RIZOMA is a platform exploring the use of computational, parametric tools and custom software with the objective of solving specific problems during the conception and development of architecture, urbanism, art and design projects. Its main focus is to promote the application of computational tools to enhance the efficiency of processes and the materialization of objects, spaces and cities, as well as to generate new possibilities in the creation, design, development, execution and manufacturing of projects in the creative industries.
At the same time, RIZOMA focuses on improving the efficiency, collaboration and overall quality of design and manufacturing processes through the application of advanced software technology. RIZOMA develops and implements innovative digital tools and methodologies that help architects, artists and designers streamline their workflows, reduce errors and improve the results of their projects. RIZOMA collaborates on any project that involves computational techniques to conceptualize, generate, automate, simulate and visualize processes and data regardless of project type, scale or geometric complexity. RIZOMA manipulates data, software and the relationship between its elements to create tools and systems that helps in finding a solutions to design, architecture or art problems in a more efficient way.
What is Computational Design?
Computational design is an approach that involves the use of software and algorithms to visualize, analyze, optimize and generate design alternatives. This process involves the definition of a set of design criteria, such as aesthetics, sustainability, and the use of digital tools to generate and optimize design solutions that meet those criteria.
Computational design encompasses a variety of techniques and tools, including parametric modeling, simulation, optimization, and machine and autonomous learning. These tools enable the creation of highly complex and customizable designs that are tailored to specific project requirements.
One of the key advantages of computational design is its ability to automate and optimize processes. By using algorithms to generate and analyze design alternatives, it is possible to explore a much wider range of options than is possible with traditional design methods. This can result in more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective designs.
Overall, computational design is a tool for creating innovative and optimized designs that meet a wide range of criteria and constraints. By harnessing the power of the computer and automation, it is possible to create more efficient and sustainable designs that meet the needs of clients and users.
Advantages of parametric and computational design:
Design better solutions: by using computational tools designers, artists and architects can explore a variety of design options rather than just the few they would produce with traditional manual drawing or digital modeling.
Automate repetitive tasks: Updating a dimension or size of a component is simple when applied to only one element, but becomes tedious when it needs to be done multiple times. With computational design tools connected to the modeling software, an algorithm can be created that modifies the entire 3D model in real time automatically.
Improve productivity: Once specific design processes are programmed into a computational tool, designers can essentially outsource design tasks to these programs, designing faster, improving productivity and achieving more with fewer resources.
Mitigate design risks: Iterative design processes in parametric and computational design allow the architect or designer to improve the quality of the final product over and above human capabilities. Artificial intelligence can be leveraged to test a design in multiple scenarios to reduce risk and liability for all parties involved.
Reduce project costs: Switching tedious design tasks and the design process to computational and parametric design tools reduces the amount of staff required for a project. In addition, algorithmically produced designs have fewer errors, which reduces the likelihood of changes in project execution and fabrication. With fewer resources and changes, project costs are reduced.
Finding relationships: Computational design involves the use of digital tools, algorithms and data-driven techniques to generate, analyze and optimize design solutions. By using different design variables, such as spatial parameters, material properties, environmental factors, user preferences and aesthetic considerations, in models or algorithms, designers can explore how these variables interact with each other and how they influence the overall design outcome.
Generate simulations: These simulations allow analysis and testing of the project's viability even before it is built or fabricated: Creating simulations involves the use of digital tools to model and analyze various aspects of the design. Simulations allow designers to predict and understand the behavior and performance of designs, allowing them to optimize and make informed decisions.
The catalog of computational design algorithms and definitions is used as a resource to provide inspiration and problem solving to common problems not addressed by off-the-shelf software tools. This allows the user to explore alternate design strategies and consider new computational techniques that can enhance the creative process and streamline solutions. By having access to a wide range of algorithms, design possibilities can be expanded, incorporating computational thinking and advanced analysis.
The creation of the catalog is of great importance to the advancement of architecture, art and design. Such a catalog serves as a repository of algorithms, techniques and methodologies that can be employed in various phases of the design process. By documenting and categorizing these algorithms, designers, artists, architects, urban planners and researchers in their respective fields can easily access and explore a wide range of computational tools, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation.
The goal of this catalog is to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge for those interested in computational design. Architects, urban planners, artists and designers can build on existing algorithms, adapting them to their specific needs to generate new ideas and approaches.
The catalog is also a valuable educational tool that benefits students and beginners in computational design by providing a structured and organized platform for learning about different algorithms and their applications, helping individuals develop a solid foundation in computational design principles. This, in turn, cultivates a new generation of designers capable of leveraging computational tools and algorithms to effectively tackle complex design challenges.
Ultimately, this catalog's focus is on empowering designers and researchers, fostering a culture of exploration, innovation and collaboration. It enables the continued development and refinement of computational design methodologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in design practice. By adopting such a catalog, inspiring transformative design solutions and shaping the future of architecture, art and other design disciplines.