Morphogenesis

COMPUTATIONAL GENERATIVE DESIGN WITH BIOMIMICRY TOWARDS
MORPHOGENESIS IN DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE

AMAL ELSHTWEİ
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
FEBRUARY 2018

Digital architecture has been undergoing continuous changes through different technological innovations with possibilities far beyond the traditional use of architecture design software. Several design technologies have been introduced, which use algorithms and biological simulation as their core and key morphogenetic strategies.

This study by AMAL ELSHTWEİ examines changes in the architectural design process caused by the introduction of computational-based generative design, thus the development of new algorithmic software which enables the writing of scripts and codes in design process.

By computational design techniques, it becomes possible to design free- forms found in nature, then to generate architectural form, referring to biomimicry principles. Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes.

This study is an attempt to link the two emerging sciences; Biomimicry and computational design, by exploring their potential in developing a more ideal architecture: “Morphogenesis.” This thesis analyses the experimental studies to understand the complex list of terms and unveils the computational theory behind morphogenetic structures by investigating the principles underlying natural morphogenesis.