Cellular Automata as a learning process in Architecture and Urban design

This paper explores the application of cellular automata as method for investigating the dynamic parameters and interrelationships that constitute the urban space. With increasing aspects needed for integration during the architectural and urban design process with the relations between these aspects growing in parallel, complexity of the design process and design solution increases. Additionally, aspects and relations are of a transformative character in that they change over time and therefore construct a time-based condition for which problems are presented and solutions are sought. An architectural methodological response to this situation is presented through the development of a conceptual computational design system that allows these dynamics to unfold and to be observed for architectural design decision taking. Reflecting on the development and implementation of a cellular automata based design approach on a master level urban design studio this paper will discuss the strategies for dealing with complexity at an urban scale as well as the pedagogical considerations behind applying computational tools and methods to a urban design education.