Making grammars: From computing with shapes to computing with things

•A computational theory of making is proposed.•Shape grammars are adapted to define making grammars.•Making grammars have rules for doing and sensing with materials to make things.•Algebras for shape elements are adapted to define algebras for materials.•The relationship between designing and making is reframed.

Recent interest in making and materiality spans from the humanities and social sciences to engineering, science, and design. Here, we consider making through the lens of a unique computational theory of design: shape grammars. We propose a computational theory of making based on the improvisational, perception and action approach of shape grammars and the shape algebras that support them. We modify algebras for the materials (basic elements) of shapes to define algebras for the materials of objects, or things. Then we adapt shape grammars for computing shapes to making grammars for computing things. We give examples of making grammars and their algebras. We conclude by reframing designing and making in light of our computational theory of making.