Generative Design
Encyclopedia
Generative design is a design method in which the output – image, sound, architectural models, animation – is generated by a set of rules or an Algorithm
, normally by using a computer program. Most generative design is based on parametric model
ing. It is a fast method of exploring design possibilities that is used in various design fields such as Art
, Architecture
, Communication Design
, and Product Design
. Typically, generative design has:
Some generative schemes use genetic algorithms to create variations. Some use just random numbers. Generative design has been inspired by natural design processes, whereby designs are developed as genetic variations through mutation and crossovers. In contrast to long-established concepts such as Generative Art
or Computer Art
, Generative Design also includes particular tasks within the area of design, architecture, and product design.
Within the Communication Design area, the main applications are the creation of information graphics, diagrams, and flexible corporate designs. Generative design in architecture (also often referred to as computational design) is mainly applied for form-finding processes and for the simulation of architectural structures.
Generative design is becoming more important, largely due to new programming environments (Processing, Vvvv
, Quartz Composer
, Open Frameworks) or scripting capabilities (Rhino (JavaScript engine)
, Scriptographer) that have made it relatively easy, even for designers with little programming experience, to implement their ideas.
Generative design is taught at many schools of architecture and is gaining ground in architectural and design practice.
Algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
, normally by using a computer program. Most generative design is based on parametric model
Parametric model
In statistics, a parametric model or parametric family or finite-dimensional model is a family of distributions that can be described using a finite number of parameters...
ing. It is a fast method of exploring design possibilities that is used in various design fields such as Art
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, Architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, Communication Design
Communication design
Communication design is a mixed discipline between design and information-development which is concerned with how media intermission such as printed, crafted, electronic media or presentations communicate with people...
, and Product Design
Product design
-Introduction:Product design is the process of creating a new product to be sold by a business or enterprise to its customers. It is concerned with the efficient and effective generation and development of ideas through a process that leads to new products.Product designers conceptualize and...
. Typically, generative design has:
- A design schema
- A means of creating variations
- A means of selecting desirable outcomes
Some generative schemes use genetic algorithms to create variations. Some use just random numbers. Generative design has been inspired by natural design processes, whereby designs are developed as genetic variations through mutation and crossovers. In contrast to long-established concepts such as Generative Art
Generative art
Generative art refers to art that has been generated, composed, or constructed in an algorithmic manner through the use of systems defined by computer software algorithms, or similar mathematical or mechanical or randomised autonomous processes....
or Computer Art
Computer art
Computer art is any art in which computers play a role in production or display of the artwork. Such art can be an image, sound, animation, video, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, videogame, web site, algorithm, performance or gallery installation...
, Generative Design also includes particular tasks within the area of design, architecture, and product design.
Within the Communication Design area, the main applications are the creation of information graphics, diagrams, and flexible corporate designs. Generative design in architecture (also often referred to as computational design) is mainly applied for form-finding processes and for the simulation of architectural structures.
Generative design is becoming more important, largely due to new programming environments (Processing, Vvvv
Vvvv
vvvv is a general purpose toolkit with a special focus on real time video synthesis and programming large media environments with physical interfaces, real-time motion graphics, audio and video...
, Quartz Composer
Quartz Composer
Quartz Composer is a node-based visual programming language provided as part of the Xcode development environment in Mac OS X for processing and rendering graphical data....
, Open Frameworks) or scripting capabilities (Rhino (JavaScript engine)
Rhino (JavaScript engine)
Rhino is an open source JavaScript engine. It is developed entirely in Java and managed by the Mozilla Foundation. The Foundation also provides another implementation of JavaScript engine written in C known as SpiderMonkey....
, Scriptographer) that have made it relatively easy, even for designers with little programming experience, to implement their ideas.
Generative design is taught at many schools of architecture and is gaining ground in architectural and design practice.
External links
- Processing – Java-based scripting language for generative coding
- OpenProcessing - Processing share community
- vvvv – Toolkit for real time video synthesis
- OpenFrameworks – C++ toolkit for creative coding
- Open Generative Design - open framework for generative design
- Visual Complexity
- Infosthetics
- Generator X
- Generative Gestaltung – German book on Generative Design with a collection of processing codes