Emergence and complexity in spatial structures

• Grant number: 15/01228-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: October 15, 2015
• End date: June 14, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Gabriela Caffarena Celani
• Grantee: André Luís de Araujo
• Supervisor: Jane Burry
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 12/05475-4 - GENERATIVE SYSTEMS APPLICATION TO DESIGN STRUCTURAL SPACE TRUSSES AS SUPPORT OF COMPLEX SURFACES, BP.DR

Abstract

Sometimes, complexity refers to confusion, embarrassment and difficulties of comprehension. However, there are some scientific problems related to complexity organization that statistics and computation tools can help to identify essential features of its organization. Some of these tools are inspired by theories from biology evolutionary algorithms and artificial life. In computational design, such concepts are used in structural form finding processes, when computer software are used to virtually simulate complexity and help finding a structural solution for it. In this context, there are two design approaches: (a) top-down, in which design process begins with a complex and structurally inefficient shape, and then, improved by a solution using optimization techniques; (b) bottom-up, in which design process begins with components (agents), and then, their self-organization results in an emergent complexity. Nowadays, researchers have been using more genetic shapes optimization than agents interaction, as the second one is commonly standardized although it represents a limitation in form finding process. Assuming that the use of computational parametric components to build a bottom-up generative system can promote an advanced top-down approach this research aims to propose a spatial structures design method based on concepts of emergence and complexity. Regarding research method, we intend to identify rules in case studies to develop an algorithm using computational interactive and incremental method. Moreover, we'll evaluate assembly and feasibility aspects with both physical experiments and computational simulations. Thus, it is expected to propose a new method for complex spatial structures design. (AU)