The House for 20,000 is a self-directed study and exploration using the Grasshopper stochastic amalgamation plugin, Wasp created by Dr Andreas Rossi. Wasp allows the user to create a series of “parts” that are placed and combined randomly based on specific rules. Parts can be as simple as a post and beam, or an unusual organically shaped joint, or a more complex and detail block containing several dwelling units. No 3D parts will collide nor overlap as a result of the software. It’s not merely a random clustering of pieces that have no computation boundaries, otherwise parts would pass through each other and have no real computational usefulness. The entire project is created in Grasshopper and is fully parametric. Every element of the design allows for variable data inputs: Size, shape, complexity, density, surface detail, tree density, color, etc.

The first series of images illustrate a building complex comprised of 2000 dwelling units. The units’ size and shape are randomly generated based on specific parameters like the number of different unit sizes. If a unit block doesn’t meet a certain set threshold for generous ceiling heights, the unit is considered a non-habitable infrastructure or storage unit. Another objective of the study was to create a (relatively) seamless workflow from Grasshopper through Rhino into Enscape rendering software at the click of a button (or a couple buttons). There is no manual manipulation of the 3D form in Rhino. All the materials, lights, and colors have been generated in Grasshopper prior to exporting and pass directly to Enscape. 3D assets, like the trees, are randomly distributed via Grasshopper prior to exporting.

Images 7 illustrates the various overall shape of the amalgamation and increasing number of dwelling unit blocks. The amalgamation fills a 3D boundary container that is also parametrically generated. The modifiable container can take on any form. In this case the container is a sort of crescent shaped volume that rises to one side.

Image 8 shows the introduction of the Karamba 3D finite element analysis plugin for Grasshopper for structural optimization. Using a very simplified “part” block to represent the dwelling units, Karamba optimized the steel structure to support the randomly clustered blocks. Steel beams vary in thickness and depth to accommodate the incredibly unusual load paths.