A Developmental System for Organic Form Synthesis

Abstract. Modelling the geometry of organic forms using traditional CAD or animation tools is often difficult and tedious. Different models of morphogenesis have been successfully applied to this problem; however many kinds of organic shape still pose difficulty. This paper introduces a novel system, the Simplicial Developmental System (SDS), which simulates morphogenetic and physical processes in order to generate specific organic forms. SDS models a system of cells as a dynamic simplicial complex in two or three dimensions that is governed by physical rules. Through growth, division, and movement, the cells transform the geometric and physical representations of the form. The actions of the cells are governed by conditional rules and communication between cells is supported with a continuous morphogen model. Results are presented in which simple organic forms are grown using a model inspired by limb bud development in chick embryos. These results are discussed in the context of using SDS as a creative system.

A Developmental Model for Generative Media

Abstract. Developmental models simulate the spatio-temporal develop-ment of a complex system. The system described in this paper combines the advantages of a number of previously disparate models, such as timed L-systems and cellular programming, into a single system with extensive modeling flexibility. The new system includes the ability to specify dy-namic hierarchies as part of the specification, and a decoupling of cell de-velopment from interpretation. Examples in application areas of computer animation and music synthesis are provided.

A Developmental Model for Generative Media

Abstract. Developmental models simulate the spatio-temporal development of a complex system. The system described in this paper combines the advantages of a number of previously disparate models, such as timed Lsystems and cellular programming, into a single system with extensive modeling flexibility. The new system includes the ability to specify dynamic hierarchies as part of the specification, and a decoupling of cell development from interpretation. Examples in application areas of computer animation and music synthesis are provided.