AI EDAM special issue: advances in implemented shape grammars: solutions and applications

This paper introduces the special issue “Advances in Implemented Shape Grammars: Solutions and Applications” and frames the topic of computer implementations of shape grammars, both with a theoretical and an applied focus. This special issue focuses on the current state of the art regarding computer implementations of shape grammars and brings a discussion about how those systems can evolve in the coming years so that they can be used in real life design scenarios. This paper presents a brief state of the art of shape grammars implementation and an overview of the papers included in the current special issue categorized under technical design, interpreters and interface design, and uses cases. The paper ends with a comprehensive outlook into the future of shape grammars implementations.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

An approach to search and exploration through mixed-initiative

Generative design environments need support for human intervention as well as sound computational formalisms. A systematic approach to integrating the two, formal generation and the exploratory, is lacking. In this paper, we posit the possibility of a design support system that combines formal search with user driven exploration. Our approach is to cast the interaction between the user and the generative formalism as agent collaboration in a mixed-initiative environment. We describe the role of interaction and agency in an experimental mixed-initiative design support system, FOLDS and demonstrate its application.<br /

A multi-agent expert system shell for shape grammars

This paper proposes a multi-agent rule based architecture of a computational system for supporting generic work with shape grammars. The key ideas and technologies involved are presented. This computational system is being developed and will give support to an urban and architecture research based on shape grammar theories

Timber joints analysis and design using shape and graph grammar-based machine learning approach: synthetic data preparation of timber joints’ shape and graph grammar for machine learning application.

Timber joints had been applied as one of the primary methods across different cultures of building construction. The technique of crafting timber joints uses simple geometry to connect different components without the need of adhesives or fixings. Digitalisation and computational design method provided a new approach to developing complex timber joint connections. By combining this traditional technique with computational design methods, shape, and graph grammar opened new opportunities in reinterpreting timber joint designs. In this paper, we proposed a timber joints' synthetic dataset preparation using shape grammar and graph grammar for machine learning applications. The research focused on designing a prototype of a shape grammar extraction system and graph extraction system manually and using Topologic in Sverchok, Blender, with a discussion on how to shape grammar applications help to analysis and create a larger database for future machine learning development of this project

Shapes: Seeing and doing with shape grammars

This paper describes the visual interface of a configurable and extensible system to support generic work with shape grammars. Shape grammars allow the implementation of computational mechanisms to analyze and synthesize designs of visual languages and have been used to represent the knowledge behind the creative work of architects, designers and artists. This kind of grammars is inherently visual. The system described, a kind of universal machine for shape grammars, allows users to build their own shape grammars and experiment with them. It has been the focus of our past work, it mixes technological and artistic aspects and it has a specific computational architecture which includes a symbolic and a visual interface. The latter one is the subject of this paper.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

A different shape grammar approach for automatic design generation

This paper proposes a different approach for shape grammars where designs are exclusively generated through computations of symbols. This option has the advantage of supporting declarative knowledge and thus facilitates shape reasoning capabilities. Our approach also detached procedural knowledge from shape knowledge using procedural notions that capture sequences, alternatives and tests that should be applied during design process. This decision provides good modular specifications. Moreover, we follow a non-deterministic procedural perspective in the characterization of design processes. Its implementation supports exploratory automatic design generation. Differences between this approach and the conventional approach are discussed and a case study is explored.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A different shape grammar approach for automatic design generation

This paper proposes a different approach for shape grammars where designs are exclusively generated through computations of symbols. This option has the advantage of supporting declarative knowledge and thus facilitates shape reasoning capabilities. Our approach also detached procedural knowledge from shape knowledge using procedural notions that capture sequences, alternatives and tests that should be applied during design process. This decision provides good modular specifications. Moreover, we follow a non-deterministic procedural perspective in the characterization of design processes. Its implementation supports exploratory automatic design generation. Differences between this approach and the conventional approach are discussed and a case study is explored.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

What’s in a shape: An algorithm for finding shapes in shapes

This paper describes a simple two stage algorithm for finding emergent sub-shapes in shapes, in the context of shape grammar systems. Matching the shape in the left side of a rule of a shape grammar with parts of a shape in a design in process to decide if the rule is applicable, is its main purpose. Shape grammars have been used to represent the knowledge behind the creative work of architects, designers and artists and allow the implementation of computational mechanisms to analyze and synthesize designs of visual languages, with obvious applications to design, including for marketing. Their computational mechanisms can include the detection of emergent sub-shapes. The algorithm we propose performs this task and is a core component of a system, described in our past work, that allows users to build their own shape grammars and use them.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Modeling dialogue with mixed initiative in design space exploration

Exploration with a generative formalism must necessarily account for the nature of interaction between humans and the design space explorer. Established accounts of design interaction are made complicated by two propositions in Woodbury and Burrow\u27s Keynote on design space exploration. First, the emphasis on the primacy of the design space as an ordered collection of partial designs (version, alternatives, extensions). Few studies exist in the design interaction literature on working with multiple threads simultaneously. Second, the need to situate, aid, and amplify human design intentions using computational tools. Although specific research and practice tools on amplification (sketching, generation, variation) have had success, there is a lack of generic, flexible, interoperable, and extensible representation to support amplification. This paper addresses the above, working with design threads and computer-assisted design amplification through a theoretical model of dialogue based on Grice\u27s model of rational conversation. Using the concept of mixed initiative, the paper presents a visual notation for representing dialogue between designer and design space formalism through abstract examples of exploration tasks and dialogue integration.<br /