Visual Meets Textual - A Hybrid Programming Environment for Algorithmic Design
Renata Castelo-Branco, António Leitão · Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia · 2020
Algorithmic approaches are currently being introduced in many areas of human activity and architecture is no exception. However, designing with algorithms is a foreign concept to many and the inadequacy of current programming environments creates a barrier to the generalized adoption of Algorithmic Design (AD). This research aims to provide architects with a programming tool they feel comfortable with, while allowing them to fully benefit from AD's advantages in the creation of complex architectural models. We present Khepri.gh, a hybrid solution that combines Grasshopper, a visual programming environment, with Khepri, a flexible and scalable textual programming tool. Khepri.gh establishes a bridge between the visual and the textual paradigm, offering its users the best of both worlds while providing an extra set of advantages, including portability among CAD, BIM, and analysis tools.