L-Systems

A COMPUTATION & ANALYSIS COURSE

L-Systems

What is the course about?

In this course we will examine the powerful growth algorithm known as an L-System. L-Systems are behavioural algorithms that attempt to simulate the growth of plants or organisms, and are similar to fractal algorithms.

The basis of the algorithm is defined by a simple ‘ruleset’, which sets out the steps required to recursively repeat in the L-System. As the rules are repeated, the algorithm grows, creating branches and forming emerging patterns.

This course will examine how to setup basic line L-Systems in Grasshopper, before moving to solid geometries and applying rulesets to recreate a precedent study.

What will you learn in each video?

This lesson will serve as an introduction to the logic behind an L-System algorithm, and how a rule can be setup and recursively repeated to create a branch like structure.

Solid L-Systems are a little more complex than singular line L-Systems, so this tutorial explores first how we might define a ruleset in Rhino to create manual L-Systems.

This lesson takes the technique explored in the previous tutorial and examines how we might automate the process of creating a complex L-System in Grasshopper.

After exploring our rulesets in Grasshopper, we can apply the logic of L-Systems to recreate the patterns created by our precedent study, Tallinn Biennale Pavilion 2017.

What are the learning objectives for the course?

Course image gallery:

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