Informing Topology: Performative Landscapes with Rapid Mass Movement Simulation

Abstract

Designing with natural processes such as erosion and sedimentation has been problematic for practitioners from the design fields. In general, they lack the design expertise and tools necessary to readily achieve equilibrium in morphological and hydrological systems. In the context of natural hazards and continuing deterioration of local soils (MONTGOMERY 2012), an informed response to this challenge is necessary in order for designers to take advantage of the advent autonomous earth moving equipment (JUD et al. 2017) to achieve sustainable landscapes. We propose a design workflow where simulations of natural systems are inherently linked to the digital modelling environments of the de-signer. By connecting geotechnical and hydrological simulation packages to innovative 3D modelling tools, an iterative design methodology between digital construction processes and natural processes becomes possible. This prepares the ground for an informed and scientific design and construction method in landscape architecture.