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Edge of chaos: Towards intelligent architecture through distributed control systems based on cellular automata

Glynn, R; Abramovic, V; Overvelde, JTB; (2018) Edge of chaos: Towards intelligent architecture through distributed control systems based on cellular automata. In: Anzalone, P and Del Signore, M and Wit, AJ, (eds.) ACADIA 2018 Recalibration: On Imprecision and Infidelity: Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture. (pp. pp. 226-231). ACADIA: Mexico City, Mexico. Green open access

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Abstract

From the “Edge of Chaos”, a mathematical space discovered by computer scientist Christopher Langton (1997), compelling behaviors originate that exhibit both degrees of organization and instability creating a continuous dance between order and chaos. This paper presents a project intended to make this complex theory tangible through an interactive installation based on metamaterial research which demonstrates emergent behavior using Cellular Automata (CA) techniques, illustrated through sound, light and motion. We present a multi-sensory narrative approach that encourages playful exploration and contemplation on perhaps the biggest questions of how life could emerge from the disorder of the universe. We argue a way of creating intelligent architecture, not through classical Artificial Intelligence (AI), but rather through Artificial Life (ALife), embracing the aesthetic emergent possibilities that can spontaneously arise from this approach. In order to make these ideas of emergent life more tangible we present this paper in four integrated parts, namely: narrative, material, hardware and computation. The Edge of Chaos installation is an explicit realization of creating emergent systems and translating them into an architectural design. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of a custom CA for maximizing aesthetic impact while minimizing the live time of architectural kinetic elements.

Type: Proceedings paper
Title: Edge of chaos: Towards intelligent architecture through distributed control systems based on cellular automata
Event: 38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA 2018)
ISBN-13: 9780692177297
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Publisher version: http://acadia.org/content/conferences#conference_p...
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Architecture
URI: https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10062752
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