What is Structure Synth?
Structure Synth is an open-source application developed by Mikael Hvidtfeldt Christensen for algorithmically generating 3D structures and textures. It allows users to define a set of rewrite rules or a code script that determines how an initial primitive shape will be transformed. By iteratively applying these rules, complex geometric structures like trees, buildings, etc. can be constructed.
The software provides a simple programming language to specify the rules and transformations. Some common primitive shapes like cubes, spheres, cylinders etc. are available to start with. Using mathematical functions and language elements like loops, various kinds of symmetry, scaling, rotation and other transformations can be encoded. The application then renders a 3D model by executing these rules.
Structure Synth has been used by digital artists, architects, designers etc. to algorithmically generate complex organic patterns and structures that would be extremely tedious to model by hand. It is also a great tool for experimenting with parametric and procedural design and can facilitate designing structures that encode information in their geometry. The generated outputs can also be exported as 3D models and used for animation, gaming, VR and other applications.
An active community provides several examples and resources to learn coding structures and patterns with Structure Synth. The open-ended nature of the tool allows creators to experiment with unique generative designs and mathematical transformations to produce stunning 3D artwork.
Blender, Lumion, Sketchfab, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, NUKE, 3D-Coat, Fragmentarium, K-3D, Bforartists are some alternatives to Structure Synth.