B Medjdoub

Separating topology and geometry in space planning

We are dealing with the problem of space layout planning here. We present an architectural conceptual CAD approach. Starting with design specifications in terms of constraints over spaces, a specific enumeration heuristics leads to a complete set of consistent conceptual design solutions named topological solutions. These topological solutions which do not presume any precise definitive dimension correspond to the sketching step that an architect carries out from the Design specifications on a preliminary design phase in architecture.

Dynamic space ordering at a topological level in space planning

In this paper, we shall be dealing with the problem of space layout planning. We present an approach based on an intermediate topological level with a dynamic space ordering (dso) heuristic. Our software ARCHiPLAN proceeds through a number of steps. First all the topologically different solutions, without presuming any precise dimension, are enumerated. Next, we may evolve in this topological solution space, and than refine some of them to form consistent geometrical solutions. For each topological solution chosen, the optimising geometrical solution is determined from a cost, useful surface or wall length. By using a dynamic space ordering heuristic in the topological level the enumeration time has been reduced.

Generation of variational standard plant room solutions

We have used the object-based CAD programming to take advantage of standardisation to handle the selection, sizing, layout and (potentially) pipe routing for Low-Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) plant rooms in buildings. Our approach combines automation and interactivity. From a simple specification of the plant room geometry (an orthogonal polygon with known obstructions, openings and external walls), and the heating load in kW, our software proceeds through a number of steps. First, the number and size of standard modular boilers, pumps, etc., are determined from the heat load. Then, a compatible optimising 3D variational solution is generated, using Constraint Logic Programming. To do this, we firstly enumerate a satisfactory topological solution, and then refine it to form a compatible geometrical solution. The final step generates pipe routes, using optimisation techniques to minimise the length of pipes and the number of bends. The solution obtained can be modified or improved by the designer, for which we have interactivity. Modifying the topology of the solution or the geometry of the plant room is done directly through the graphic interface, e.g. modifying a boiler position is done by dragging; the system automatically updates the 3D model including the pipe routing while maintaining all the design rules. The solutions generated by our prototype have been tested against conventional solutions in a benchmarking exercise. Advantages have been underlined and suggestions for further development have been made.

Distributed Intelligence In Design

The book contains the papers developed from the presentations at the Distributed Intelligence in Design Symposium, held in Salford in May 2009.In this context, Distributed Intelligence refers to the interdisciplinary knowledge of a range of different individuals in different organisations, with different backgrounds and experience, and the symposium discussed the media, technologies and behaviours required to support their successful collaboration.Thebook focusses on:how parametric and generative design media can be coupled with and managed alongside Building Information Modelling tools and systems how the cross-disciplinary knowledge is distributed and coordinated across different software, participants and organizations the characteristics of the evolving creative and collaborative practices how built environment education should be adapted to this digitally-networked practice and highly distributed intelligence in design The chaptersaddress a range of innovative developments, methodologies, applications, research work and theoretical arguments, to present current experience and expectations as collaborative practice becomes critical in thedesign offuture built environments.

Interactive 2D Constraint-Based Geometric Construction System

This paper presents a 2D Constraint-Based Geometric Construction System where positioning and manipulating geometry is very precise. An unusually simple interface makes this system particularly interactive and easy to use. In our approach, the geometry types supported are: points, lines, circles, ellipses, circular arcs and b-spline curves. All the fundamental topologie constraints, i.e. tangent, parallel, perpendicular, coincident and concentric, are provided. Metric constraints, i.e. dividing the shapes into equal parts or fixing the geometric parameters, are also provided. These constraints are automatically applied by the application in response to the implied intentions of the end-user. Dynamic modifications of partially dimensioned models are supported, whereby the design is modified while enforcing the constraints. A graph-constructive approach is used to solve the model. As we are dealing with partial modifications, this resolution technique is quite sufficient, and makes our system stable and flexible. Our approach focuses highly on interactivity. Positioning a shape constrained to another is made directly through the graphic interface. Constraint relaxation is also done by direct manipulations. Modifications are made by dragging the geometry, or by typing into a numerical panel displaying the free shape parameters. Again, existing constraints are maintained as those numbers are applied. Well-constrained and under-constrained problems are discussed. This approach was developed in Java, JDK 3.0.1 of SGI’s Java software.

A service infrastructure to support ubiquitous engineering practices

Ubiquitous computing allows users to move between gateways to the information world in ways that are appropriate to their current physical as well as contextual settings. Advanced visualization techniques, including immersive displays and augmented reality, have the potential to address the collocation needs of mobile engineering teams, and enhance their collaboration effectively. The paper explores the use of innovative technologies for implementing a ubiquitous engineering service infrastructure. This comprises a wide range of value-added engineering services that make use of visualization technologies - combined with location tracking techniques - to convey user and context sensitive, semantically enriched, high dimensional multimedia contents.

Comparison between Three Different Methods for Calculating Average Daylight Factor Values in Atrium Buildings

The aim of this research was to establish the accuracy of different methods used to obtain average daylight factor values (ADF) in an atrium. To this end, a comparative analysis between ADF values obtained using a physical model study, standard formula calculation and Radiance simulation was carried out for different distribution patterns of atrium wall reflectances on the floor of a square, four-sided, top-lit atrium model under overcast sky conditions. In order to assess the influence of the wall reflectances on the average daylight factor at the atrium floor, the floor reflectance of the atrium was given a value of 0.02 for the three different methods. Experiments were conducted for atriums with all wall surfaces black (0.02% reflectance) on white (0.85% reflectance). Experiments were also conducted for 50% black and 50% white walls. To achieve the variability in reflection distribution, surfaces were assigned alternating horizontal bands of white and black. For each of the experiments, the widths of these bands were altered but the overall split between white and black bands was always maintained at 50% white and 50% black. Four major findings and three recommendations are offered in conclusion.

Topological Enumeration Heuristics in Constraint-Based Space Layout Planning

We deal with the problem of space layout planning. We present an approach of architectural CAD softwares which starts with design specifications in terms of constraints over spaces. This approach is based on an intermediate topological solutions level thanks to specific topological enumeration heuristics. Then the prototype ARCHiPLAN that we have developed enumerates all the topologically different solutions, without presuming any precise definitive dimension. These solutions correspond to the sketching step that an architect carries out from the Design specifications during a preliminary design in architecture. Next, the architect may evolve in this topological solution space, which is of rather small size; afterwards, he can choose some of them for a more detailed study. For each topological solution, the best dimensional solution is determined from cost, useful surface or wall length. This topological solutions level limits the combinatorial explosion and fits to the designer habitudes.

Toward quantitative aerial thermal infrared thermography for energy conservation in the built environment

The UK Home Energy Conservation Act puts a duty on local authorities to develop strategies to improve energy efficiency in all public and private sector housing in order to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The City of Nottingham, UK turned to aerial Thermal InfraRed Thermography (TIRT) to try and identify households where energy savings can be made. In this paper, existing literature is reviewed to explain the limitations of aerial TIRT for energy conservation in the built environment and define the techniques required to overcome them. This includes the range of suitable meteorological conditions at the time of the survey, the use of ground truth data, the need to account for all radiation paths and losses when calculating roof surface temperature and the assumptions that must be made when calculating insulation levels. Atmospheric calibration, roof surface emissivity and sky view factor must also be determined by some means and approaches to these problems are reviewed from the wider literature. Error analysis and benchmarking are important if the technique is to be validated and these are discussed with reference to the literature. A methodology for determining the thickness of loft insulation for residential buildings in the city of Nottingham, UK using aerial TIRT data within a GIS software environment is proposed.

Building Services Standard Solutions

Object-based CAD programming is used to take advantage of standardisation to handle the schematic design, sizing, layout and (potentially) pipe-routing for LPHW (Low Pressure Hot Water) plant rooms in buildings. From a simple specification of the plant room geometry, and the heating load in kw, our software proceeds through a number of steps. First the standard number and size of modular boilers, pumps etc. is determined from the heat load. Then a compatible optimising 3D variational solution is generated, using Constraint Logic Programming. Our approach is highly interactive. Modifying the topology of the solution is done directly through the graphic interface, e.g. modifying a boiler position is done by dragging; the system automatically updates the 3D model including the pipe-routing while maintaining all the constraints, and hence the validity of the design.