Generation of alternative designs in architectural problems using Shape Grammars defined with animation tools: a computer implementation of shape grammars using modelling and animation software

We present a model of generation of alternative designs to selected architectural and spatial configurations of small complexity. Specifically we present a production pipeline of architectural / spatial configurations using the context of animation and time based design tools. Our model consists of time and space design constraints of boundaries / objects affecting a given architectural design, thus producing an alternative solution for every timeframe of the animation cycle. The alternative designs vary from the original according to their temporal and/or spatial distance from the original object on the animation time-line. The constraints placed upon the objects , used as actuators of Shape Grammars, are defined informally by the user/designer while their influence can vary according to time, speed, location, configuration of the object and/or the constraint itself. However the constraints further function as formal rules for the Shape Grammar creation so that our model tries to predict ahead of time the emergence of alternate designs. The employ of animation tools [shape driven curves, speed and time-line functions,parent child relationships] in the shape generation of our model empowers the user/designer to configure whole sets of shapes and designs interactively and without the need to define every solution independently. Simultaneously, a different, time-focused view of our model describes its use on designs that develop different configurations over time. Thus a duality of our model is established: either the animated schema may be a sum or family of various designs or the animated time-line represents a single design which changes over time. Finally the possibility of an automated analysis of every design is discussed, using Space Syntax diagrams so the designer can quickly evaluate the various spatial configurations produced by a single original.