Bio-Generative Design Morphology with Radiolaria: An application of a Nature-Based Generative Shape Grammar for Geometrical Design of Space Frames

This paper presents a study on using Radiolaria as a basis for generation of space-based geometry for structural design with shape grammars. Radiolaria has been a source of inspiration for architectural design with its intricate structural features and geometric patterns (Lim, 2012). We use the basis of the Radiolaria geometry to create a generative shape grammar as a computational system; then use the shape grammar to create spatial configurations for potential applications in design of 3D space structural frames. This study begins with the geometric analysis of Radiolaria and the dissection of its structure and geometry into a simplified morphological source, in this case a tetrahedral structure. Tetrahedrons are used in combination with octahedrons to generate spatial configurations to generate 3D spatial structural frames. The paper presents the Radiolaria spatial analysis, the shape grammar, the collection of generated designs, and possible applications in space frame structures.