Generative morphologies of architectural organization in matter force field

Abstract

This thesis investigates generative methods of architectural form finding in matter force fields that produce spatial subdivision and organizational variation. Unlike the style driven contemporary free-form architecture or decorative computational form making processes, this thesis is interested in inventing methods of informing architectural forms with constraints of matter realities, namely mechanics of matter. The consideration of matter mechanics in a conventional design process is only a post-rationalization design input. The initial form is assumed to be the datum to work with and not re-configured after the engineering input beyond thickening material. This approach resembles the mindset of the modern era architect who desires to shape the world with their own ideas of how the world should be like rather than incorporating material realities in making forms. On the other hand, in a pure material efficiency driven design process, the designer generates form that is only able to provide a single shell space of a certain span distance and height. The latter process is neither able to provide organizational variation nor programmatic subdivisions. Given the advancements in computational tools, the designer is now able to create his own tools to evaluate both material and visual performance while thinking of organizational principles. This thesis investigates opportunities that work with the constraints of material force fields to generate organizational rules for spatial constraints by inventing its own computational procedures. Topology formations, pattern formations within topological boundaries and aggregated topology formations are three main categories of form finding methods being explored throughout the thesis. The goal of this particular thesis is not to find ways to achieve optimum structural efficiency with minimum material, but rather to attain the medium between the two while generating new aesthetics and organizational rules.