Architecture generation

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Architecture generation is the generic term for efforts to create architecture using a machine, usually with the help of a computer.

Architecture generation is a sub-area of CAAD (Computer Aided Architectural Design), also referred to as computer-aided design in architecture. While the term CAAD is mostly used generally for the use of computers in architecture, architecture generation describes the approach of using the computer not only as an aid, but as a design subject.

The architecture generation differs clearly from CAD (Computer Aided Design), which is only used as an electronic drawing board or as a tool for creating, editing or displaying technical plans.

history

Architecture generation approaches have been around for almost as long as the computer has been used as a tool in architecture. Research in this direction was mainly carried out by the universities. In the German-speaking countries, the ETH Zurich is the main one, which has had a corresponding professorship for a long time. Corresponding professorships have now also been established at universities in Aachen and Weimar, for example.

Progressive architecture firms have also repeatedly carried out experiments on generating architecture.

Partial architecture generation

Tools of architecture generation can be described as simple tools that significantly intervene in the process of architectural design and thus influence and change it. Examples of this would be simple programs that output information on costs or energy balance, for example, during design. The design is influenced by this information and is therefore partially computer generated.

Holistic architecture generation

The approach of holistic architecture generation continues, which aims to have the complete architectural design taken over by a computer. In order to be able to describe software as a tool for holistic architecture generation, the condition must be fulfilled that the complete design is computer-controlled and the user only has to enter the necessary information or parameters. This approach was first fully implemented in the 1990s at Carnegie Mellon University as part of the SEED project in order to have a complete building designed by a computer.

criticism

The holistic architecture generation approach is discussed controversially in some cases. To some, concepts in which the user is interactively and playfully involved and thus also maintains control over the design process seem more promising. With these concepts, however, it should be noted that operation by experts must sensibly be assumed, while with the holistic architecture generation approach, operation by laypersons is in principle also possible.

All approaches to architecture generation have in common that the questions of architectural design and aesthetics are to be regarded as the most difficult, since these cannot be quantified mathematically.

See also

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