Algorithmic Design

Is 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 fractals

Most 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
architecture
Algorithm is used for
1. Solving structural problems
2. Generation of dynamic forms.

Tools developed
1. Optimization tools
2. Generative Tools

Optimization tools
Optimization 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,

Beijing
It 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 Optimization

Two 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]

[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 a

Generative tools
Generative tools based on algorithms
are used for form generation.
Generative form is based on the
theory of Emergence.

Emergence
Emergenceis 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.

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

Snowflakes forming
complex symmetrical
andfractalpatterns is an
example of emergence in a
physical system.

A termite hill is a
classic example
of emergence.

Inspired from nature

The 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

ALGORITHM and
ARCHITECTURE
Algorithm 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
Architecture
Algorithm 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 trend

The 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 Algorithm

It 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/algorith
mic-design/

[3] Emergence A Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)

article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence/