Generative Landscape Architecture
Brendan Harmon
Snøhetta, MAX IV Laboratory Landscape, 2016
Generative Design
Generative design is a creative, algorithmic form finding process that enables the rapid generation, analysis, and evaluation of many design alternatives.
deCOi Architects, One Main, 2011
Demo
Methods
- Generative systems
- Parametric design
- Analysis and optimization
- Families of form
- Mass customization
- Digital fabrication
- Autonomous construction
Generative Systems
Rather than drawing or modeling a form, designers write code to algorithmically generate families of forms.
Parametric Design
Adjust model parameters to explore design alternatives.
Design Alternatives
Analysis and Optimization
- Structural performance
- Energy efficiency
- Cut and fill
- Water and sediment flows
- Biodiversity
- Etc…
Structural Analysis
Water Flow
Families of Form
Generate variations on a theme.
Nervous System, Floraform, 2014
Nervous System, Floraform, 2014
Mass Customization
Create personalized designs with generative systems and digital fabrication
Digital Fabrication
With technologies for digital fabrication even complex algorithmically designed forms can be built precisely and efficiently.
Digital Fabrication Technologies
- Computer numerical control (CNC)
- Laser cutting
- Plasma cutting
- 3D printing
- Robotics
- Autonomous construction
Olivier van Herpt, 3D Printed Ceramics, 2012-2020
USACE ERDC, Automated Construction of Expeditionary Structures (ACES), 2017
Nervous System, Kinematic Petal Dress, 2016
3D Printed Models
Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect, Delas Frères Winery, 2020
Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect, Delas Frères Winery, 2020
Generative Fabrication
The methods of fabrication and assembly can play a generative role in the design process. While generative fabrication has begun to enable the mass customization of products, generative robotics could enable the mass customization of the environment.
Robotic Construction
- Automated brick laying
- Weaving tensile structures
- Assembling timber frames
- Constructing complex formwork
- 3D printing metal or concrete structures
- Automated earthmoving
ETH Zurich, Gramazio & Kohler, Endless Wall, 2011
ETH Zurich, Gramazio & Kohler, Flight Assembled Architecture, 2012
Joris Laarman, MX3D Bridge, 2018
Generative Landscapes
Aerial Surveying with Drones
- Photography and videography
- Multispectral sensing
- Photogrammetry
Aerial Surveying with Drones
Aerial Surveying with Drones
- Orthophotographs
- Point clouds
- Digital surface models
- Time series
- Cut-fill
- Biomass
- Carbon storage
Surveying Landscapes
Tangible Landscape
ETHZ dfab, Construction Robotics
Benedikt Groß, Avena+ Test Bed, 2013
Snøhetta, MAX IV Laboratory Landscape, 2016
Snøhetta, MAX IV Laboratory Landscape, 2016
Snøhetta, MAX IV Laboratory Landscape, 2016
- Landforms reduce ground vibrations from highway
- Algorithmic design based on möbius strip
- Constructed by automated GPS-controlled bulldozers
- Balanced cut-fill