Urban block in terms of generative systems

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to create a computational tool that generates unique urban block alternatives by mimicking the site’s built environment. The necessity to create such a tool has stemmed from observations of physically un-harmonious neighbourhoods. This tool is claimed as the initial phase of a new urban tool that generates urban blocks that respond to their built environment and help establish harmonious neighbourhoods. The plug-in refers to built environment of the site in terms of facades. It mirrors neighbour building façade forms vertically onto four sides of the site border. Then a “for loop” in the script starts generating new depth values for the façade forms therefore it creates new plan combinations while referring to neighbour buildings in terms of façade. Although it establishes symmetric streets, the plug in helps creation of unique plan alternatives which can be customized by the user to become a whole building or a building complex with inner gardens and outside spaces. With the establishment of symmetric streets, the attention of the audience is aimed to be dragged on how architects should elaborate on creation of new buildings that reflect qualities of their built environment therefore create buildings that respond to their environment. This study is only a first step for an urban generative system and continues to ask how other layers –especially context- can be integrated and coded into the system so that the products have stronger identities and ties to site. Two alternatives generated with Catia.