Theoretical foundations of emergent design

Tomáš Tholt

SUMMARY

Digital discourse in design developed from simplifying conventional design process via automatization, through parametrically driven modification of similar elements, to generative emergent complex systems. Transition from parametric to emergent design represents a way from the top-down system to decentralise the bottom up way of work derived from non-linear theory. Emergent design is thus considered to be the most advanced way of design process. The paper deals with the theoretical background of an emergent approach in contemporary science and philosophy. Architecture, design and art are considered to be a part of civilization. Civilization phenomena emerge from the interactions of its parts.

Keywords: computational design, parametric design, emergent architecture, morphogenesis, bottom-up system, Manuel DeLanda, Frei Otto