Exception as a rule in computational design

Abstract

Structural design deals with solving the complex problem of the realisation of a building from the initiation to final execution. During this process many complicated sub-processes take place which handle with large amounts of design information. Following the Structural Design Tools approach (Coenders [2]) computational design attempts to support the process of design by providing concepts, guidelines and computational strategies to appropriate existing and new technology for (structural) design. Computational technology is strong in storing and processing large amounts of data in a fraction of the speed of human labour. However, one of the problematic areas of computational design is the fact that design often consists of many exceptions. Current state-of-the-art computational design systems, such as Bentley's GenerativeComponents (GC; by Robert Aish [1]) or Grasshopper (by McNeel [4]) are very strong in modelling repetition, but not exception. Generating design by rules is appropriate for repetition, but by definition exceptions don't follow the rule. Traditional CAD systems are stronger in this field as the entire model is basically an exception. However, these systems are less appropriate for design process augmented by computation. The author would like to discuss a novel computational strategy for parametric and associative design systems to address the modelling and handling of exceptions in design for design systems of the future.