Abstract
This paper explores the generative use of a genetic algorithm incorporating a computer-based fractal dimension tool termed “DBVgen”. Fractals offer a quantitative and qualitative relation between nature, the built environment and computational mechanics and in this paper are explored as a bridge between these realms. The primary objective was to develop and employ a sophisticated analytic tool within a creative context using fractal dimension and the Vollendorf Method. This tool was then tested on a complex case study project and the results discussed. The design process developed for this research showed that the insertion of the DBVgen tool into a traditional schematic design phase was capable of creating unique and compelling compositions and aided in developing high level architectural solutions with respect to various parametric controls and designer feedback. A valuable aspect of this exploration was in positioning the DBVgen tool up front to aid in the creative process and better leverage downstream outcomes.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abundo Cheryl, Todd Bodnar, John Driscoll, Ian Hatton, and Jody Wright Driscoll. 2013. City population dynamics and fractal transport networks. Proceedings of the Santa Fe Institute’s CSSS2013.
Batty, Michael and Paul Longley. 1994. Fractal Cities: A Geometry of Form and Function. Academic Press.
Batty, Michael. 2007. Cities and Complexity: Understanding Cities with Cellular Automata, Agent-Based Models, and Fractals. MIT press.
Bettencourt, Luís M. A., José Lobo, Dirk Helbing, Christian Kühnert, and Geoffrey B. West. 2007. Growth, innovation, scaling, and the pace of life in cities. In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104 (17): 7301-7306. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0610172104.
Bettencourt, Luís M. A. 2013. The Origins of Scaling in Cities. Science 340(6139): 1438-1441.
Boon, Christopher, Corey Griffin, Nicholas Papaefthimious, Jonah Ross, Kip Storey. 2015. Optimizing Spatial Adjacencies using Evolutionary Parametric Tools: Using Grasshopper and Galapagos to Analyze, Visualize, and Improve Complex Architectural Programming. Perkins + Will Research Journal 7.02 : 25-37.
Bovill, Carl. 1996. Fractal Geometry in Architecture and Design. Springer.
Danhaive, Renaud Alexis, and Caitlin T. Mueller. 2015. Combining parametric modeling and interactive optimization for high-performance and creative structural design. Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia. Vol. 2015. No. 20. International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS).
Devetaković, Mirjana, Ivana Petruševski, Ivana Ćirović, Ljiljana Petruševski. Fractal parametric models of urban spaces. Technical Gazette 22.6 (2015): 1547-1552.
Dawes, Michael J., and Michael J. Ostwald. 2020. The mathematical structure of Alexander’s A Pattern Language: An analysis of the role of invariant patterns. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science 47(1): 7-24.
Driscoll, John. 2019. Fractals as Basis for Design and Critique. PhD thesis, Portland State University.
Ediz, Özgür and Gülen Çağdaş. 2007. A computational architectural design model based on fractals. Open House International 32(2): 36-45.
González, Javier and Francesco Fiorito. 2015. Daylight Design of Office Buildings: Optimization of External Solar Shadings by Using Combined Simulation Methods.” Buildings 5.2 (2015): 560-580.
Gürbüz, Esra, Gülen Çağdaş, and Sema Alaçam. 2010. A Generative Design Model for Gaziantep’s Traditional Pattern. Proceedings of the 28th Conference on Education of Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 28): 841-849.
Harris, James. 2007. Integrated Function Systems and Organic Architecture from Wright to Mondrian. Nexus Network Journal 9(1): 93-102.
Joye, Yannick. 2007. Fractal Architecture Could be Good for You. Nexus Network Journal 9(2): 311-320.
Joye, Yannick. 2011. A review of the presence and use of fractal geometry in architectural design. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design 38(5): 814-828.
Mandelbrot, Benoit. 1967. How long is the coast of Britain? Statistical self-similarity and fractional dimension. Science 156(3775): 636-638.
Mitchell, Melanie. 1998. An Introduction to Genetic Algorithms. MIT Press.
Mitchell, Melanie. 2009. Complexity: A Guided Tour. Oxford University Press.
Ostwald, Michael J. 2001. “Fractal Architecture”: Late Twentieth Century Connections Between Architecture and Fractal Geometry. Nexus Network Journal 3(1): 73-84.
Ostwald, Michael J. and Josephine Vaughan. 2016. The Fractal Dimension of Architecture. Birkhäuser.
Ostwald, Michael J. and Josephine Vaughan. 2018. Fractal Dimensions in Architecture: Measuring the Characteristic Complexity of Buildings. Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences (2018): 1-17.
Richardson, Lewis Fry. 1922. Weather Prediction by Numerical Processes. Cambridge University Press.
Vollendorf, Dean Bryant. 1975. Organic Philosophy in Architectural Education. Unpublished thesis (B. ARCH), Clemson University. Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center 2009.157.
West, Geoffrey B. 2017. Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies. Penguin Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
About this article
Cite this article
Driscoll, J.C. Fractal Patterns as Fitness Criteria in Genetic Algorithms Applied as a Design Tool in Architecture. Nexus Netw J 23, 21–37 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-020-00490-4
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-020-00490-4