Damian
You may be interested in the following references (each also points to
many more references!)
1. Genetic Algorithm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_algorithm
2. Shape Grammar
http://www.shapegrammar.org/
3. Space Syntax
http://www.spacesyntax.com/
4. a paper in the Journal of Computer Aided Design
ArchiDNA: An Interactive System for Creating 2D and 3D Conceptual
Drawings in Architectural Design -
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2008.07.007
good luck and have fun
ellen
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http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~ellendo
>
> Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:52:18 -0500
> From: Damian Rogers <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Using DNA Structure as an Analogy for Design
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have been subscribed to the list for a fairly long time now and really
> like reading contributions from all of you. Though I read it every day,
> this will be my first post to the list since I subscribed. What I am
> writing about is a question about whether any of you know of any
> references to my topic. I have done the traditional "google" searches
> for keywords I think my topic entails, but haven't found any reference
> to work in progress or already completed that relates to my thesis
> topic. So, if any of you have heard of something similar or have any
> suggestions for books/papers I could read, it would be greatly
> appreciated. I'll give a brief explanation of what I'm doing below.
>
> I am currently conducting research in the area of using DNA structure in
> living organisms as an analogy to design theory. Since DNA is viewed as
> a set of instructions for life, we can do the same with design and
> create an artificial set of instructions for any artifact we wish to
> create. By using best practices, commonality, regulations, etc and by
> examining current successful designs, we can form a set of artificial
> instructions for nearly any artifact we design and thus help to decrease
> time at or around the concept stage in design.
>
> To use an example as explanation, say we are designing a house in a
> known community. We could start from scratch and look up things like
> building codes, regulations, weather patterns for the area, etc. or
> these things could be somewhat pre-determined via picking certain
> favourable "genes" from the artificial DNA method. So, by examining
> current housing stock, it is possible to come up with the genes that
> give certain characteristics and performance levels. We then create a
> list of genes, taken from currently existing designs, from which we can
> create a newly designed artifact with less effort. So, picking a certain
> "insulation level gene" say from our list, then we are assured a typical
> performance level for that house. This way we didn't have to look up all
> the primary information in order to decide what insulation level we
> need, we just pick it from the list of available genes in the inventory.
> The same can be done for choosing exterior cladding, window to wall
> ratios, flooring, power generation methods, etc. While this method
> doesn't pick the interior wall colour, or layout or other such aspect of
> the house, the designer still has complete freedom of form.
>
> I hope this has given everyone a good enough picture of what we are
> currently researching and I hope to hear from any of you on suggestions
> for readings that could be applicable, or research that is currently
> being done in the same area.
>
> Cheers,
> Damian
>
> Damian Rogers, B.Eng, M.A.Sc
> PhD Candidate, Ryerson University
>
>
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