Project 3.00 . Generative

The formulation of novel design proposals requires the generation of strategies, logistics, and form that are expressions of design intent. This generation comes from many sources ranging from pencil on paper to models to programs we code, each as a strategy to find design resolution.

Generative : having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing. or, having the power or function of propagating or reproducing.

“Generative Design is the transformation of computational energy into creative exploration energy empowering human designers to explore greater number of design possibilities within modifiable constrains” – Sivam Krish

Design computation poses multiple opportunities to develop scripts or routines that can be used to create generative design solutions. This assignment will introduce a visual programming and parametric design tool, Grasshopper, that is an extension of the Rhinoceros 3d. This exercise will break from the previous narrative and will explore the generative tools in the context of the Louisiana landscape.

Topography: Using Grasshopper you will develop a series of topographic studies that interpret a range of endemic Louisiana landform typologies. Examples of typologies could include levees, channels, edge conditions, etc. You will develop a definition in Grasshopper that will generate a range of topographies exploring the potentials of the explored landform; max/min, randomization, distribution, etc. You will “bake” 8-12 topographies and use these as the basis for the diagrams.

Diagrams: Using the topographic studies as the base you will develop a diagrammatic language that explains the features of the landforms. Linking each topography in the study together to compare their qualities.

Deliverable: 3 A3 sheets in landscape orientation viewed as a static series. The Grasshopper definition used to create the topographies.

Technique Documentation: You will document a technique used in the creation of your landform study that focuses on the definition created in Grasshopper. This documentation will be in the form of a blog post on the lab.visual-logic.com site. You should clearly explain the steps necessary to complete the technique as well as document the historical lineage of the technique.

Schedule

October 22nd . Project 3.00 Introduction

October 29th . Lecture, Andrea Hansen, Grasshopper Introduction

November 5th . Lecture, Caroline Westort, Grasshopper Methods

November 12th . Project 3.00 Pin-up