Programming Languages for Generative Design: A Comparative Study

In the field of Generative Design (GD), Visual Programming Languages (VPLs), such as Grasshopper, are becoming increasingly popular compared to the traditional Textual Programming Languages (TPLs) provided by CAD applications, such as RhinoScript. This reaction is explained by the relative obsolescence of these TPLs and the faster learning curve of VPLs. However, modern TPLs offer a variety of linguistic features designed to overcome the limitations of traditional TPLs, making them hypothetical competitors to VPLs. In this paper, we reconsider the role of TPLs in the design process and we present a comparative study of VPLs and modern TPLs. Our findings show that modern TPLs can be more productive than VPLs, especially, for large-scale and complex design tasks. Finally, we identify some problems of modern TPLs related to portability and sharing of programs and we propose a solution.

[1]  Luc Van Gool,et al.  Procedural modeling of buildings , 2006, SIGGRAPH 2006.

[2]  Mark R. Wilkins,et al.  MEL Scripting for Maya Animators , 2003 .

[3]  Nathan Miller.  The Hangzhou Tennis Center: a Case Study in Integrated Parametric Design , 2011 .

[4]  Adair Dingle,et al.  Assessing the ripple effect of CS1 language choice , 2000 .

[5]  Mark J. Clayton,et al.  Acadia 2000: Eternity, Infinity and Virtuality in Architecture , 2002 .

[6]  Matthias Felleisen,et al.  DrScheme: a programming environment for Scheme , 2002, J. Funct. Program..

[7]  Hannu Penttilä.  Architectural-IT and Educational Curriculumns - A European Overview , 2002 .

[8]  A. Heylighen P. Leclercq.  Untangling Parametric Schemata : Enhancing Collaboration through Modular Programming , 2011 .

[9]  ZanderCarol,et al.  Assessing the ripple effect of CS1 language choice , 2000 .

[10]  António Menezes Leitão,et al.  Portable Generative Design for CAD Applications , 2011 .

[11]  Ingeborg M Rocker.  When code matters , 2006 .

[12]  Mário Krüger,et al.  Decoding De re aedificatoria: Using Grammars to Trace Alberti’s Influence on Portuguese Classical Architecture , 2011 .

[13]  Gerald J. Sussman,et al.  Structure and interpretation of computer programs , 1985, Proceedings of the IEEE.

[14]  Kat Park,et al.  Parametric Design Process of a Complex Building in Practice Using Programmed Code as Master Model , 2010 .

[15]  R. M. Alexander,et al.  Design by numbers , 2001, Nature.

[16]  Kostas Terzidis.  Expressive form : a conceptual approach to computational design/ Kostas Terzidis , 2003 .

[17]  Axel Kilian.  Design Innovation through Constraint Modeling , 2006 .

[18]  Hannu Pentillä.  Architectural-IT and Educational Curriculumns – A European Overview , 2003 .

[19]  Ian Flood,et al.  Computing in Civil and Building Engineering , 2014 .

[20]  Brad A. Myers,et al.  Taxonomies of visual programming and program visualization , 1990, J. Vis. Lang. Comput..

[21]  Tim Menzies,et al.  Evaluation Issues for Visual Programming Languages , 2000 .

[22]  Robert Aish,et al.  Multi-level Interaction in Parametric Design , 2005, Smart Graphics.

[23]  Matthias Felleisen,et al.  The TeachScheme! Project: Computing and Programming for Every Student , 2004, Comput. Sci. Educ..