Macro-scale complex form generation through a swarm intelligence-based model with urban morphology constants

Abstract

Designing through the use of complex forms is becoming increasingly widespread. However, when designing macro-scale projects with complex forms, urban constants should be included in the design process. In this study, to begin, urban morphology constants were identified through a literature survey, which revealed constants such as road networks and topography. Next, a swarm intelligence-based model that included urban morphology constants in the swarm algorithm as constraints was developed. Development of this model entailed the use of a visual programming language. Conceptual forms produced as a result of swarm simulation were evaluated through a case study on a section of the Italian city of Genoa.

KEYWORDS:

• Urban morphology constants
• swarm intelligence
• multi-agent systems
• conceptual design
• macro-scale design
• complex forms

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the reviewers for their thoughtful comments.

Disclosure statements

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).