Towards an integrated generative design framework

Design creativity techniques encourage divergent thinking. But how well do the existing generative design techniques support this requirement? How can these general techniques be augmented for supporting design exploration and creativity? This paper investigates these questions through a review of five different generative design techniques used in architectural design that includes cellular automata, genetic algorithms, L-systems, shape grammars, and swarm intelligence. Based on the literature on design cognition and the recent theoretical works on digital design thinking, this paper proposes the need for an integrated generative design framework to enhance design exploration support for human designers. Potential challenges and strategies towards developing such an integrated framework are discussed.