Evo-Devo Algorithms: Gene-Regulation for Digital Architecture

Abstract

The majority of current visual-algorithmic architecture is constricted to specific parameters that are gradient related, keeping their parts’ relation fixed within the algorithm, far away from a truly parametric modeling with a flexible topology. Recent findings around genetics and certain genes capable of shape conditioning (development) have succeeded in recovering the science of embryology as a valid field that connects and affects the evolutionary ecosystem, showing the existence of universal mechanisms that are present in living species, thus describing powerful strategies for generation and emergence. Therefore, a new dual discipline is justified: Evolutionary developmental biology science. Authors propose the convergence of genetics algorithms and simulated features from evolutionary developmental biology into a single data-flow that will prove itself capable of generating great diversity through a simple and flexible structure of data, commands, and polygonal geometry. For that matter, a case study through visual-algorithmic software deals with the hypothesis that for obtaining a greater emergence and design space, a simpler and more flexible approach might only be required, prioritizing hierarchical levels over complex and detailed operations.

Epigenetic opportunities for evolutionary computation

“…Evo-devo provides a number of developmental steps for fine-tuning an organism, but in the algorithmic world this is unnecessary when more generations can be run instead. It is possible to apply evo-devo specific applications, such as digital architectures [ 70 ], where domain-specific concepts in architecture can be linked to evo-devo processes, and the time required to generate solutions makes fewer generations more suitable. The design of neural networks using GA [ 71 ] mimics evo-devo concepts with limited success as neural networks already learn through their training process, and evolutionary algorithms are typically used to network parameters such as weights and architecture [ 72 ].…”

Epigenetic opportunities for Evolutionary Computation

“…Evo-devo provides a number of developmental steps for fine tuning an organism, but in the algorithmic world this is unnecessary when more generations can be run instead. It is possible to apply evo-devo specific applications, such as digital architectures [73], where domainspecific concepts in architecture can be linked to evo-devo processes, and the time taken to generate solutions means a lower number of generations can be run. Similarly, genomic evolution involves the evolution of genome architecture itself.…”

Evo-Devo Strategies for Generative Architecture: Colour-Based Patterns in Polygon Meshes

“…Previous research studies have shown the functionality of 3D polygon meshes to mimic biological body plan structures [32]: patterns, Boolean operations, subdivision, orientation, symmetry, and polarity. The very same structures observed in embryology are often used in 3D modeling software.…”

“…As has been previously stated by the authors [32], meshes excel at applying different modifications in a universal way, and allow a new toolkit of genes to be introduced that alters the topology of the case at hand (Figure 8). Depending on the scale or step, these modifications can produce massive changes or can become superficial adaptations.…”