Ellie Marek

Thesis 553

Prof. Dwaine Carver

Thesis Title: Generative Process in Architectural Design

PhD Thesis by: Jacob Riiber (out of Denmark)

This PhD thesis is particularly large, and for our sake we will only focus on parts. The primary theory of the thesis is about generative design and the exploration of parameter design to suggest architectural form at every level. Generative design is the idea that one can form a formula of some type that outputs a 3d form based on that molecular formula. This is how nature works and generative design touches normative biomimetic design. This is taking biomimicry one step deeper –I would say smaller but generative design is similar to the abstract of fractals where a design formula can create form on large and small levels. And like fractals, generative design creates structures that cohesively have the same structure on a small level as the large level. This is because generative design acts like DNA. An input of numeric data the foundation of a simple geometry, such as a triangle or hexagon, or even random points in space, act as atoms in a molecular formula, and as nature builds on molecules that take 3d form, so do these designs. It mimics nature’s method of genesis and creation. These forms, like nature have qualities that parallel nature’s, and can be morphed and modified to fit any use or function by the formulated parameters which created them. They are seamless and beautiful and the concept can be applied at any scale, from using it as a tool to generate connections and spatial form in urban design, to looking at this concept as a material.