Generating urban form

Abstract

Modern design of urban forms is venturing towards performative, site-specific architecture that are formed according to the attributes of its urban context. Parametric modelling techniques offer designers the ability to embed generative mechanisms into the design process to allow performance based design. This paper focuses on the development of a synthesis model that generates an Urban Form schema using computational design principles. The design system illustrates a rule-based systematic approach to urban form generation and is a precursor to the automatic exploration of urban forms based on design analytics and evaluation of urban metrics. The role of the architect begins to shift from the designer of objects to the designer of processes with urban planning following a trajectory of data-generated and contextual specific design.