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SHAPE GRAMMAR [ARC 3153]

Shape Grammar - a production system in computational design that generate geometric shapes.

 

It involves arrangement of basic geometrical elements in space (0D, 1D, 2D, 3D) and rules about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences.

 

Basically it is a rule or a set of rules that determine how to modify or transform a shape into a new one.

 

Project 1 - Shape Grammar inspired by Surrounding

 

This is a group project where each group is required to find a natural or man-made element surrounding them that they believe having some underlying design principles. 

 

Objectives of Project

1. To encourage students to observe natural or man-made element and identify underlying design principles that formed them

2. To allow students to create and explore new designs using the same or modified design principles through shape grammar method.

 

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. To Identify and describe the process to analyse existing designs using shape grammar method.

 

Along with my friend Vendy William, we were required to find a natural or man-made element from actual observations, books or internet which have certain underlying design principles or rules. This could be identified especially if the element has some repetitive components, gradual enlargement or reduction in scale, gradual rotation, or other predictable modifying principles. We used the centre element of a sunflower. We analysed the lines formed by the spaces in between each pollen bulb. Having decided the facade of the building block on which our design will be superimposed, we proceeded to start designing according to the set of shape rules we identified.

Project 2 - Shape Grammar of Taylor's Kayak & Club House

We have finally come to the stage where we would be using shape rules to design a building. In this final project, we employed multiple rules to produce designs from our own set of rules.

 

Objectives of Project

1. To develop student’s skills in producing and working with multiple rule shape grammar.

2. To develop student’s abilities in producing architectural designs using shape grammar method.

 

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. Produce new designs using shape grammar method from the student’s own set of rules.

 

I placed my building nearby the Taylor's Sport facilities, along the banks of the lake.  Since shape grammar only concerns with the creation of building forms therefore we are not required to conduct a site analysis for this project.

 

 The minimum space requirements for the building that students need to produce are as follows:

i) Lobby and lounge

ii) Office spaces

iii) 2 changing rooms including toilets & showers

iv) Kayak and equipment storage space

v) Storage space for sports equipment

vi) Indoor game area

vii) 1 café

viii) 1 kitchen

ix) Decks or platforms

x) Other supporting spaces 

 

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