The Research On Generative Diagram Methodology In The Practice Of Architectural Creation

In the field of architecture, the concept of diagram has a long history, and it isalmost as old as architecture itself. However, in the past, diagram only to be used asan explanatory or analytical tool to explain the link of elements, or was used to showthe architect’s inspiration and ideas. Then diagram had its further development underthe influence of philosophy of Foucault and Deleuze, showing its generative feature.In1960’s, the Modernism became instable and a variety of new ideas began to emergein the case, if the diagram was still used as a simple drawing tool as in the past, itsdevelopment would mean nothing to architecture history. But, at this moment,Eisenman first brought the Generative Diagram in architecture, and he used it in hisarchitectural practice and caused a strong concern of Generative Diagram in westernarchitectural theorists. Since then, the diagram is given a new role of generating,frequently appeared in many well-known architects’ design practice. This article is athematic study about the Generative Diagram applied in the architectural creation.As an analysis and explanation of the new trend’s genesis and development, thepaper starts with the concept of the Generative Diagram, and then gives anexplanation to its formation, from the aspects of philosophy, technical basis and thedevelopment of architectural theories. As a new theory, Generative Diagram formsseveral strategic approaches in architectural practice, and shows some of advantagesand limitations. By the analyzing of Chinese architectural examples of GenerativeDiagram, the author elaborates its development in China.In the end of paper, author expressed her expectation of the bright future ofGenerative Diagram in architecture. Although the theory and practice of GenerativeDiagram is not perfect at present, with the development of science and technology,and with the in-depth architectural theory, the author optimistically believes that thegenerative diagram theories and strategies will be acknowledged by more people inthe near future.