Abstract:

For many decades architects have been using Shape Grammars as a research method to describe, analyse or systematize architectural designs. However, two aspects can be considered essential for architecture students: the possibilities for the generation of forms and the automation of processes. This paper proposes to Chinese architecture undergrad students to research and apply a Shape Grammar in the creation of Chinese lattice patterns in a Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) program. This paper adopts an exploratory research method to study SG in a CAAD environment. In the application stage, practical routines were developed in three steps: selection of tools, creation of designs, and digital fabrication. Students selected a script-based (SortalGI) and a parametric-based (Sortal) interpreter for Rhinoceros3D and Grasshopper respectively and incorporated digital fabrication in the process. Once the outcomes of the interpreters are defined, it can be prepared for digital fabrication. After the fabrication process, the results are documented and evaluated by the participants. To document the students’ experiences, an interview in form of a questionnaire was applied to the participants and annotations related to their challenges were documented throughout the process. The paper addresses key points in the selected interpreters’ learning experience of undergrad architecture students. The aim is to map the learning challenges in this specific environment to support future students in self-learning. A positive aspect to be considered is that SGs required the students to operate on abstract and physical, descriptive and generative, and computational and analogic levels simultaneously. These reflective operations create possibilities for educating architectural thinking, specifically in a CAAD environment with a digital fabrication-oriented approach. We observed that once the technical challenges are resolved, the students experienced fast learning of the implementation of Shape Grammar.

Keywords:

Shape grammar, parametric design, Chinese lattice, patterns, digital fabrication, CAAD.