An evaluation of shape/split grammars for architecture

Abstract

Shape grammars have been used as a method for modelling buildings, both in architecture and in computer graphics. In this report, we survey some of the shape grammar papers, present some projects using shape grammars, and give our evaluation of shape grammars in computer graphics. In particular, we feel shape grammars are useful for generating a large variety of buildings, such as might be needed in computer games or animations, and that they could also be useful in design for exploring a large number of similar variations. However, we feel they are less useful for the design of new buildings or modelling of existing buildings.