Automatic generation of diverse equilibrium structures through shape grammars and graphic statics. Issue 2 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Juney; Mueller, Caitlin; Fivet, Corentin
• Other Names: Block Philippe guest-editor.; Fivet Corentin guest-editor.; Van Mele Tom guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of space structures. Volume 31:Issue 2/3/4(2016)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: conceptual structural design -- discrete topology generation -- generative structural design -- grammar-based design -- graphic statics -- shape grammars -- structural form-finding; Space frame structures -- Periodicals; Space (Architecture) -- Periodicals; Space (Architecture); Space frame structures; Periodicals; 624.177
• DOI: 10.1177/0266351116660798
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-0599

Abstract

This article presents a computational design methodology that integrates generative (architectural) and analytical (engineering) procedures into a simultaneous design process. By combining shape grammars and graphic statics, the proposed methodology enables the following: (1) rapid generation of diverse, yet statically equilibrated discrete structures; (2) exploration of various design alternatives without any biases toward pre-existing typologies; (3) customization of the framework for unique formulations of design problems and a wide range of applications; and (4) intuitive, bidirectional interaction between the form and forces of the structure through reciprocal diagrams. Design tests presented in this article illustrate the creative potential of the proposed approach and demonstrate the possibility for unbiased explorations of richer and broader design spaces during early stages of design, with much more trial and less error.