Development of Algorithmic Applications in Architecture: A Review and Analysis of L-Systems

Problem Statement:

 L-systems are among the algorithms for calculating the self-organizedprocess of “environmentally sensitive growth” of plants. They are one of the five main generativemethods that, given the structure and main field of application, promise great potential inarchitecture. But at the same time, examples of their application in architecture are few and havenot yet been sufficiently developed. Therefore, their development requires a comprehensive study.So, in this study, while identifying the possible potentials in architecture, the background of theirapplications in architecture as well as in other fields are reviewed. Then, these applications aredivided and compared, and accordingly, some suggestions for development are presented.

The purpose of this research is to comprehensively investigate L-systemsand identify their applications and potentials in architecture.

This article is descriptive-analytical, and the data collection method isdocumentary-based. The documents used in this article include a variety of articles, books,dissertations, and architectural competitions, all or part of which is related to research onarchitectural applications and other related applications of L-systems that have been publishedsince 2000.

Exploring the algorithm in the field of botany, the five main concepts of L systems are:development, abstraction, self-similarity, complexity in simplicity, and topology; Among these,the concept of development is more popular in architecture, while other concepts have receivedless attention. In this regard, reviewing their applications in other fields and their methodologieswill be inspiring. In this article, research trends in the architectural applications of the L-system areidentified and the reasons for its decline in recent years, as well as suggestions for development,are presented. Other analyses are also presented, including the scientific validity of the documentsused, the types of applications, the methodology of the L-system, and the design stage.