Community Housing in the Indian Context – A Generative Approach

Abstract

Generative Design is a domain within the larger Umbrella of Computer Aided Design. A set of iterations are generated based on constraints identified by the designer in the form of a required quantity, orientation, geometry, or any design intent. The study demonstrates a generative approach to design community dwellings, taking Mumbai as a case. Principles are extracted from existing dwelling designs that form the basis of an algorithm or a system. The study focuses more on the process of designing this system rather than the final design itself. This system of generative design can then be replicated and reused for arriving at unique results for different contexts and requirements. It takes into consideration the cues from the site - climate, topography, connectivity, and more important the design considerations set by the designer. The designer's role in generative design processes is emphasized. The algorithm is designed in a modular fashion to enable the designer to understand, alter, and analyze parameters at each step. The primary tools used are Rhinoceros, Grasshopper3D (and its plug-ins), and Biomorpher. Biomorpher in an Interactive Evolutionary Algorithm that allows for the designer to have more control and understanding over the generated output. Hence, it better represents a designer’s process of going back and forth and emphasizes the analytical role of an architect in the process. Generated outputs are then analysed and compared with respect to each other and the original cases studied.