Generative Design Mechanism: City as a Physical Construct, An analysis of the urban context within post-war housing in Amsterdam - Java Island

Abstract

In this present article, we would like to postulate that the ‘generative’ design mechanism is intrinsically experiential within architectural and urban design sensibility. Our current research focuses on the critical analysis of the 17th century urban planning solutions as a set of formal structures and geometrical patterns that can provide the logic and future direction of the possible complete immersion of architectural forms within urban configurations. This article provides an initial analysis and overview of the urban configuration of Java Island in comparison with the Ring of Canals and Amsterdam South. The key questions that we hope to address include: to what extent do the Renaissance up to early to early 20th century planning solutions such as the Ring of Canals and Amsterdam South were simulated in the urban configurations of Java Island (1995-96)); and to what extent do these help in defining the identity of the place as well as reinforcing the identity of the city in which they belong. We were able to conduct this initial research with the support of the Seed Fund Award 2013 provided by the Cardiff Metropolitan University.