Structure Synth is a cross-platform application for generating 3D structures by specifying a design grammar. Even simple systems may generate surprising and complex structures. The design grammar approach was originally devised by Chris Coyne (for a 2D implementation see the popular Context Free Art).

Structure Synth offers a graphical environment with multiple tabs, syntax highlighting, and OpenGL preview. Integration with third-party renderers (such as Sunflow and POV-Ray) is possible using a flexible template based export system.

I have had an idea kicking around in my head for years about a 3D version of Starfish based on similar principles. The process of building the rendering engine always seemed daunting. Perhaps I could base the generation algorithm on this system…