A Networks Approach For Representation and Evolution of Shape Grammars

Abstract

The way in which meaningful shapes are put together to form meaningful designs is the subject of shape-syntax, which forms the basis of shape- grammars. In this paper we describe some experiments with a network model to represent and evolve shape grammars. A theory of space configuration in built environment - the Space-Between theory is first presented along with aspects of the theory of shape grammars. Experiments, that have demonstrated that the Augmented Transition Network (ATN)-frame is a reliable tool to simulate the idea of space- between and generate real instances of non-bisymmetric Palladio villas via a shape grammar, in the background of cultural expressions, are described. It is also shown how a Genetic Algorithm (GA) model can be used for implementing a directed search through the network, avoiding the combinatorial explosion. The concept of ''evolving'' shape-grammars is also presented, as opposed to a fixed grammar.