Metrics for measuring complexity of geometric models

This study considers the practical methodology for measuring the level of complexity of geometric patterns in architecture. Criteria for forming the metric complexity of the models include geometric, combinatorial and spatial categories. The study also used methodology 'Grammar Form' (Shape Grammar), based on figures arithmetic and logical analysis of the forming mechanisms. This article explains the theory and methodology measurement of geometric complexity of models and illustrates the practical application of this analysis on the fifty-parametrically generated 3D models. The study has been developed as a part of wider research, which focuses on parametric modelling and ways to support the use of parametric design: by decreasing the number of programming difficulties, and increasing the explored solution space, programming efficiency, the degree of the algorithms' sophistication and the speed of algorithmic modelling (level of model complexity). Research has included a series of parametric modelling workshops. In order to provide experimental data for this research, participants developed and submitted practical assignments and filled in online questionnaires. This paper explains the 'step by step' methodology for measuring the complexity of geometric models and illustrates practical applications of this analysis for the modelling outcomes from the first workshop.