Architectural Form-finding Based On Fractal Theory

As an emerging frontier science, the fractal theory presents clear theoretical framework and quantitative criteria in fields of natural and social sciences. The Fractal theory becomes an important methodology and epistemology which lead people to understand simple rules behind complex phenomena. Based on the classical fractal theory, the thesis tries to extract fractal rule systems and methods from natural, social and architectural phenomenon. As guidelines for architectural form-finding, the rules system will setup a connection between intuitive diagram and complex phenomena.In order to provide the corresponding experimental solutions to parametric design problems, the research focuses on varieties of different algorithms and computational tools for architectural design process. Using the experimental projects in parametric design as case studies, the thesis attempts to present a digital design methodology with practical algorithmic tools and instruments for architectural form-finding. The goal is to use clear design steps to clarify complex architectural process into straightforward design operations, and apply this method to experimental projects.The thesis includes three major parts. The first part(chapter 1st to 3rd) explores the background of fractal geometry and related architecture theories, and then provide definition for the fractal rule system. In the second part(chapter 4th to chapter 9th), the characteristics and application of five major fractal rule systems, including IFS, the branching iteration system, fractal tessellation system, particle system and point clouds, and fractal aggregation system are discussed and analyzed. Cross-platform software and algorithms are compared and analyzed in order to extract similar properties that can be used in a digital toolbox which formulates clear and comprehensive algorithm steps. The third part(the 10 th and 11 th chapter) is the expansion and conclusion of the thesis which explores the development trends of future architecture and prospective application of fractal rule system in the field of architecture.