Generative Design Solutions for Free-Form Structures Based on Biomimicry

Conventional engineering design approach is to solve a structure for its strength. On the other hand, natural shapes and structures are more free-form, using stiffness and flexibility whenever and wherever necessary. Form-finding approaches for structural design draws inspiration from different trades of nature. In this work, an attempt is made to generate free-form structures using biological forms like growth of a plant. Generative design strategy within constrained design space was developed, and behavior of such solutions under different loading are discussed. Thus a structure is evolved (and adapted) via bottom-up approach, and not constructed (and optimized) as top-down process.