Grammar-based generation of equilibrium structures through graphic statics

This paper proposes a grammar-based structural design methodology using graphic statics. By combining shape grammars with graphic statics, this method enables the designer to: 1) rapidly generate unique, yet functional structures that fall outside of the expected solution space, 2) explore various design spaces unbiasedly, and 3) customize the combination of grammar rules or design objectives for unique formulation of the problem. Design tests presented in this paper will show the powerful new potential of combining computational graphic statics with shape grammars, and demonstrate the possibility for exploring richer and broader design spaces with much more trial, and less error.