Cellular automata in architectural design: From generic systems to specific design tools

In this paper we examine the adaptations cellular automata (CA) are typically subjected to when they are applied to architectural designing. We argue that, despite a number of earlier studies that portrayed CA as generic generative design tools, the transition from CA as generic systems to specific design tools for the purposes of design is not yet well understood. To describe this transition, we first examine CA adaptations in a number of previous studies relating CA to architectural design. We then analyze an applied design case study in detail and trace similarities between findings made in the literature review to findings made in the case study. We conclude with a summary of challenges and opportunities met by architectural designers employing and developing CA as design tools.