Daegeun Kim
Parametrically generated city model with varied block and building forms.

Generative · Urban

Parametric City Generation & Analysis

A procedural city was built in Grasshopper from three inputs, street network, building geometry, and density, then evaluated with solar and view analysis across 27 variations.

Methods

Generative design · Parametric modeling · Solar & view analysis

Tools

Rhino3D + Grasshopper · Ladybug · DeCodingSpaces

Generating the city

Using Rhino3D and parametric plugins, a procedural city model was developed from three primary inputs: the street network, building geometry, and density allocation. The street network sets block boundaries and overall structure; buildings are generated to fit each block; and density is driven by attraction points, so building height, footprint, and massing adapt to location.
City model generated from street network, building geometry, and density inputs.
Procedural city. Blocks and buildings driven by street network and density points.

27 variations

Combining inputs 1 and 2, buildings fill the street grid under different density-allocation points that decide which areas read as downtown and which as suburb, giving each city a contextual identity. Running three iterations of each input produces 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 generated cities.
Grasshopper script and generated city variations.
Grasshopper script. One definition, twenty-seven cities.
Grid of the generated city variations.
Variation set. Density and geometry combinations across the run.

Solar analysis

The solar analysis shows a clear pattern: south-facing facades receive the most light, while surfaces with high obstruction get less. For solar exposure, orientation usually matters more than the surroundings.
Solar radiation analysis across the generated city.
Solar radiation. Orientation dominates a facade's exposure.

View analysis

For view, the pattern flips: higher floors are almost always better, and the result depends far more on the surroundings than on solar. Nearby taller buildings affect the view more than a building's own height or orientation.