Computational Logic of Iterative Assemblage Processes
Assembled Architecture investigates how computational thinking and algorithmic logic can inform architectural design in response to increasing density and complexity in the built environment. The seminar treats spatial building blocks as computational units, capable of storing and processing information through their geometric and topological properties. Using iterative growth and assembly processes developed in tools such as Grasshopper and the Anemone plugin, students explore how modular aggregations evolve into differentiated, coherent architectural systems driven by internal and external conditions.
“The building isn’t the machine. Space is the machine.” Nick Dalton (Computer Programmer at University College London)
The coming future will force architects to address the issues/necessities of density as well as the urgency to create more data-informed spatial configurations, such as assemblages, and embed sets of specific architectural features. Being able to ‘inform’ large-scale systems, taking advantage of modularity, and defining the metrics to evaluate different spatial alternatives is a crucial ability.
The seminar focuses on computational thinking and logic to design assembly/growth processes, investigated through iterative algorithmic strategies starting from elementary spatial building blocks. The building blocks used are treated as basic units of computation, capable of storing and computing data due to their topological and spatial-geometric qualities. Assemblages are thus seen as coherent organisations able to store and process information. Starting from an initial element and position, the growth process is driven by internal and external conditions which limit and enhance the growth structure and system qualities. The aggregation is then investigated and discretised into modular elements defining the architectural features.
The seminar explores the dual geometric and topological computing nature of spatial systems, using basic iterative logics explored through Grasshopper and the Anemone plug-in. It then explores the blocks’ differentiation and articulation based on the specific aggregation geometric/topological properties. The cell process of differentiation to a more specialised type is driven by a variety of algorithmic rules, from network-based and topology-based to geometric conditions, leading to a coherent architectural system.
At course completion the student will:
COMPONENT DESIGN Component A Amount of conectors 3 Succesful 9 Unsuccesful 0 Component B Amount of conectors 3 Succesful 9 Unsuccesful 0 Component C Amount of conectors 3 Succesful 9 Unsuccesful 0 Component D Amount of conectors 3 Succesful 9 Unsuccesful 0 Custom Assemblage Method Establishing Proportional Constraints Vertical attraction The selection method takes a … Read more
Assembled Architecture Seminar Faculty: Andrea GrazianoFaculty Assistant: Nitsan Mor, Shrey Kapur Our project explores how architectural intention can be translated into computational logic through the construction of rule-based assemblages. Instead of designing form directly, we designed decision systems. Component Design and Random Assemblages Custom Assemblage Method Filtration Logic The process begins with a filtration logic … Read more
This project explores the computational assembly of components to form a multi-functional complex. By translating configurations into graphs, we applied Space Syntax logic to evaluate three key values : Depth, Integration, and Choice. The optimal architecture was selected based on the balanced symmetry of these indices. Finally, these analytical values directly guided the spatial programming, … Read more
PROTO-ARCHITECTURE – GROUP B Selection Method Pseudo Code EVALUATION AND ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS PSEUDO-CODE –NEXT STEPS –
Component Design Component A -Pos_0-Rot_0 Amount of connectors: 3 Amount of combination: 9 Successful: 9 Unsuccessful: 0 Component A rotation of handles Variation of assemblage: rotation of handles by 90° step each time Component B -Pos_0-Rot_0 Amount of connectors: 3 Amount of combination: 9 Successful: 9 Unsuccessful: 0 Component B – rotation of handles Variation … Read more
Typical Barcelona block layout Alternative zoning generation Data StrategyParameters that drive the design Height Permeability Zoning Selection Component permutationsComponent A-D Component combinationsHighlighting the collisions Component permutationsComponent A-D position 0 all rotations Component A Component B Component C Component D Custom Assemblage Logic Custom AssemblageHeight Boundary Box / Zoning Generation Component Custom Assemblage Assemblage MethodFilters and … Read more
