This thesis describes research into the development of a Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool that uses a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to generate and evolve original design concepts through human interaction. CAD technologies are firmly established in the later stages of design, and include many applications of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs). The use of EAs as generative and search tools for conceptual design is less evident in fields other than abstract art, architecture and styling. This research gains its originality in aiming to assist designers early in the design process, by creating and evolving aesthetically interesting forms (objects). The integration of GA software with a solid modelling system has enabled the development of a prototype `Evolutionary Form Design' (EFD) system. Objects are defined using a genetic data structure and constructed from various geometric primitives and combinations of Boolean operators. The primitives interact in ways that are not easily predicted, often creating novel shapes that are unlikely to have been discovered through conventional means. Edge blending further adds to objects' complexity and visual appeal. Populations of objects are subjected to a `selective breeding' programme, directed through the user's allocation of scores, and may also be guided by simple geometric targets. These factors determine which objects are `fittest' and most likely to parent a new, hopefully improved generation of objects. The challenge has been to turn the concept into a genuinely useful tool, ensuring that desirable features are reproduced in subsequent populations. The key to achieving this is the way objects are recombined during reproduction. Work has included developing 4 novel routine for grouping the individual primitives that form objects using a Teamforming algorithm. Innovative, aesthetically interesting forms can be evolved intuitively and efficiently, providing inspiration and the initial models for original design concepts. Examples are given where the system'is used by undergraduates to generate seating designs, and by the author, to create virtual sculptures and a range of consumer product concepts.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo a análise de alterações na forma de objetos resultantes da produção artesanal têxtil no Brasil, a partir da década de 1970, em correlação a mudanças nos respectivos contextos socioculturais, como as que se referem ao campo do design. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram baseados em abordagem qualitativa com viés histórico, realizada por meio de coleta bibliográfica, iconográfica e de campo. Abordou-se o artesanato têxtil como bem cultural representativo da produção de artefatos na sociedade brasileira. A partir de meados do século XX, contextos socioculturais e objetos resultantes desse ofício passaram por transformações condizentes com os interesses de consumidores de centros urbanos relativos ao artesanato. Nesse cenário, instituições e profissionais apresentaram projetos cujas abordagens transitam entre a manutenção de aspectos que caracterizam a tradição artesanal e a mudança dos objetos artesanais, para maior aceitação mercadológica. Por fim, debateu-se a necessidade de designers que atuam no setor avaliarem esses objetos, não apenas por sua destinação comercial, mas também como manifestação da cultura, do meio e das relações estabelecidas por artesãs e artesãos com seu ofício / The purpose of this study was to analyse the changes in the form of objects resulting from the Brazilian textile production of arts and crafts, since the 1970s, in correlation with the changes in the respective sociocultural environments, such as the ones related to design. The methodological procedures were based on qualitative approach with a history bias, carried on by means of bibliographic, iconographic and field research. Textile handicraft was addressed as cultural property representative of the Brazilian production of arts and crafts. Sociocultural environments and objects resulting from craftsmanship underwent transformations, since the middle of the 20th century, in accordance with the interests of urban consumers of arts and crafts. In this scenario, organizations and professionals presented projects whose approaches move between the maintenance of the characteristic features of craft tradition and the change in handcrafted objects, to make them acceptable by the market. Finally, it was discussed the need of an evaluation of such objects by the designers who work in the sector, not only due to their commercial purpose, but also as an expression of the culture, the environment and the relationships established between the artisans and their craft

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo a análise de alterações na forma de objetos resultantes da produção artesanal têxtil no Brasil, a partir da década de 1970, em correlação a mudanças nos respectivos contextos socioculturais, como as que se referem ao campo do design. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram baseados em abordagem qualitativa com viés histórico, realizada por meio de coleta bibliográfica, iconográfica e de campo. Abordou-se o artesanato têxtil como bem cultural representativo da produção de artefatos na sociedade brasileira. A partir de meados do século XX, contextos socioculturais e objetos resultantes desse ofício passaram por transformações condizentes com os interesses de consumidores de centros urbanos relativos ao artesanato. Nesse cenário, instituições e profissionais apresentaram projetos cujas abordagens transitam entre a manutenção de aspectos que caracterizam a tradição artesanal e a mudança dos objetos artesanais, para maior aceitação mercadológica. Por fim, debateu-se a necessidade de designers que atuam no setor avaliarem esses objetos, não apenas por sua destinação comercial, mas também como manifestação da cultura, do meio e das relações estabelecidas por artesãs e artesãos com seu ofício / The purpose of this study was to analyse the changes in the form of objects resulting from the Brazilian textile production of arts and crafts, since the 1970s, in correlation with the changes in the respective sociocultural environments, such as the ones related to design. The methodological procedures were based on qualitative approach with a history bias, carried on by means of bibliographic, iconographic and field research. Textile handicraft was addressed as cultural property representative of the Brazilian production of arts and crafts. Sociocultural environments and objects resulting from craftsmanship underwent transformations, since the middle of the 20th century, in accordance with the interests of urban consumers of arts and crafts. In this scenario, organizations and professionals presented projects whose approaches move between the maintenance of the characteristic features of craft tradition and the change in handcrafted objects, to make them acceptable by the market. Finally, it was discussed the need of an evaluation of such objects by the designers who work in the sector, not only due to their commercial purpose, but also as an expression of the culture, the environment and the relationships established between the artisans and their craft