3D architecture form synthesizer

Abstract

The synthesis of forms is an interesting problem which has faced designers for years. So far, the only solution to this problem is to use the imagination of designers. Even though computers have been used in representing designs, they play only a very passive role in the process of design. Computers are regarded as non-creative and lacking imagination. However, with the theory of Shape Grammar, a rule system that can be used to generate a large number of varied ~nd complex designs using only a small number of simple rules, computers can now have imagination. The problem is addressed here mainly in the domain of architecture. By formulating Shape Grammar in the framework of Iterated Function System (IFS) theory, various architectural massing designs, most of which could not be imagined by even the best architects, can be created by applying grammars to simple geometric forms recursively. The software package developed here uses Java, Open Inventor and cutting-edge 3D graphics technology. Architects will be able to work in a virtual 3D environment, generating designs with the aid of a creative computer.