On shape grammars, color grammars and sortal grammars: A sortal grammar interpreter for varying shape grammar formalisms

Grammar formalisms for design come in a large variety, requiring different representations of the entities being generated, and different interpretative mechanisms for this generation. Most examples of shape grammars rely on labeled shapes, a combination of line segments and labeled points. Color grammars extend the shape grammar formalism to...

Parametric modeling and optimization for adaptive architecture

In this paper we address performance oriented design applied to adaptive architecture in order to satisfy the performance requirements for changing contextual conditions. The domain of adaptive architecture is defined and specific focus is given to form-active architecture, in which geometric changes occur as a means of adaptivity during the use...

Creating specific grammars with generic grammars: Towards flexible urban design

The aim of the City Induction project is to develop an urban design tool consisting of 3 parts: an urban programme formulation module, a generation module and an evaluation module. The generation module relies on a very generic Urban Grammar composed of several generic grammars called Urban Induction Patterns (UIPs) corresponding to typical...

Performance-Oriented Design of Large Passive Solar Roofs: A method for the integration of parametric modelling and genetic algorithms

The paper addresses the design of large roof structures for semi outdoor spaces through an investigation of a type of performance-oriented design, which aims at integrating performance evaluations in the early stages of the design process. Particularly, aiming at improving daylight and thermal comfort under large structures, the paper focuses on...

BT Research Portfolio: Computation & Performance Green Building Innovation

Parametric design of the Vela roof: A case study on performance oriented exploration of design alternatives

The paper presents a case study, in which parametric modeling has been used to explore the geometrical design alternatives of a large span roof. Explorative criteria are oriented to the use of on site energy resources, with specific focus on the mitigation of summer discomfort. After broadly presenting the subject, specific emphasis is given to...

Implementing a Generative Urban Design Model: Grammar-based design patterns for urban design

This paper shows the first results of a prototype implementation of a generative urban design tool. This implementation will form part of a design support tool for a GIS based platform defined to formulate, generate and evaluate urban designs. These three goals, formulation, generation and evaluation are integrated by connecting three modules...