mechanical problems like ventilation and thermal comfort can be optimized with Algorithms.[1]

It must be kept in mind that Algorithm is only one among the several tools available for solving the same problem.[1]The rising trendThe rising trend is to use generative tools based on Algorithms to create virtual forms.

The designers use these virtual forms as inspirations for creating new forms on their own.[1]Should architects use Algorithm for designing?Algorithms cannot be clearly be used for designing as designing involves several ill-defined problems that interact with each other.[1]Attempting to design based on algorithm is not possible with todays technology.It is considered a future concept.Designer and AlgorithmIt would be in the future where engineers and technicians would set parameters for the design Algorithms.

The designer or Architect plays the role of selecting the best of the choices based on aesthetics as all the functional aspects are satisfied by the algorithm.References[1] Genetic Algorithms in Architecture: a Necessity or a Trend? By Eleftheria Fasoulaki, Master of Science in Architecture, Computation Group, Department of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[2] An Article on Generative Design http://generativedesign.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/algorithmic-design/

[3] Emergence A Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence/