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Structure Behind Form

Part 2 Project 2004
Kenneth Y K Yau
Mirja-Anneli Kiviniemi
Chinese University of Hong Kong | China
Traditionally, architecture has been described by plans, sections, diagrams, perspectives, etc. However, I investigated to describe the Fundamental Structure of design and generate Specific design in computer with programming language. I employed the scripting function of CAD software to describe Form, Space and Order.

I tried to use the method as a tool for housing design. I can change the parameters to generate different forms and spaces of the design. I provided random parameters within bandwidth to generate “nature” architecture. Although the resulting forms may show certain degrees of randomness, it is not arbitrary. It generates groups of similar, but different, forms by inputting same parameters.

Finally, I am able to implement the “Structure” to generate numerous designs.

Kenneth Y K Yau
Mirja-Anneli Kiviniemi


In the thesis project, the student attempts to understand structural forces behind forms by observing the macro and micro phenomena of natural and artificial facts. The student uses the built-in script tool in CAD software to simulate the similar forming process of Hong Kong high-density housing cluster, by describing its structure and reassembling its components with certain parameters. The final product should be regarded as a delicate program rather than a single designed object. With the aid of this “program”, a future designer might be relieved from the heavy burden of function calculating and variation generating. The program can produce various design products from a single collective housing to even a huge block, fulfilling all the requirements on unit, facility and urban limitation automatically. With the combination of structuralism approach and computer technology, the thesis project does a good job in developing a new design tool.

Tutor(s)

2004
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