“Regardless of their complexity, the tasks and decisions involved [in designing a building] can be formalized as an algorithm. As such, algorithms provide a framework for articulating and defining both input data and procedures. This formalization can promote structure and coherency, while systemically maintaining full traceability of all input data.” – in: “Algorithms in Architecture – Five Approaches” (Michael Hansmeyer)

http://fastforeword.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/michael-hansmeyer/