Agent Based Shell Thickness

Type:

Research Project

Location:

University of Southern California / School of Architecture

Collaborators:

Prof. David Gerber

Keywords:

Agent Based Modeling and Simulation, Generative Design, Form Finding, L Systems, Daylight Analysis

Date:

2015

Status:

Completed

Description: This work investigates the topic of adding structural thickness on form found shells using an agent based design approach. Through the combined used of daylight analysis and structural load paths (force lines) agent behaviors are formulated that are driving the generation of thickness on the shell. The objective is to explore emergent design schemes where the thickness and porosity of the structure varies based on structural load paths on one hand side and on the amount of desired incident daylight underneath the structure (defined by the user) on the other side. The work combines form finding methods with agent-based modelling techniques in an integrated framework that is tested through a series of simulations and prototypical design experiments.