Formula
What if architecture could be written as an equation? Our title emerged from the realization that our entire process follows a mathematical logic. It begins with a simple flipped table – the ⊥ symbol – which becomes our fundamental building block. But architecture isn't about single elements; it's about relationships. When we square this symbol (²), we're capturing something essential: the moment when individual tables start talking to each other, creating complex spatial dialogues from primitive components.
The equals sign became inevitable once we understood that our computational process was essentially solving an equation. Feed the algorithm with stacked table combinations, and it generates precisely what we need: 10⁵ possibilities of H – Houses. The mathematical notation isn't decoration; it's the most honest way to describe architecture born from algorithms, where systematic rules unlock infinite variety.

Houses on Houses
How do you stack houses? This simple question sparked our exploration into a revolutionary approach to mass housing that balances efficiency with human-scale living.
Our project reimagines how we can produce thousands of homes while preserving the informality and individuality that make spaces truly livable. Rather than creating identical boxes, we developed a system that generates infinite variations from a few simple components.

Process
The process begins surprisingly low-tech: we physically throw, shake, slide, and rearrange small models on different sites. This playful experimentation helps us discover natural arrangements that respond to each location's unique characteristics. These physical configurations are then scanned and translated into digital geometries that feed directly into our computational design system.

Tables
At the heart of our system are prefabricated table modules – simple structures consisting of a base plate and one or two load-bearing walls. These tables range from 7 to 14 meters in length, making them easy to transport while offering flexibility in arrangement. Despite their simplicity, or perhaps because of it, these primitive elements can generate remarkably diverse architectural outcomes.

Algorithm
Our Grasshopper algorithm follows three fundamental rules:
• Maximize density: fit as many tables as possible within the site constraints
• Ensure connection: every module must connect to at least one other
• Maintain structure: preserve clear vertical load paths through aligned walls

The program iterates through countless possibilities, optimizing arrangements and adding structural columns where needed. This computational approach allows us to rapidly generate unique solutions for any site condition.

From structure to space
Once the tables are stacked, we fill the gaps with additional prefabricated elements that divide spaces and provide horizontal reinforcement. These secondary components are assembled on-site and screwed directly to the table modules. The result is a hybrid system where purple represents our factory-made table modules and green shows the site-assembled elements.

Primitive mass production, individual informal expression This workflow enables us to scale from single buildings to entire neighborhoods of 10,000 housing units or more. Each development maintains diversity and variety while benefiting from the efficiencies of mass production. The structures are designed to be inhabited – or perhaps better said, squatted – by people who bring their own interests, habits, and ideas of living to the spaces.

Outcome
What emerges is architecture that feels both systematic and spontaneous, efficient yet informal. By encoding computational rules that mirror human intuition about stacking and connection, we create spaces that are ready to be personalized and lived in, rather than simply occupied.

Collaboration with Johannes Hoppensack and Lucas Fischötter.
Project carried out as part of the Studio Gilles Retsin at D-ARCH, ETHZ.