An Application of Swarm Robotics in Architectural Design

This paper examines the potential of applying swarm intelligence concepts onto the design of architecture, and in particular transformable structures. Recently, swarm intelligence concepts have inspired research for the design and implementation of collective robotic systems as well as transformable flexible buildings. I argue that the latter exhibit limited capabilities for flexibility, both functional and physical, contrary to the architects' initial intentions, whereas swarm based robotics present a more promising future for technological swarm applications. Based on these arguments, a concept for a transformable environment, called Swarm-Roof, is proposed and described, drawing from swarm robotics technologies and ideas.