Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NAture PAttern
NAture PAttern
NAture PAttern
net/publication/373999646
CITATIONS READS
0 263
1 author:
Erdem Yildirim
Dokuz Eylul University
14 PUBLICATIONS 11 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
All content following this page was uploaded by Erdem Yildirim on 18 September 2023.
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the incorporation of shape grammar into architectural design
education in an effort to facilitate the imitation of natural 2D patterns in basic design
course. Shape grammar is a rule-based design methodology that permits designers and
architects to produce complex designs by defining a set of transformation rules. This study
investigates shape grammer with a comprehensive literature review and examines the
effectiveness of teaching shape grammar using both manual techniques and the visual
scripting program Grasshopper3D, a plug-in in Rhinoceros modelling software. The results
indicate that the combination of hands-on exercises and digital tools improves students'
comprehension of shape grammar and their ability to imitate natural 2D patterns in
architectural design. By investigating the integration of shape grammar and the imitation
of natural 2D patterns, this research paper aims to contribute to the advancement of
architectural design education. It offers insights into effective teaching methods and the
role of technology in enhancing students' comprehension of shape grammar and their
ability to create designs inspired by natural patterns.
Keywords: Basic design studio, shape grammar, parametric education, manual vs digital
1. INTRODUCTION
The incorporation of shape grammar into architectural design education has attracted
growing interest in recent times. The utilization of shape grammar, a design methodology
based on rules, provides architects with a systematic framework for creating intricate
designs through the establishment of a collection of transformation rules (Stiny, 1980).
One notable application of shape grammar in the early stages of the fundamental design
studio lies in its capacity to replicate organic two-dimensional patterns, thereby offering
an instrument to integrate the intricacies and intricacy of the natural world into
architectural compositions (Alkaim, 2015).
87
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of two different methods for
teaching shape grammar: manual techniques and the utilization of Grasshopper software.
Manual techniques encompass practical exercises and analog collages, facilitating active
student involvement in the application of shape grammar principles through physical
means. In contrast, the Grasshopper software, which is a visual programming language
utilized under Rhino, provides architects with a digital platform to implement algorithmic
principles and produce complex designs. This study aims to assess the effects of both
manual techniques and digital tools on students' comprehension of shape grammar and
their proficiency in replicating natural 2D patterns. Through a comprehensive examination
of these teaching methods, the study seeks to determine the extent of their impact. The
objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of various approaches by means of case
studies and evaluation measures. The purpose is to assess the strengths and limitations of
each approach and ascertain their effectiveness in improving students' design skills.
The implications of the research findings have substantial relevance for the field of
architectural design education. The incorporation of shape grammar and the emulation of
natural 2D patterns into the curriculum during the third week of the Basic Design Studio
can furnish students with a robust groundwork in design principles and enable them to
generate intricate and contextually responsive architectural compositions. Moreover,
through the comparative analysis of manual techniques and digital tools, this research
endeavor will make a valuable contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversation
surrounding the influence of technology in the field of architectural education, as well as
the potential of digital platforms such as Grasshopper to augment students' design
proficiencies.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Shape Grammar in Architecture
The utilization of shape grammar, a design methodology that originates from the
intersection of computer science and linguistics, has garnered considerable
acknowledgement as a potent instrument for architectural design (Tepavcevic &
Stojakovic, 2012). The proposed approach provides a structured framework for the
generation and manipulation of intricate designs through the utilization of a predefined set
of transformation rules. In the context of shape grammar, a design is conceptualized as a
configuration of shapes, which can undergo modifications according to predetermined rules
in order to generate novel designs. Through the establishment of a formal grammar,
architects are able to engage in the exploration and generation of a diverse array of design
variations, all the while upholding coherence and consistency within their compositions.
The principles of shape grammar exhibit a strong correlation with the domain of generative
design, placing significant emphasis on the investigation of design space and the creation
of innovative solutions (Aydın, 2012). Shape grammar is a computational design
methodology that allows architects to formalize their design intentions by establishing a
set of rules that govern the relationships and transformations between various shapes. The
principles outlined in these guidelines serve as a framework for the creation and alteration
88
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
The teaching of shape grammar has been extended into the digital domain due to the
emergence of computational design tools, such as Grasshopper software. According to
Slyk, Grasshopper, a visual programming language designed for Rhino, provides architects
with a platform to implement shape grammar principles through algorithmic design (Slyk,
2010). The utilization of rules within a digital environment enables the generation and
manipulation of intricate designs. The incorporation of Grasshopper within architectural
design education facilitates the introduction of students to the concepts of parametric
design thinking, algorithmic reasoning, and the possibilities for computational optimization.
89
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
architectural design. It is particularly valued for its efficacy in teaching shape grammar
principles within the realm of architectural education. The platform provides a digital
medium for architects to implement algorithmic design principles, facilitating the
generation of intricate and parametric designs by manipulating predefined rules. The
Grasshopper software offers a graphical user interface that enables students to visually
create and link components, which represent design elements and transformation rules.
The utilization of this visual representation serves to augment students' comprehension of
the interconnections among various elements and promotes the examination of diverse
design alternatives.
Grasshopper software's visual interface and ability to provide real-time feedback contribute
to its efficacy as a tool for comprehending the cause-effect relationships between rules and
design variations. Students have the opportunity to engage in experimentation with various
rule configurations, whereby they can observe the immediate alterations in the design and
subsequently enhance their approach through iterative refinement (Chairiyah et al., 2022).
One of the primary benefits of Grasshopper lies in its ability to facilitate parametric design
exploration. Parametric design enables the dynamic manipulation of design parameters,
thereby granting students the capacity to generate a wide range of design variations
(Schumacher, 2009, 2011). Through the establishment of parametric relationships within
the rules of shape grammar, students possess the ability to generate designs that possess
adaptability to various contexts and the capacity to accommodate evolving constraints
(Lee & Song, 2021). The parametric capabilities of the Grasshopper software foster a
mindset among students that goes beyond conventional static design solutions. One can
investigate the impact of various input parameters on the design output and examine the
interconnections among these parameters. This procedure facilitates the development of a
more profound comprehension of design optimization, adaptability, and the capacity to
create architectural compositions that are sensitive to their context.
The Grasshopper software exhibits a high level of compatibility with Rhino, a prevalent 3D
modeling software extensively employed in the field of architectural design. The integration
facilitates the ability of students to visually represent and enhance their designs within a
comprehensive 3D setting. Users have the capability to import 3D models, manipulate
geometric properties, and assess the spatial consequences of their investigations. The
visual characteristics of Grasshopper additionally enable the effective transmission of
design concepts. Students have the ability to create visually captivating representations of
their designs, which aids them in effectively presenting their ideas and participating in
meaningful discussions with their peers and instructors (Dino, 2012). Moreover, the
incorporation of Rhino software presents opportunities for additional analysis and
assessment, including structural simulations (Selmi̇ & İlerisoy, 2022), daylighting studies
(Eltaweel & SU, 2017), and fabrication processes in the prospective endeavors of the
students (Gallas et al., 2015; Radziszewski & Cudzik, 2019; Romaniak & Filipowski, 2018).
90
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
3. Case Studies
In order to evaluate the efficacy of incorporating shape grammar instruction in
architectural education for replicating natural two-dimensional patterns, two case studies
were undertaken, employing both traditional manual methods and the utilization of
Grasshopper software. The primary objective of the case studies was to assess the
students' comprehension of shape grammar principles, their capacity to replicate natural
patterns, and the results of their design investigations.
Figure 1. Selected submissions of the students' shape grammar studies with manual techniques
91
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
The initial case study involved the active engagement of a cohort of architecture students
in a practical workshop centered around the creation of patterns. Subsequently, the
students were tasked with a collaborative design project that required them to replicate a
particular 2D pattern found in nature through the utilization of manual techniques. The
participants engaged in collaborative activities within small groups, wherein they analyzed
the distinctive attributes of the patterns, discerned the fundamental principles governing
them, and formulated strategies for design.
Figure 2 Selected submissions of the students' shape grammar studies with Grasshopper software
92
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
The students were presented with a sequence of instructional materials and practical tasks
centered around the development of parametric designs that drew inspiration from various
natural two-dimensional patterns. Subsequently, the students were allocated individual
design projects wherein they were tasked with replicating natural two-dimensional patterns
through the utilization of Grasshopper. The designers utilized algorithmic thinking and
parametric design exploration in order to formulate their designs, taking into account the
interconnections between design parameters and rule-based transformations. The
researchers employed the visualization capabilities of Grasshopper and Rhino software to
systematically assess and enhance their designs through iterative processes.
The case study provided evidence to support the claim that the utilization of Grasshopper
software resulted in an improvement in students' comprehension of shape grammar and
their proficiency in replicating natural patterns through the use of visual coding. The
utilization of parametric design exploration facilitated the generation of a diverse array of
design variations, thereby empowering students to conceive intricate and multifaceted
compositions.
-The utilization of manual techniques facilitated the development of a haptic and instinctive
comprehension of shape grammar principles. The utilization of physical manipulation
techniques enabled students to cultivate a profound understanding of the interconnections
among design elements and the consequences of transformations governed by rules.
-The utilization of Grasshopper software enabled the application of algorithmic reasoning
and the exploration of parametric design. The students acquired proficiency in
computational thinking and digital literacy, thereby enhancing their capacity to generate
intricate designs and explore a diverse array of possibilities.
4. Evaluation of Results
The assessment of the pedagogical application of shape grammar in architecture for the
replication of natural two-dimensional patterns encompassed the evaluation of students'
comprehension of shape grammar principles, their proficiency in emulating natural
patterns, and the caliber of their design outputs. The assessment criteria encompassed
elements such as creativity, alignment with the chosen natural pattern, and compliance
with shape grammar principles.
Both manual techniques and the utilization of Grasshopper software demonstrated efficacy
in enhancing students' comprehension of shape grammar principles. In the case study on
manual techniques, the students exhibited a profound understanding of the
interconnections among design elements and the cause-and-effect relationships inherent
in rule-based transformations. The individuals demonstrated proficiency in expressing and
implementing shape grammar principles during their design investigations.
Likewise, the Grasshopper software case study demonstrated that the students possessed
a comprehensive comprehension of algorithmic design and parametric thinking. The
researchers proficiently employed the components and parameters of Grasshopper to
93
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
establish shape grammar rules and investigate diverse design variations. The software
platform facilitated the visualization of the effects of rule-based transformations on design
outcomes, thereby enhancing the users' comprehension of shape grammar principles.
The case studies revealed a range of design outcomes, exhibiting varying levels of quality,
wherein certain students demonstrated greater success in their designs compared to
others. Nevertheless, in general, the designs exhibited a notable degree of ingenuity,
consistency with the chosen natural patterns, and adherence to the principles of shape
grammar.
5. DISCUSSION
5.1. Design Outcomes and Expressiveness
In this section, we will discuss the design outcomes and expressiveness of a given design.
The design outcomes refer to the results or consequences of a design The assessment of
design results in both case studies unveiled a diverse array of innovative and
communicative designs. The students were able to effectively replicate natural two-
dimensional patterns, accurately capturing both their aesthetic and structural qualities.
The utilization of manual techniques facilitated the creation of distinct interpretations and
physical interactions, leading to the development of architectural compositions that are
sensitive to their specific contexts. The utilization of Grasshopper software facilitated the
ability of students to generate intricate and multifaceted designs, thereby demonstrating
the expressive capabilities of shape grammar within digital contexts.
6. CONCLUSION
The pedagogy of shape grammar in the field of architecture, whether taught through
traditional methods or facilitated by the employment of Grasshopper software, offers a
potentially effective strategy for emulating organic two-dimensional patterns. The case
studies conducted in this study have provided evidence of the efficacy of both approaches
in improving students' comprehension of shape grammar principles, their capacity to
replicate natural patterns, and the caliber of their design results.
94
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
parameters. The platform offered a digital interface for the visualization and manipulation
of shape grammar rules, leading to the creation of intricate designs that are responsive to
their respective contexts.
The assessment of design outcomes in both case studies unveiled a diverse array of
innovative and artistic designs. The students were able to effectively replicate natural two-
dimensional patterns, accurately capturing both their aesthetic and structural qualities.
The integration of manual techniques and the utilization of Grasshopper software facilitated
a holistic educational encounter, effectively bridging the divide between theoretical
comprehension and the application of design in practice.
The case studies have yielded valuable insights; however, it is imperative to acknowledge
their inherent limitations. The study employed a limited sample size, and the assessment
primarily emphasized immediate results. A more comprehensive understanding of the
impact of shape grammar education on architectural design skills and professional practice
could be achieved through additional research that incorporates larger sample sizes and
long-term assessments.
REFERENCES
Alkaim, A. (2015). Procedural Generation for Architecture. Computer Science.
http://www.grasshopper3d.com/
Arpak, A. (2016). Seeing As Aesthetic Experience And Creative Action: Visual Practices
With Shape Grammars In Design Education [PhD]. MIT.
Aydın, S. (2012). A Parametric Quasi-Grammar for Generating a Flexible Urban Design
Tool: Shape Grammars Optimised by Evolutionary Algorithms [Master]. University of
Liverpool.
Chairiyah, R., Yetti, A. E., & Pujiyanti, I. (2022). The Grasshopper+Rhino for 3D
Modelling in Indonesian’s Education of Biomimetic Architecture. www.rhino3d.com
Çolakoğlu, B., Yazar, T., & Uysal, S. (2008). Educational Experiment on Generative Tool
Development in Architecture PatGen: Islamic Star Pattern Generator. In ecaade (pp.
685–692). http://www.bot.yildiz.edu.tr
Dino, I. G. (2012). Creative design exploration by parametric generative systems in
architecture. Metu Journal of the Faculty of Architecture, 29(1), 207–224.
https://doi.org/10.4305/METU.JFA.2012.1.12
El-Mahdy, D. (2022). Learning by Doing: Integrating Shape Grammar as a Visual Coding
Tool in Architectural Curricula. Nexus Network Journal, 24(3), 701–716.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-022-00608-w
95
Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 12, issue 2, April 2024
Eltaweel, A., & SU, Y. (2017). Parametric design and daylighting: A literature review. In
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Vol. 73, pp. 1086–1103). Elsevier Ltd.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.02.011
Gallas, M.-A., Jacquot, K., Jancart, S., Delvaux, F., & Delvaux, F. (2015). Parametric
Modeling: An Advanced Design Process for Architectural Education.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02890293
Lee, K. S., & Song, H. K. (2021). Automation of 3D average human body shape modeling
using Rhino and Grasshopper Algorithm. Fashion and Textiles, 8(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-021-00249-6
Marques, E., & Eloy, S. (2013). Customized Crok Façade. In Rudi. Stouffs & Sevil.
Sariyildiz (Eds.), Computation and performance (Vol. 1, pp. 621–626).
Naboni, R., & Paoletti, I. (2018). Architectural Morphogenesis Through Topology
Optimization. In D. Domenico (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Form and
Morphogenesis in Modern Architectural Contexts (pp. 69–92). IGI Global.
Radziszewski, K., & Cudzik, J. (2019). Parametric Design in Architectural Education.
World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 17(4), 448–453.
Romaniak, K., & Filipowski, S. (2018). Parametric Design in the Education of Architecture
Students. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 16(4),
386–391.
Rutten, D., & McNeel, R. (2007). Grasshopper3D. Robert McNeel & Associates.
Schnabel, M. A. (2012). Learning parametric designing. Computational Design Methods
and Technologies: Applications in CAD, CAM and CAE Education, 56–70.
https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61350-180-1.ch004
Schumacher, P. (2009). Parametricism: A New Global Style for Architecture and Urban
Design. Architectural Design, 79(4), 14–23.
Schumacher, P. (2011). The Autopoiesis of Architecture, Volume I: A New Framework for
Architecture. In John Wiley & Sons Ltd: Vol. I (Issue 9).
https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=-
mXFdggEOz8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=schumacher+2011+architecture+autopoies
is&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiz4bqe16vzAhWySvEDHY5bAsYQ6AF6BAgIEAI#v=on
epage&q=schumacher 2011 architecture autopoiesis&f=false
Selmi̇, M., & İlerisoy, Z. Y. (2022). A Comparative Study of Different Grasshopper Plugins
for Topology Optimization in Architectural Design. Journal of Science, 3(10), 323–
334. http://dergipark.gov.tr/gujsb
Slyk, J. (2010). Generating through Understanding Pattern language revisited to support
reasoning and creation in architecture. In C. Spiridonidis & M. Voyatzaki (Eds.),
Educating Architects Towards Innovative Architecture (pp. 381–387). EAAE.
Stiny, G. (1980). Introduction to Shape and Shape Grammars. Environment and Planning
B: Planning and Design, 7(3), 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1068/b070343
Tepavcevic, B., & Stojakovic, V. (2012). Shape grammar in contemporary architectural
theory and design. Facta Universitatis - Series: Architecture and Civil Engineering,
10(2), 169–178. https://doi.org/10.2298/fuace1202169t
Wortmann, T., & Schroepfer, T. (2019). From optimization to performance-informed
design. Simulation Series, 51(8), 261–268.
96