A generative approach to computer-aided planning: a theoretical proposal

Abstract The paper discusses the method of constructing a computer program which lays out the elements of a building to generate a coherent three-dimensional form. A building is considered as a number of departmental units linked by complex relationships to each other and to the external environment created by the site. The interaction between departmental requirements and the limitations of the site is accommodated by the use of a scoring mechanism which combines the criteria concerned, indicating the relative positioning for the departments, within a three-dimensional context. Within the method an advanced search mechanism is developed, by which the program will find a solution where possible, automatically avoiding cul-de-sac solutions. The method identifies the contradictions in a design brief, allowing an architect to decide his priority of need. The architect has a ‘conversational’ role with the program. From the results, criteria are modified and the program re-run. Output is represented in the form of plans and isometrics of the generated building.