African Species

The success of the housing models was achieved by the intricate manipulations made from the departure point of the generator elements, using bottom-up techniques. Within bottom-up strategy, the information processing gives rise to complex systems, by piecing together single elements, “genes”. These genes (or construction elements) were linked to form larger structures until a desirable top level is achieved. This strategy resembles organic behaviour of genetic code, in fact each element have a specific capacity as generative seedling. This base elements are combined with “genetic/ architectonic” material-instructions-codes during the formation process of the house models. In that sense the succession of architectural models presented during the production phase, are the result of applying specific connectivity rules between the wooden structural elements (=”genes”). The house could then be programmed using an automatic script (adjusted to the allotment dimensions 10x25m) or manually constructed by their occupants using the admissible connectivity manual. With this insight it is possible to build an unpredictable variety of house shapes/ organizations. It is an alternative design to formatted planning procedures and an antidote against preconceived ideas. It is also a possibility to the inhabitants to participate in the construction/ conception process, personalizing and upgrading their own houses. Section by section the house will be shaped and packed by an algorithmic territorial protocol, rather it be analog (human driven) or digitally computed.“African Species” is then born also from human affect and intelligence.