2016-2017

DIGITAL APPLICATIONS IN ARCHITECTURE M.ARCH

2nd SEM
MAR-203

SCRIPTING AND ALGORITHM

ALGORITHMS
GUIDED BY SUBMITTED BY
AR.FARAH NAAZ ANUBHAV RASTOGI
AR.NAUSHEEN FATIMA ARPIT JAIN
FARJANA
MD. ATHAR MANSURY
PRIYANKA SENGAR
 INTRODUCTION
SCRIPTING
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 Scripting languages are mathematical solutions that are define by set of rules and based on M.ARCH
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parameters. It is a programming language that controls a software application .
 Scripting provides a number of advantages when applied as a tool for architectural design. It gives
the power of recursion and allows performing repetitive tasks in a faster and efficient way.
Recursion provides speed for calculating large number of functions or operations that are of the

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same kind. It allows automating iterations, to construct complex objects or methods using smaller
and simpler functions, which are repeated several times.

• It involves the designation of software
programs to generate space and form
from rule-based logic inherent in
architectural programs, typologies and
language itself.
• Instead of direct programming, the
codification of design intention using
scripting languages available in 3d
packages can build consistency,
structure, coherency, traceability and
intelligence into computerized 3d form.
Scripting in architecture denotes the use of algorithms to
generate form, solve, organize, or explore problems
computationally by using numeric data and variables
to address problems.
First eg. Was use of genetic code from biology that was
formulated by Frazer (1995) on his research ‘Evolutionary
Architecture.’ Evolutionary architecture proposes the
evolutionary model of nature as the generating process for
architectural form
 ALGORITHMS
An algorithm is a process of addressing a problem in a finite number of steps using logical
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operations. It can also be a rationalized version of human thinking. M.ARCH
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According to Kostas Terzidis, “An algorithm is not only a computer implementation, a series of lines or code
in a program, or a language, it is also a theoretical construct with deep philosophical, social, design and artistic
repercussions.”

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 Algorithms are represented either in diagrams as Flow Charts or by using computer languages in
the form of Scripts or programs.
 Thus an algorithm can be seen as a mediator between the human mind and the computer’s
processing power.
 The ability of the algorithm to serve as a translator can be interpreted as bi-directional: either as a
means of dictating to the computer how to go about solving the problem, or as a reflection of a human
thought into the form of an algorithm.
 Spaces, numbers and processes that are conceptualized in architect’s mind are algorithmically and
mathematically stored on computer systems and used as a generative tool to model building forms.
 HISTORY OF ALGORITHMS
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Historically algorithms have been used quite extensively in architecture. M.ARCH
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While the connotation of an algorithm may be associated with computer science, nonetheless the use
of instructions, commands, or rules in architectural practice are in essence algorithms.
The rationalization of the design process necessarily involves the use of structured, discrete, and

ALGORITHMS
well defined instructions for the accomplishment of design projects.
While many definitions and models of design exist, most agree that “Design is a process of inventing
physical things which display new physical order, organization, form and function.
 However, since no formula or predetermined steps exist which can translate form and function into a
new physical entity, design has been held as an art rather than a science.
 If design is to be studied as a process then a series of reasonable justifiable and consistent steps
should be established.
ALGORITHMS IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
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In recent years, algorithms in architectural design have been able to transcend their role as
frameworks of formalization and abstraction.
This has been made possible in a large part by the integration of scripting languages into CAD

ALGORITHMS
programs.
‘Algorithms’ output can now be directly visualized, and through digital fabrication methods, this
output can be built. This opens up a new role for algorithms as a design tool. As such, they provide
the benefits of depth and breadth.
On the one hand, their computational power can address processes with a scale and
complexity that precludes a manual approach.
Also, algorithms can generate endless permutations of a scheme.
ALGORITHMS IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
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A slight tweaking of either the input or the process leads to an instant adaptation of output. When
combined with an evaluative function, they can be used to recursively optimize output on both a
functional and aesthetic level.

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Yet beyond this, a computational approach to architecture enables the generation of the previously
unseen forms that can longer be conceived of through traditional methods become possible, thus
opening up new realms.
 THE COMPUTATIONAL TURN
• It helped to expand the limits of human
imagination. Hence what was inconceivable once
is possible even enhanced by computer-
augmented human thinking.
• We are now witnessing a ‘computational turn’
that countermands the reduction of architectural
• While previously architects were obsessed 2016-2017
with the reduction of complexity through M.ARCH
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algorithms, today they are trying to
explore complexities based on the
generative power of algorithms and
computation.

praxis to the mindless perfection of modelling
and rendering techniques.
• Most architects now use computers and
interactive software programs as exploratory
tools.
• All their work is dependent on the software they
are using, which inscribes its logic onto their
everyday routines.
ALGORITHMS
• For architects and artists like Karl Chu,
Kostas Terzidis, George Liaropoulos-
Legendre, MikeSilver and CEB Reas,
scripting is the means to develop their own
design tools and environments.
The computer is no longer used as a tool for
representation, but as a medium to conduct
computations.

Algorithms provide a framework for articulating and defining both input data and procedures. This
formalization can promote structure and coherency, while systemically maintaining full traceability
of all input.. preset rules: line by line, generation by generation
 ALGORITHMIC PROCESSES IN DESIGN
Aims at a better understanding and exploration of computation’s genuine processes and their potential for the
production of architecture. It is fascinating to understand how complex architectures emerge from simple rules 2016-2017
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and models. 2nd SEM

ALGORITHMS
Brandon Williams/Studio Rocker, Recursions, 2004 Brandon Williams/Studio Rocker, Expression of code, 2004

• Brandon Williams’s design is a two dimensional surface. Modes of transposition determine how the abstract
code, consisting of As and Bs,realises and thus becomes realisable as surface andstructure.
• Obviously, the chosen mode of transposing code into its expression is just one of many possibilities.
• Anycode’s expression is thus always just one of an infinite set of possible realisations.
ALGORITHMS IN ARCHITECTURE

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ALGORITHMS
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ALGORITHMIC PROCESSES IN DESIGN
It is fascinating to understand how complex architectures
emerge from simple rules and models. 2016-2017
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EXAMPLES-
SERPENTINE PAVILION ALGORITHM
The prime objective of the Serpentine Pavilion of

ALGORITHMS
Toyo Ito and Cecil Balmond was the integration of a
structural system as an integral function of the skin.
Since the formof the structure was given as a simple
rectangular box, it was necessary to find a technique
for subdividing the skin in order to create a structure.
Fractals are chosen as the process for subdivision
since they enable the design of a structural system
based on a square shape that could be propagated to
infinity.
The output of the algorithm was a two-dimensional
pattern, and the thickness of each beam was defined
according to the distribution of stresses along the
surface.
DOUBLE-CURVED SNAKE SKIN FACADE
Panel configuration diagram and graphical evaluation representations.
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ALGORITHMS
The design of a double-curved, ‘snake skin’ façade for the Pinnacle using a single, yet flexible module type in order
to avoid wastage in fabrication is an example of how a rather common problem was solved.
 The designers, Kohn Pedersen Fox, developed a novel approach by embedding analytical algorithms within the
design process.
This enabled them to integrate optimization routines for constructability and cost efficiency.
Geometric elements were equipped with ‘software sensors’ and the parametric model developed ‘geometric
indicators’ around the ‘irritated areas’ where panel clashes occurred.
This analytical problem-solving approach was incorporated into the design process, rather than being a
process of validation applied to a finished design. The application of algorithms for the organization of proliferated
material components over a predefined form is increasingly used in the design of structural skins.
NATIONAL AQUATICS CENTRE IN BEIJING, THE WATER CUBE
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ALGORITHMS
The algorithm developed by Chris Bosse for the design of the National Aquatics Centre in Beijing,
the ‘Water cube’, moves the algorithmic process one step further.
In this design a single material system produces structure and at the same time defines space.
Structural stability is apriori assured by the design choice itself –the formation of a stable configuration
of the geometry of bubble packing that also occurs spontaneously in many natural systems.
 L-SYSTEM IN ARCHITECTURE, MICHAEL HANSMEYER (2003)
SWITZERLAND 2016-2017
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 This concept was inspired by nature’s forms and geometries.
 The theory of the biologist Aristid Lindemeyer was used on this project, which was formulated from string
rewriting of algorithm based on the formal grammar theory to model plants and their growth processes.
 This theory is now known as L-System, specifically the integration of scripting languages into CAD
applications that enables the direct visualization of objects using algorithmic processes.
 NEW PLAYHOUSE FOR THE ROYAL THEATRE IN COPENHAGEN
 A continuous surface was developed, the folds of which is to provide a variety of different 2016-2017
conditions of enclosure, climate, sound and light. M.ARCH
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 This performative curvature and self intersection of the surface has been informed by
correlative digital and physical modeling, employing different CAD/CAM technologies.

ALGORITHMS
3D Generated Model of System 3D Model of System Splines & Vertices of 3d Model Form Adapted
from System
PROGRAMMABLE WOOD - CUSTOM PRINTED WOOD GRAIN
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Traditional wood-bending techniques require complex steaming equipment, labor-intensive forming M.ARCH
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processes, and a high degree of expertise. In addition, the natural pattern of wood grain and its
physical properties make it difficult to curve into complex shapes. Novel printing and composite
material technologies can now overcome prior limitations of wood forming. Flat sheets of custom
printed wood composite can be designed to self-transform in controlled and unique ways. While the

ALGORITHMS
lab has used water as a medium for activation, we imagine that we can also create wooden
composites that radically adapt to extreme environmental conditions.
PROGRAMMABLE TEXTILES
The translucent, lightweight, and malleable properties of textiles have been utilized for centuries in 2016-2017
M.ARCH
architecture, furniture, and apparel design. Typically, stretching fabric onto rigid structural frames 2nd SEM

requires complex molding and mechanical methods. Our research demonstrates a new method for
utilizing textiles that can take advantage of its unique properties while reducing the complexity of
forming processes. By printing material in varied layer thicknesses onto stretched textiles we are able
to create self-transforming structures that reconfigure into pre-programmed shapes. Programmable

ALGORITHMS
textiles open up new possibilities for furniture, product manufacturing, and shipping as well as new
methods for self-assembly and user interaction.
TRANSFORMABLE MEETING SPACES
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Transformable Meeting Spaces are aimed at reimagining interior office or building environments. The research 2nd SEM

proposes an alternative whereby structures can easily transform between private phone booths, lounge spaces or
other quiet meeting spaces into open flexible areas. By utilizing woven and transformable materials these
meeting spaces can expand and contract to create a meeting room for 6-8 people or morph into the ceiling
leaving a clear and open area below.

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 CONCLUSION
 Processes generating shape must be the object of studies which is always more profound and conscious. This
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will give modelling control and conscious decision making back to architects. M.ARCH
 The algorithmic design approach can deal with a large number of competing constraints simultaneously, 2nd SEM

and can be used to explore numerous differently weighted design solutions within time frames that are
just not economically feasible by more traditional methods.
 Though algorithms are becoming widespread in many design and fabrication industries, perhaps their best
use is in architectural design, where they can enable designers to work in intuitive and nondeterministic

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ways.
 Thus new and innovative designs can be produced that achieve structural and environmental
performances that were once considered to be post-design optimization processes.
 Digital modeling and visualization of architectural buildings has become the benchmark in the work of
architects and is unavoidable in architectural education.
From the original 2-D programs used for drawing architectural designs, the software used for computer aided
design has now turned into intelligent 3-D software packages based on parametric modeling.
Earlier, Architecture forms were usually created by a traditional designing process and creativeness is
relatively limited on the architects point of view resulting to predictable and similarity of design. As a
result, buildings had been designed using standard geometrical linear forms.
With algorithmic architecture, architects can now use these end-user programs to breed new forms, a form
not just for representation but a form that integrates the underlying logic of architecture-aesthetics, function
and strength. It does not intend however to eliminate architects’ creative power, but to combine its
synergy with the power of computing in order to design buildings that is performance driven in a
more efficient way.
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ALGORITHMS