
Shape grammars make it easy to generate patterns such as the "ice ray" patterns in these lattices. (Photo by George Stiny.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. George Stiny
MIT Course Number
4.540
As Taught In
Fall 2018
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
Shape grammars are systems of visual rules by which one shape may be transformed into another. By applying these rules recursively, a simple shape can be elaborated into a complex pattern. This course offers an in-depth introduction to shape grammars and their applications in architecture and related areas of design. More specifically, it involves manipulation of shapes in the algebras Uij, in the algebras Vij and Wij incorporating labels and weights, and in algebras formed as composites of these. Discussions center on rules and computations, shape and structure, and designs.