Theoretical and computational frameworks for the analysis and derivation of the morphological structure of orthogonal building plans and sections.

Abstract

It is generally believed that the operations employed by architects to compose their designs cannot be subjected to logical analysis. Such a belief prevents the architectural community from acquiring a more complete understanding of how architectural forms are derived. Therefore, it is detrimental to the advancement of knowledge about architectural form-making. In contrast, this study suggests that architectural form-making is rational and objective. This is demonstrated through a theoretical framework and a computational framework. The theoretical framework explains and describes the tasks constituting the process of creating the morphological structure of orthogonal building plans and sections. The computational framework provides an explicit description of derivation and analysis processes and is intended to establish the plausibility of the theoretical framework. Its derivation and analysis capabilities are tested using the computer program, ANADER 2.0. The theoretical framework demonstrates that the creation of orthogonal building plans and sections is amenable to logical analysis. On this basis, it provides a reasonable ground for believing that other form-making activities, such as the composition of elevations and architectonic details, can also be explained logically. The computational framework exemplifies that compositional operations can be described explicitly. Therefore, it provides the foundation for the hypothesis that the operations involved in the design process can be described explicitly. A belief in the susceptibility of the form-making process to logical analysis is essential for inquiries seeking to explain it. Similarly, a belief that compositional operations can be identified is fundamental to formulating other frameworks that supply architects with compositional strategies. Therefore, this study, although focused on orthogonal building plans and sections, can serve as the basis for inquiries into the generation of designs. In doing this, it contributes significantly to the knowledge of the architectural community about architectural form-making.