Object-Oriented Architecture: A Software Engineering-Inspired Shape Grammar for Durands Plates

TL;DR

This paper introduces a shape grammar system inspired by object-oriented programming to generate modular architectural plates in the style of Durand, enabling systematic and diverse design creation within CAD environments.

Contribution

It presents a novel object-oriented shape grammar approach for architectural design, integrating computational principles with Durand's modular rule-based method.

Findings

System effectively generates diverse architectural plates.

Allows systematic articulation of complex forms.

Integrates with existing CAD software for practical use.

Abstract

Addressing the challenge of modular architectural design, this study presents a novel approach through the implementation of a shape grammar system using functional and object-oriented programming principles from computer science. The focus lies on the modular generation of plates in the style of French Neoclassical architect Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand, known for his modular rule-based method to architecture, demonstrating the system's capacity to articulate intricate architectural forms systematically. By leveraging computer programming principles, the proposed methodology allows for the creation of diverse designs while adhering to the inherent logic of Durand's original plates. The integration of Shape Machine allows a flexible framework for architects and designers, enabling the generation of complex structures in a modular fashion in existing CAD software. This research contributes to the exploration of computational tools in architectural design, offering a versatile solution for the synthesis of historically significant architectural elements.