Generative Scripting

The process of generative scripting involves writing a series of computer scripts - simple mathematical and geometric equations - to generate a series of shapes, lines, solids, and more. The phyiscal properties of these shapes are manipulated by a series of paremeters within the script. These parameters grow, distort, angle and make a wide variety of changes to the model output.

Generative Scripting is related to architecture by giving us tools to construct patterns and structural systems. Essentially, the generative scripting gives us a new ability to design unique and interesting buildings and manipulate materials. The following is the script process used to create the images on the right:

Step 1 - Create a Sphere in Space

• Located randomly within the Max/Min X,Y,Z ranges
• Random sphere size

Step 2 - Create a Cylinder

• Start point is the center of the Sphere
• Draw a random point within the Max/Min X,Y, Z that is within a certain range of distance
• Construct a cylinder of random diameter between the two points

Step 3 - Create a Sphere at the End Point

• Located at the center point for the end of the Cylinder
• Random sphere size

Step 4 - Draw a Series of Spheres

• Determine the length between the spheres
• Divide the distance into a random number of segments (between a certain range)
• Draw a sphere with a diameter of the length of a segment at the center point of each segment

Step 5 - Repeat the first 4 Steps Smaller

• Start and end points at one of the Spheres
• Random cylinder length and direction
• Random number of cylinder segments
• After last cylinder segment, draw one back to the start point

Step 6 - Repeat the first 5 steps

• Use the end Sphere as the Start Sphere
• Repeat process for the number of requested times

Step 7 - Close the Chain

• After the last main segment is created, draw a cylinder from the last Sphere drawn to the origin and segment
• Draw the small-scale chain at the origin point