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A4667 Algorithmic Architecture

Instructor:

Rory O'Neill and Cory Clarke

In this seminar students will explore rule-based systems for generating architectural form, designing "genetic material" the computer can process to create new architectural morphologies. Using scripting languages available in 3d packages (i.e. Maya Embedded Language (MEL) and 3dMaxScript, Cinema4d COFFEE) students can go beyond the mouse, transcending the factory-set limitations of current 3D software. By working with code it is possible to create intelligent form using methods analogous to those through which intelligent life evolves: emergent behavior and self-organizing systems.

Algorithmic Architecture will pursue various methods through which the role of the designer can shift from "space programming" to "programming space"; the designation of software programs to generate space and form from the rule-based logic inherent in architectural programs, typologies and building code. The codifying of design intention will involve imbuing responsive intelligence into computerized 3d form. As supporting research this seminar will introduce the historical and theoretical context of designing auto-responsive systems, artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms and artificial life.

This course has a secondary agenda, demystifying the tools of design provided by particular software packages and consequently empowering the designer to invent their own software tools and practices. The majority of 3d software packages, Maya, Softimage and 3dStudio Max, are designed for use in the filmmaking industry and have been appropriated by the architectural design profession. These tools have inherent formal biases based on their heritage, and limit the capacity of the designer. The course will explore methods through which the designer can shape a custom set of software design tools to correspond with specific design agenda or formal language.

Course Structure
Algorithmic Architecture will follow two parallel courses through the semester. The first will teach students in basic programming by presenting beginning concepts software design. These concepts will provide the simple building blocks for generating complex applications and form. Concepts covered include:

* Variables and Constants
* Conditional statements
* Control Structures
* Recursion
* Object Oriented Programming

The second path that will be pursued in the course will be concepts and theories of artificial intelligence, artificial life and general systems theory such as:

* Boolean logic
* Turing machines and Finite state machines
* L-Systems
* Cellular Automata
* Genetic Algorithms
* Chaos generators (Lorenz curves, Mandlebrot sets)
* Fractal behavior and growth
* Cybernetics and feedback loops


Requirements and Pre-requisites
Algorithmic Architecture is a limited enrollment course. Class size is limited to 18 students.

Requirements & Pre-requisites
The student must have completed the required course Fundamentals of Digital Design (A4535). No previous programming or scripting experience is required.

There will be a series of incremental exercises through the semester, culminating in a final project. The final project will be presented in a jury review format.