TA: Shruthadev BantwalGenerative Techniques for Flexible Housing
This studio aims to explore newer approaches for flexible housing using computational design techniques. Evolutionary design, a subset of computational design, emulates the process of morphogenesis; in simple terms, it develops rule-based strategies for multi-objective optimization of design.
Flexible housing design accommodates a choice for the user in terms of spatial configuration and social use of spaces. This is of particular interest due to the current technological advancements, lifestyle requirements and ecological challenges. For instance, a desire to practise sustainable lifestyle, nomadism or home based work demand a novel attitude towards design as opposed to the current ‘one size fits all’ model. It is relevant and essential to address flexibility in housing for the future to respond to the issues of social, (economic) and environmental sustainability. (Schneider T., Till J.)
The studio investigates mid-density housing focusing on live, work, sustain and save that responds to user choice and urban micro-climate. Generative techniques give a possibility to link the (spatial and environmental) performances to the ‘form’. It is an iterative design process that challenges students to deal with the multiple interdependent layers of structure & services, family & community, built-density & open space by developing simple algorithmic workflows.
