Design by computation

In our paper we put Generative Design in a historical context. We will define Generative Design and briefly discuss the most important mathematical methods that have been developed, that are relevant with regard to shape generation. Often these methods don’t have any relation to architecture, but are nevertheless very valuable when applying Generative Design. In the second part of our paper will show Generative Design can be used in architectural training. A link is necessary between the traditional way of visual modeling and the mathematical formulae. To establish this link we use CAD scripting languages. The problem however is twofold: (1) scripting languages are meant to extend the system functionality and not to easily generate shapes and (2) most architectural students have no programming skills at all. We will show some the results of our "Generative Design" design atelier and most importantly explain the underlying mathematical approach that was encoded in the script. Finally, we will summarize our experience with this studio and provide the guidelines for successful application of Generative Design in architectural design.