Thesis TOWARDS BIOGENESIS IN ARCHITECTU

Ain Shams University
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Architecture
TOWARDS BIOGENESIS IN ARCHITECTURE

A strategic investigation into biological systems to reinterpret
form f o a material perspective
By
Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib
B.Sc. Architecture Ain Shams University, 2009
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Engineering in Partial Fulfillment of

the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Architecture
Under Supervision of:

Prof. Dr. Yasser Mohamed Mansour
Professor of Architecture – Department of Architecture
Faculty of Engineering – Ain Shams University
Dr. Sherif Morad Abdel Kader

Lecturer of Architecture – Department of Architecture
Faculty of Engineering – Ain Shams University
Cairo, Egypt
2014
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Architecture

Submitted by: Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib

Degree: Master of Science Degree in Architecture
The Jury Committee

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fareed Hamza
Professor of Architecture
Faculty of Engineering (Shoubra) _______________
Benha University
Prof. Dr. Samir Sadek Hosny

Faculty of Engineering _______________
Prof. Dr. Yasser Mohamed Mansour

Faculty of Engineering _______________
Post Graduate Studies:

The research was approved on Approval Stamp
/ / 2013
Faculty Council Approval University Council Approval

/ / 2014 / / 2014
Statement:
This thesis is submitted to Ain Shams University for the degree of
Master of Science in architecture.
The work included in this thesis was accomplished by the author at the
department of Architecture, Ain Shams University during the period from
January 2012 to October 2013, as accepted by the examiners.
No part of this thesis has been submitted for a degree or a qualification

in any other university or institute.
Name: Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib
Signature:
Date: / /
BIO-GENESIS
[From the Greek bios mean life, genesis

means the beginning or the coming into
being of something]
by
Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib
Submitted to the Department of Architecture on March 19, 2014,
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Architecture
Abstract:
Historically, architects used to draw what they could build, and built
what they could draw. The straight lines and circular arcs drawn on
paper using straight edge and compass have been translated into the
materials made by the extrusion and rolling machinery. This reciprocity
between the means of representation and production has not
disappeared entirely in the digital age. With the introduction of the first
programming languages in the late 1940s and the early 1950s, design
methodologies have undergone several evolutionary changes, which
provided opportunities for building more multifaceted and complex
forms. Moreover, this has radically shifted our conception of the design
process, as well as our understanding of geometrical forms as a function
of performance instead of finite positions in space.
However, the materials perspective in these digital technologies has not
yet been explored on the basis of the new possibilities disclosed by these
very same tools; material considerations have almost exclusively focused
on construction -techniques or as a post-rationalization design input. So
far, the materialization of formal expressions instigated by such
processes is primarily based on techniques of assembly, which do not
negotiate the inherent morphological and performative capacities of the
employed material systems that the tools put forward, resulting in a
style driven or decorative computational form making processes.
Page | i
The approach introduced in this dissertation contrasts previous ones that
focused either on questions of representation and meaning in
architecture, or, alternatively that have treated performance as
synonymous to function placed in the context of post-design functional
optimization. It attempts to investigate new strategies for sustainable
and ecological design, in which forms are derived from the evolutionary
development or 'Biogenesis' of natural forms, from their material
properties and from their adaptive response to changes in their
environment. “tee i g a ay f o su h o ds as g ee , e ologi al o
sustai a le , a d thi k a out the o d e ology f o af esh, as the
elatio ship et ee a o ga is a d its e i o e t . Th ough this
approach, space can be perceived not as distributed geometries, but
rather as a composite graft responding locally to flows of programmatic
and environmental parameters. This is achieved through an attempt to
engage architecture in an integrated approach – the synthesis of
structure and natural processes results in an information-based design –
therein promoted here is an act of prototyping akin to Natu e s sea h
for endless forms, from all this perhaps architecture can achieve a
condition of robustness and sustainability.
The framework of this thesis should be regarded as an open-ended
process of discovery. Future research and innovation can be continued
with respect to similar focus. The goal of this thesis is to engage design
problems with recent innovations in material-based computational
design.
Keywords
Form; Hylomorphism; New Materialism; Gilles Deleuze; Biomimicry;
Sustainability; Complexity theory, Emergence; self-organization; Digital
Morphogenesis; Material-based computational design
Page | ii
Prologue
“To express is to drive. And when you want to give something presence,
you have to consult nature. And there is where Design comes in. And if
you think of Brick, for instance, and you say to Brick, ‘What do you want
Brick?’ And Brick says to you ‘I like an Arch.’ And if you say to Brick
‘Look, arches are expensive, and I can use a concrete lintel over you.
What do you think of that?’. Brick says: …I like an Arch”
"Architecture is the reaching out for the truth."

- Louis Kahn
The prologue for this work have been adopted from the philosophical
explorations of the architect Louis Kahn (1901- 1974), who proposed that
buildings were not just i e t o figu atio s of fo ut li i g o ga i
e tities . He illustrated that form is the result of a profound and timeless
understanding of the task it had to support.
The easo hy Kah s uotatio s e e i luded i this thesis goes
beyond this strand of philosophical logic. The main analogy speculates
on how does a material perform? Moreover, is there a way in which we
could predict material behavior and organization within a given context?
How do we find material form instead of make conceptual form?
The pioneers of this approach were: Buckminster fuller, Frei Otto and
others. They followed Kah s o i tio of a predetermined search for
material form with regards to the synergetic relationship between
performance and material integrity. Of particular interest in this respect
a e Otto s e a e st u tu es a d p eu ati st u tu e experiments
that promote the formatio of i i al su fa es hi h optimize
structural loads.
By the beginning of the 21th century, the emergence of complexity

theory has shifted the conceptualization of form from the macro scale to
a concern for the operation of the complex systems that underlie
formation. It is from the micro-scale local interactions of complex
systems that behavioral strategies for the generation of composite
Page | iii
materials have emerged—strategies where architectural form, structure,
and ornament emerge from the design of composite material behavior.
A number of contemporary architects have re-examined the works of

Gaudi and Otto, and found in them sources of inspiration for the new
morphogenetic generation of form-finding research. They extended their
design approach based on physical form-finding dominated by
presubscribed mono-functional programs to the inquiry of generating
multi performance materialized form inspired by natural processes of
shape formation; in which the structuring of material properties is
merely a by-product of structural and environmental performance that
generates design form. For example, Mark Burry, as architectural
consultant for the completion of Gaudi' s Sagrada Familia church in
Barcelona, has been exploring digital techniques for understanding the
logic of Gaudi's own highly sophisticated understanding of natural
forces. Meanwhile, Lars Spuybroek of NOX has performed a number of
analogue experimentations inspired by the work of Feri Otto as a point
of departure for some innovative design work, which also depends on
the more recent software developments within the digital realm.
Pioneers such as Michel Hensel, Achim Menges and Michael Weinstock
established Emergent Technologies and Design discipline group at
Architectural Association in London. They promote a new approach to
architecture practice that defines an interrelationship between design
concepts, such as emergence and self-organization. These architects
consider architectural structures as complex energy and material
systems. In this process, the design shapes, evolves and behaves as part
of an environment and in correlation with other active systems. They
highly incorporate architectural design with construction and
manufacturing processes, utilizing computational and practical methods.
Engaging digital design and fabrication technologies based on ideas

derived from biological world, designers such as Neri Oxman
(Materialecology), strives to imitate natural systems and their qualities
such as multiple functionalities of living tissue and load bearing natural
Page | iv
vascular structures. Creating special material condition for light
transmission and structural support, she uses fabrication techniques and
machineries such as CNC machines, lay-up technologies and single and
multi-material 3D printing, engaging materials such as flexible and rigid
resin, wood and melted glass. She envisions materials and structures
that can perform different levels of structural stability within a single
material, alter their degree of transparency for different interior light
conditions, ventilate through the embedded pores in surface, and ideally
supply themselves with energy. Other designers such as, Jennie Sabin
and Peter Lloyd Jones (Lab Studio), Andrew Kudless (Matsys), Tom
Wiscombe (EMERGENT) and Chris Bosse are shaping the frontiers of a
new paradigm in architecture through the corollary of material behaviors
and fabrication processes
This research points towards that new 'performative turn' in

architecture, a renewed interest in the principles of structural
performance, and in collaborating more empathetically with certain
progressive structural engineers. However, this concern for performance
may extend beyond structural engineering to embrace other
constructional discourses, such as environmental, economic, landscaping
or indeed programmatic concerns.
Page | v
Table of Contents
Abstract ………………………………………………………………..…………….………….. i
Prologue ………………………………………………………………………..………………. iii
Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………….……………... ii
List of Content ……………………………………………………………………….………. i
List of Figures and illustrations ………………………………………….…..…….. xiv
List of Acronyms ………………………………………………………….………..……….xix
List of ‘elated Soft ares ..……………………………………………….…..……….. i
Chapter One : Introduction

1.1. Overview : Form, Material and Performance - Error! Bookmark not
defined.
1.2. Problem Statement [Research Questions]----- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
1.3. Hypothesis: Constructing a Sustainable future Error! Bookmark not
defined.
1.4. Aim-------------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5. Motivation (Why biological model?) - Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.6. Objectives ----------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.7. Scope of Research ------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.8. Research Methodology ------------------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.9. Exegesis Structure------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
- PART I -
Chapter Two : Theoretical & Historical Background
Page | vii
2.1 The Question of Origin[s] : Architecture of Reality Vs.
Architectural Theories ------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.1. Hylomorphism and Metaphysical traditions Error! Bookmark not
defined.
2.1.2. Deducing Reality: Uniting Science with Metaphysics -------- Error!
Bookmark not defined.
2.1.3. Skepticism : Postmodernism and Geometric Spirit ----------- Error!
2.1.4. Material Attention : The World -as - Organism - Error! Bookmark
not defined.
2.2. Form Crisis : Critical gap in the current Architectural discourse

Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.1. The Pri ilegi g of For o er Material : --- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
2.2.2. Lack of Functional Integration in the design process : ------- Error!
2.2.3. Ecological failure : Schism between built and natural
e iro e ts due to la k of te h ologi al ridge -- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
2.3. Theoretical basis : Towards Biogenesis in Architecture -------- Error!

2.3.1. Generative Evolutionary Paradigm : Biological models for a
Process-Driven Design -------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3.2. Architecture as Software : Code & Data Genes - Error! Bookmark
not defined.
2.3.3. Material properties and Behavior : The Gestalt - Error! Bookmark
not defined.
2.4.3.1 Material Logic: Incorporation of material information ...........Error!
Page | viii
2.4.3.2 Material Simulation: understanding material behavior .......... Error!
2.4.3.3 Encoding Matter: Design process of material Error! Bookmark not
defined.
2.4. Conclusion: towards a paradigm shift to material culture ---- Error!

- PART II -
Chapter Three : Biological Principles for Nature's Forms

3.1 Introduction : Biological Knowledge transfer - Error! Bookmark not
defined.
3.2. Nature s Desig pri iples -------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.1. Constructal Law : Physics as Thermodynamics --Error! Bookmark
not defined.
3.2.2. Energy efficiency (Use of energy) -- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.3. Information ---------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.4. Self Assembly -------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.5. Geometric Concepts ------------------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.6. Structure and function --------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.7. Material as System ------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.8. Static and Dynamic Structures: Form and behavior ---------- Error!
3.3. Su ar : Nature s i e tio s -------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Chapter Four : Material Structuring

4.1. Introduction :------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Page | ix
4.2. Biological Materials : Properties and classification Error! Bookmark
not defined.
4.3. Towards Bio-inspired Material: Embedded Smartness and
Mutability ---------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.1. Variable property Density ---------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.2. Composites Materials --------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.3. Embedded responsiveness --------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.4. Functionally Gradient Materials --- Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4. Summary: Matter over form ----------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Chapter Five : Computational Engines for 'Matter

Structuring'
5.1. Introduction : The transition from [CAAD] to Material-based
design Computation --------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.1. Generative Computational design : ----------- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.1.2. Performance-based Computational design : Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.1.3. Material-based Computational design : ----- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.2. Digital Material Representation ------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3. Theoretical basis that support design driven by material
properties ---------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1. Integrating Form, material and structure --- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.3.1.1 eifForm..............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.2 CADenary tool v2 ..............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Page | x
5.3.1.3 Design | Analysis .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.4 Physics-Based Generative Design ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.5 Kangaroo Physics .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.6 Karamba ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.7 Interactive Structural Analysis .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.8 Timber Textiles ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.1.9 Summary: ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2. Topology optimization : Optimal material distribution ------- Error!

5.3.2.1 OOF: Finite Element Analysis of Microstructures . Error! Bookmark
not defined.
5.3.2.2 SoftKill Optimization ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.3 Homogenization method.................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.3. Variable Property Design (VPD): Approaches for Digital

Anisotropy of Digital Matter------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.3.1 VPD modeling anisotropy ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.3.2 Variable property fabrication : Functionally Graded Digital
Fabrication ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
- PART III -
Chapter Six : Methodological Framework
Page | xi
6.1. Introduction: Towards Biogenesis paradigm -- Error! Bookmark not
defined.
6.2. The methodological Framework ------ Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.2.1. Data Extraction Model------------------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.2.2. Transformation Model (From Physical to Behavioral data) - Error!
6.2.3. Data Generation Model (From Behavioral to physical data) Error!
Chapter Seven : Conclusion, Results and Recommendations

7.1. Introduction: from Hylomorphism to material attention ----- Error!
7.2. Discussion: Research Overview ------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2.1. Nature Design ----------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2.2. Material Structuring--------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2.3. Computational Design ------------------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3. Summarizing the Results: Benefits & Drawbacks -- Error! Bookmark

not defined.
7.4. Recommendations: Trajectories for further research ---------- Error!
Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………………224
Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………..……………235
Arabic Summary ……………………………………………………………………………….. 243
Page | xii
List of Acronyms
2D Two - Dimensional
3D Three - Dimensional
4D Four - Dimensional
AI Artificial Intelligence
B - Rep Boundary Representation Techniques
CA Cellular Automata
CAD
Computer Aided Design
CAIO Computer Aided Internal Optimization
CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing
CADD Computer Aided Design and Drafting
CATE Computer Aided Tissue Engineering
CNC Computer Numerical Controlled
CSG Construction Solid Geometry
Evo - Devo Evolutionary Development
FDM Fused Deposition Modeling
FEA Finite Element Analysis

Page | xiii
FGM Functionally Graded Materials
GA Genetic Algorithm
OOF Object Oriented Finite element
NURBs Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines
SA Simulated Annealing
SG Shape Grammars
SKO Soft-kill Optimization
SLA/ SL Stereolithography
SLS Selective Laser Sintering
VPD Variable Property Design Environment
VPRP Variable Property Rapid Prototyping
Page | xiv
List of Related Softwares
CADenary is based on particle-spring systems,

widely used in computer science for creating
CADenary
realistic physical simulations for animating
clothing and other fabrics
It s a conceptual building performance analysis

Ecotect software enables the measurement and
improvement of environmental design factors.
eifForm is a generative and stochastic

structural analysis and optimization software
eifForm
developed by Kristina Shea at Cambridge
University
GC is a parametric CAD software developed

by Bentley Systems. It epitomizes the quest to
Generative bring parametric modeling capabilities of 3D
Components solid modeling into architectural design,
seeking to provide greater fluidity and fluency
than mechanical 3D solid modeling
It s a in-house software developed to

GEOS calculate grids of geodesic lines on free-form
surfaces
Grasshopper is a visual programming language

within the Rhinoceros 3D CAD application
Grasshopper
developed by David Rutten at Robert McNeel
& Associates.
Page | xv
Kangaroo is a live physics engine developed by
Daniel Piker for interactive simulation,
Kangaroo Physics
optimization and form-finding directly within
Grasshopper (Plug-in).
Karamba is a Finite Element Analysis package.

It interactively calculates and analyzes the
Karamba response of three dimensional beam structures
under the action of external loads within
Grasshopper (Plug-in).
GSA Analysis is a highly intuitive tool from

ARUP, enabling users to carry out 3-D linear, P-
Oasys GSA
delta, non-linear static analysis, dynamic
analysis and more
Radiance is a tool for performing lighting

simulation originally written by Greg Ward. It
Radiance
includes a renderer as well as many other tools
for measuring the simulated light levels.
Rhinoceros (Rhino) is a commercial NURBS-

based 3D modeling software, developed by
Robert McNeel & Associates. The software is
commonly used for industrial
Rhinoceros design, architecture, marine design, jewelry
design, automotive design, CAD / CAM, rapid
prototyping, reverse engineering, product
design as well as the multimedia and graphic
design industries.
Page | xvi
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Page | 22
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I te se ti g I te tio a d E e utio du i g Desig De elop e t . Ph.D
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Thesis TOWARDS BIOGENESIS IN ARCHITECTU

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Ain Shams University

TOWARDS BIOGENESIS IN ARCHITECTURE

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Engineering in Partial Fulfillment of

Master of Science in Architecture

Under Supervision of:

Dr. Sherif Morad Abdel Kader

TOWARDS BIOGENESIS IN ARCHITECTURE

Submitted by: Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib

The Jury Committee

Prof. Dr. Samir Sadek Hosny

Prof. Dr. Yasser Mohamed Mansour

Post Graduate Studies:

Faculty Council Approval University Council Approval

No part of this thesis has been submitted for a degree or a qualification

Name: Engy Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Habib

[From the Greek bios mean life, genesis

"Architecture is the reaching out for the truth."

By the beginning of the 21th century, the emergence of complexity

A number of contemporary architects have re-examined the works of

Engaging digital design and fabrication technologies based on ideas

This research points towards that new 'performative turn' in

Chapter One : Introduction

Chapter Two : Theoretical & Historical Background

2.2. Form Crisis : Critical gap in the current Architectural discourse

2.3. Theoretical basis : Towards Biogenesis in Architecture -------- Error!

2.4. Conclusion: towards a paradigm shift to material culture ---- Error!

Chapter Three : Biological Principles for Nature's Forms

Chapter Four : Material Structuring

Chapter Five : Computational Engines for 'Matter

5.3.2. Topology optimization : Optimal material distribution ------- Error!

5.3.3. Variable Property Design (VPD): Approaches for Digital

Chapter Six : Methodological Framework

6.2. The methodological Framework ------ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter Seven : Conclusion, Results and Recommendations

7.3. Summarizing the Results: Benefits & Drawbacks -- Error! Bookmark

B - Rep Boundary Representation Techniques

CAIO Computer Aided Internal Optimization

CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing

CADD Computer Aided Design and Drafting

CATE Computer Aided Tissue Engineering

CNC Computer Numerical Controlled

CSG Construction Solid Geometry

Evo - Devo Evolutionary Development

FDM Fused Deposition Modeling

FEA Finite Element Analysis

OOF Object Oriented Finite element

NURBs Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines

SKO Soft-kill Optimization

SLS Selective Laser Sintering

VPD Variable Property Design Environment

VPRP Variable Property Rapid Prototyping

CADenary is based on particle-spring systems,

It s a conceptual building performance analysis

eifForm is a generative and stochastic

GC is a parametric CAD software developed

It s a in-house software developed to

Grasshopper is a visual programming language

Karamba is a Finite Element Analysis package.

GSA Analysis is a highly intuitive tool from

Radiance is a tool for performing lighting

Rhinoceros (Rhino) is a commercial NURBS-

[2] Castle, H. I t odu tio , Versatility and Vicissitude: An introduction to