Description:

This subject introduces a computational approach to design using shape grammars. Shape grammars were one of the first, and remain one of the few, computational design systems that are wholly visual, rather than textual or numerical. They provide a powerful means for form synthesis, for generating novel design solutions beyond our own insights or abilities to create by hand.

The well-known Froebel blocks and other simple 2D and 3D forms are used to teach the rudiments of shape grammars. In-class, hands-on exercises and experiments with abstract shape grammars are emphasized. Computer programs for implementing shape grammars are introduced. In student projects, shape grammars are explored as a tool for conceptual design.

Course requirements:

Several 1 week assignments. A 2 week, mid-term abstract design project. A 2-3 week, end-of term research or design project.

Format:

Lectures/laboratory/individual tutorials.

Outline

- Introduction

- History of formal grammars

- Froebel and the Froebel blocks

- Shapes: shape arithmetic, shape symmetry

- Spatial relations

- Rules

- Basic grammars
(Project 1)

- Hierarchy of shape grammars

- Shape grammars, emergence, and predictability
(Project 2)