Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form Christiane M. Herr Thomas Kvan Department of Architecture The University of Hong Kong
overview aim of investigation: development of a theoretical framework for the integration of CA into the architectural design process CA as generative strategy in architecture generating variety for high-density contexts test implementation conclusions
CA adaptations to specific tasks urban planning: pedestrian movements biology: pattern studies adaptation to specific contexts: from classical systems to specific applications geography: land use development implementation and extension of CA models in biology, engineering, geography, urban planning transition rules states cell neighbourhoods dynamic cells engineering: finite elements
CA as variety generator in architecture Frazer & students Coates & students Watanabe Krawczyk CA as generative design approach CA features of interest in architectural contexts: variety from simple rules bottom-up processes numerical constraints unpredictability / surprise spatial relationships of elements Clarke
CA as part of the design process Two strategies for CA as design tool: define the rules, experimental outcome specify the goal, develop rules accordingly What level of control is desired? CA cells: what granularity is appropriate? bricks vs larger units
CA as part of the design process Donald Schön s model of design: reflection-in-action as a cyclic process, conversation with a situation CA in Schön s design process model: potential to assist design moves and evaluation
generative design systems and interaction Direct manipulation: drawing board Generation and evaluation: evolutionary systems Fully automated: L-System generative support for iterative design processes: phases of alternating automated generation and manual interaction
generative design systems and interaction Direct manipulation: drawing board Generation and evaluation: evolutionary systems Fully automated: L-System generative support for iterative design processes: phases of alternating automated generation and manual interaction
high-density architecture architectural context for CA implementation large numbers numeric constraints / rules complex spatial relationships lack of variety in high-density context speed and efficiency: monotony need for strategies to develop alternatives
test implementation re-modelling of an architectural project Cero9: northern style housing competition Aomori/Japan 2001 high-density modular/easily discernible units architects documentation of structured sequential design process CA modifications required in design applications
test implementation 25 micro-scyscrapers: composition of basic units additional extensions commercial and public units connections between towers
Cero9: design process design process: sequence of operations on units operations on 2d and 3d arrays of objects, flexible rules
CA adapted to Cero9 s design process adapting the CA system: approximating Cero9 s design classic CA script support in 3ds functions to be assigned to object types CA adaptations: cells are not identical no uniform grid lattice variety of cell neighbourhoods network/graph automata network/graph CA
CA adapted to Cero9 s design process 5, 6, 7, 8 illustration of sequence: phase-specific CA functionality 1 arranging towers in grid on site 2 adjusting positions according to environment 3 generating inclination positions for towers 4 Generating ground floor extensions of towers 5 extrusion of towers 6 tower inclinations 7 extensions 8 cantilevered connections
Cero9: remodelling outcomes variations in outcome: generative potential of rules/variables and manual interaction
conclusions Conclusions: test implementation indicates necessary adaptations states networks instead of grids variety of cell geometries evaluation models 2D & 3D mixtures CA models: graph/network CA more appropriate to model morphology further tests: What kind of CA model suits design applications? How can CA support the design process?
Using Cellular Automata to Generate High-Density Building Form Christiane M. Herr ydnac@graduate.hku.hk Thomas Kvan tkvan@hku.hk Department of Architecture The University of Hong Kong