A computational model for mass customized housing design bu using cellular automata

Depending on population growth in major cities, in our country, the importance of the concept of mass housing has been increasing. Also the studies for solution of the problem haven’t been both able to meet the needs of the users and to provide uniqueness, variety and flexibility in terms of the design. However, Cellular Automata (CA), one of rapidly evolving digital design approaches, has some potential (neighborhoods, simplicity-complexity, relations form-function and self-organizations etc.) for solution of this problem. In this study, with a protocol consisting of integration of Cellular Automata rules and the approach of “Reflection in Action”, a model taking care of user participation for mass customized housing is presented with a digital approach. In this model developed by scripts of 3DS Max software, design of the site plan, organization of foor plans according to the user preferences and facade design is included. Besides, neighborhoods of the housing blocks in a site plan, relations of spatial units with each other’s and cantilevers and setbacks in the facade design are organized by CA rules. This model proposal has been tested by using user scenarios in a site plan. Especially, the outcomes which offer rich alternatives for the foor plans and facade solutions of the generated blocks in a very short time have been obtained. Results of the study have been discussed from the point of view of innovative architecture.