This course is an introductionto the research traditions of computational approach to design from an historical, mathematical and theoretical perspective. The course develops a framework for understanding the role of generative methods in creative design synthesis and analysis. Afteroffering an exposition of the basic mathematical concepts such asthe notions of artificial language and the computational system, we discuss specific computational approaches to design (Alexander, March, Hillier, Stiny). Specific modes of description and generation of designs, such as parametrization, typology, and grammar are also exposed.
Emphasis is placed on grammars, the computational and expressive possibilities of which are compared with other algorithmic systems. Basic concepts such as: Euclidean transformations and symmetry, spatial relations, production rules and axiom schemata, arithmetic of shapes and thealgebras Ui j, Vi j and Wi j, are introduced. The concepts of form, structure, and formal composition are analyzed and explained. The relationships between the computational approach and cognitive domains such as music, aesthetics, and philosophy of science, linguistics, psychology, philology, history, mathematics, mathematical logic and artificial intelligence are examined.
