VIRTUAL EVOLUTION – A MEMETIC CRITIQUE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS IN DESIGN

Abel, C

VIRTUAL EVOLUTION – A MEMETIC CRITIQUE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS IN DESIGN

Abel, C

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Publication Type:: Article
Issue Date:: 2007-10-04T04:06:05Z

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Abel, C
dc.date.accessioned	2007-10-04T04:06:05Z
dc.date.accessioned	2012-12-15T02:35:13Z
dc.date.available	2007-10-04T04:06:05Z
dc.date.available	2012-12-15T02:35:13Z
dc.date.issued	2007-10-04T04:06:05Z
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/19694
dc.description.abstract	This paper discusses some issues in design theory arising from the use of genetic algorithms in architecture. The rationale for such programs derives from the iterative process of Darwinian natural selection, which has been likened to an algorithm, or ‘foolproof recipe’. However, while the products of these programs are often visually seductive, researchers rarely question the biological model underpinning them. Approaching the subject from a memetic perspective, the author argues that there are fundamental differences as well as similarities between memes, as cultural replicators, and genes, as biological replicators. Evolutionary design models based on the latter, especially those operating exclusively within laboratory or artificial environments, may therefore be misconceived. A number of problematic issues are identified, involving questions of definition, transmission, embodiment, selection and autonomy. As an alternative strategy, it is suggested that embedding design algorithms in real-life projects offers more promising results. The author concludes that, given the complexity of cultural evolution, the proper subjects for design research are memetic algorithms, rather than the genetic models.	en
dc.format.extent	133308 bytes
dc.format.mimetype	application/pdf
dc.language.iso	en	en
dc.relation.replaces	http://hdl.handle.net/2100/461
dc.subject	virtual evolution	en
dc.subject	genetic algorithms	en
dc.subject	memetics	en
dc.subject	biological models	en
dc.subject	Design theory	en
dc.title	VIRTUAL EVOLUTION – A MEMETIC CRITIQUE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS IN DESIGN	en
dc.type	Article	en
utslib.copyright.status	open_access

Abstract:

This paper discusses some issues in design theory arising from the use of genetic algorithms in architecture. The rationale for such programs derives from the iterative process of Darwinian natural selection, which has been likened to an algorithm, or ‘foolproof recipe’. However, while the products of these programs are often visually seductive, researchers rarely question the biological model underpinning them. Approaching the subject from a memetic perspective, the author argues that there are fundamental differences as well as similarities between memes, as cultural replicators, and genes, as biological replicators. Evolutionary design models based on the latter, especially those operating exclusively within laboratory or artificial environments, may therefore be misconceived. A number of problematic issues are identified, involving questions of definition, transmission, embodiment, selection and autonomy. As an alternative strategy, it is suggested that embedding design algorithms in real-life projects offers more promising results. The author concludes that, given the complexity of cultural evolution, the proper subjects for design research are memetic algorithms, rather than the genetic models.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/19694