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Formex algebra is a powerful tool for the generation of data used in the design and analysis of space structures. However, for the algebra to be of practical use, it is necessary to have a means of employing the concepts on a computer. This is the particular problem which this thesis addresses. The solution proposed here is Formian, an interactive programming language, which being modelled on formex algebra allows complex configurations to be generated from a few concise and yet readily understood statements. Formian is designed to allow problems of data generation to be tackled in a single programming environment. The thesis describes the raison d'etre for the Formian programming language and the steps taken to create the language and to provide a practical and reliable implementation in the form of a computer program. A complete description of the language structure is given. This includes an overview of formex algebra. The use of Formian from a designer's viewpoint is provided by interspersing the description with practical examples.

Differently from other regions in the Planet, since 2010, in Latin America textual programming language (Rhinoscripting) is being replaced by its visual equivalent (Grasshopper). This is a consequence of our preference for an interactive platform, and because our design problems are not as complex, so we aim to control geometrical problems or aspects belonging to an product scale instead of an architectural one. Problems emerging when creating code could be improved by modifying and reusing existing solutions as a starting point, since learning would not be centered in the object but in the process of creating it, using a suitable instrument.

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Currently, many machine vision, signal and image processing problems are solved on personal computers due to the low cost involved in these computers and the many excellent software tools that exist, such as MATLAB. However, computationally expensive tasks require the use of multi-processor computers that are expensive and difficult to use efficiently due to communications between the processors. In these cases, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) are the best choice but they are not as widely used because of lack of experience in using these devices, difficulties with algorithmic translation and immaturity of the design and implementation tools for FPGAs. Programming languages are always evolving and the programming languages for microprocessors have evolved significantly, from functional and procedural languages to object-oriented languages. Nowadays, a new paradigm called aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) is becoming more widespread. However, hardware programming languages have not evolved to the same extent as the software programming languages for microprocessors. They are still dominated by the technologies developed in 1980s, which have significant deficiencies described in this thesis. Recent advances in HDLs (Hardware Description Languages) have taken a conservative approach based on well-proven software techniques.