Ajla Aksamija

Integration of knowledge-based and generative systems for building characterization and prediction

Abstract This paper discusses the integration of knowledge bases and shape grammars for the generation of building models, covering interaction, system, and implementation. Knowledge-based and generative systems are combined to construct a method for characterizing existing buildings, in particular, their interior layouts based on exterior features and certain other parameters such as location and real dimensions. The knowledge-based model contains information about spatial use, organization, elements, and contextual information, with the shape grammar principally containing style rules. Buildings are analyzed and layouts are generated through communication and interaction between these two systems. The benefit of using an interactive system is that the complementary properties of the two schemes are employed to strengthen the overall process. Ontologies capture knowledge relating to architectural design principles, building anatomy, structure, and systems. Shape grammar rules embody change through geometric manipulation and transformation. Existing buildings are analyzed using this approach, and three-dimensional models are automatically generated. Two particular building types, the vernacular rowhouse and high-rise apartment building, both from Baltimore, Maryland, are presented to illustrate the process and for comparing the utilized methodologies.

Ontologies and Shape Grammars: Communication between Knowledge-Based and Generative Systems

This paper discusses information flow between knowledge-based models and shape grammars for generation of building designs, explaining the interaction, sys-tem and implementation. The benefit for using the interactive system is that the complementary properties of the two schemes are used to strengthen the overall process. Shape grammar contains rules about the geometric organization, while knowledge-based model supports the contextual information.

Computational Environments with Multimodal Representations of Architectural Design Knowledge

This article discusses interaction between multimodal representations of architectural design knowledge, particularly focusing on relating explicit and implicit types of information. The aim of the presented research is to develop a computational environment that combines several modes of representation, including and integrating different forms of architectural design knowledge. Development of an interactive digital-models library and ontological model of architectural design factors are discussed, which are complementary in nature. In a time when BIM software is seen as embodiment of domain knowledge and the future medium of architectural design, this paper presents an interaction between ontological representation of architectural design knowledge and its embodiment in interactive models, thus focusing on the process of design and design space exploration. In the digital environments that we propose, representation of different formats of knowledge, such as visual, linguistic or numeric, are integrated with relational and procedural information, design rules, and characteristics. Interactive search and query based on contextual constraints, and parametric variation of the model based on the information received from ontology are the underlying drivers for design exploration and development.

IMPACT OF RETROFITTING ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN STRATEGIES ON ENERGY USE OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LOW-IMPACT AND DEEP RETROFIT STRATEGIES

ABSTRACT This article discusses energy-efficient retrofitting design strategies for commercial office buildings, and examines their effect on energy consumption. The objective of the research was to study how to integrate passive design strategies and energy-efficient building systems to improve building performance, and reduce the energy consumption of existing buildings in three different climate types (cold, mixed and hot climates). First, properties of existing buildings were analyzed based on national CBECS database to determine typical characteristics of office buildings located in Chicago, Baltimore and Phoenix, including size, building envelope treatment and building systems. Then, fourteen different prototypes were developed, varying the building shape and orientation to represent different building stock, and energy modeling was conducted to establish energy usage baseline. Multiple design considerations were investigated based on extensive energy simulations and modeling, where low-impact and d...

Heat Transfer in Facade Systems and Energy Use: Comparative Study of Different Exterior Wall Types

AbstractThis research article discusses methods for designing high-performance facades with a focus on minimizing heat transfer and improving energy usage. The facade is one of the most significant contributors to the energy budget and comfort parameters of any building. Control of physical environmental factors, including methods for minimizing heat transfer, must be considered during the design process. High-performance facades need to block adverse external environmental effects and maintain internal comfort conditions with minimal energy consumption. The research was conducted by initially modelling conductive heat transfer in four different exterior wall types, including a brick cavity wall, a rain-screen facade with terracotta cladding, a rain-screen facade with glass fiber–reinforced concrete cladding, and a curtain wall, to compare their relative thermal performances. Then, heat-transfer modelling was conducted for three thermally improved systems, including curtain walls with thermally broken fra...