Design of Generative Model for the Language of Traditional Suakin Using Parametric Shape Grammar

Abstract

This paper aims at presenting a parametric shape grammar of traditional Suakin houses (Red Sea state, Sudan). This work systematically attempts to generate appropriate plans arrangement that allows required functional relationships between spaces to be satisfied. The topological and geometrical properties of old Suakin houses were analyzed. These properties were originated and incorporated into the traditional Suakin buildings for the past ten centuries. The shape rules, dimensional, geometric and topological patterns of houses in the corpus are used as the generative model for the language of traditional suakin style This paper concludes with a discussion of the creative and generative value of the parametric shape grammars. Moreover, it facilitates the understanding of the formal composition of Suakin old style and the revival of a contemporary Suakin building style.