Georg Suter

On the implications of design process views for the development of computational design support tools

The empirical evidence indicates that the computational evaluation tools are not sufficiently and consistently used in the architectural design process. Various contributing factors have been suggested, most of which deal with tool deficiencies in terms of user communication features, stand-alone character, and informational complexity. Without questioning the potential impact of these factors, we suggest that circumstances pertaining to the representation and understanding of the design process must be taken into consideration, if a more in-depth understanding of the problem of tool deployment is to be achieved. Toward this end, we explore the possible impact of alternative design process views on the development of computational design evaluation tools. In particular, we describe how a nonconventional view of the design process can inform implementation efforts that lead to the emergence of new tools for active convergence support in design.

Structure and spatial consistency of network-based space layouts for building and product design

Network-based space layouts are schematic models of whole spaces, subspaces, and related physical elements. They address diverse space modeling needs in building and product design. A schema (data model) for network-based space layouts is defined that is influenced by existing space schemas. Layout elements and selected spatial relations form a geometric network. The network is embedded in 3-space and facilitates analysis with graph and network algorithms. Spatial constraints on layout elements and spatial relations extend the schema to support spatial consistency checking. Spatially consistent layouts are required for reliable network analysis and desirable for layout modification operations. An operation is introduced that evaluates spatial constraints to detect and semi- or fully-automatically resolve spatial inconsistencies in a layout. A layout modeling system prototype that includes proof-of-concept implementations of the layout schema extended by spatial constraints and the inconsistency resolution operation is described. Layouts of a floor of an office building and a rack server cabinet have been modeled with the system prototype.

A Distributed Location Sensing Platform for Dynamic Building Models

Emerging technologies in building automation have the potential to increase the quality and cost effectiveness of services in the building industry. However, insufficient range of collected data and models of the physical and behavioural aspects of the facilities limit the capabilities of building automation systems. We describe a project for improving building services by collecting comprehensive data from variable sources and generating high-resolution models of buildings. In this context, location sensing is critical not only for data collection, but also for constructing models of buildings as dynamic environments. We first examine a range of existing location sensing technologies from the building automation perspective. We then outline the implementation of a specific location sensing system together with respective test results.

On Implementing a Computational Facade Design Support Tool

As an alternative to conventional monodirectional simulation tools, we introduce a preference-based performance-driven tool to generate computationally single-room designs based on requirements of daylight availability and distribution. To extend the applicability of this tool beyond single-room configurations, we have developed a rule-based system for the generation and modification of facade designs. We discuss the structure, capabilities, and limitations of these tools.

Aspects of S2

We present in this paper the essential aspects of the S2 system. This is the internet realization of SEMPER, an active, multi-domain, space-based, object oriented design environment for integrated building performance modeling. The key features of the S2 environment are as follows: A user can access the system regardless of the computer hardware, operating system or the location on a network; geographically distributed users can asynchronously generate a building model through the user interface; this building model can then be simultaneously evaluated with multiple simulation applications running on remote simulation servers; persistent storage is provided for project data and evaluation results; designers using the system have access to multiple libraries that contain building information such as material data, construction types, schedules, and weather data.

Modeling Spatial Compositions with Network-based Spaced Layouts

A significant challenge in building information modeling (BIM) concerns support for modeling multiple views of buildings to meet diverse data needs of architectural, structural, or building services domains. The focus in this paper is on extending an existing schema for network-based space layouts with spatial composition modeling capabilities. The schema has been introduced in previous work to support modeling of multiple space views. Network-based space layouts are generated from space data that are created in BIM authoring systems. Selected, view-specific spatial relations between objects in a layout are modeled as a spatial relation network. An architectural designer may use graph algorithms to find the shortest path in the spatial relation network of a pedestrian circulation layout between a workplace and a building exit. Likewise, a lighting control system designer may query a spatial relation network of a lighting layout to determine luminaires that are near a workplace. Multi-view space models may be composed of layouts with view-specific spatial relation networks. However, spatial compositions are currently not modeled explicitly. The schema is therefore extended with topological spatial relations, which include containment, overlap, equality, touch, and disjoint relations. With these relations, it is feasible to relate objects in different layouts. They are derived from object geometries with clash classification functions that are provided by a commercial solid modeling engine. Examples from pedestrian circulation and lighting domains illustrate rich spatial composition of network-based space layouts and its benefits for building design.

Spatial Reasoning for Building Model Reconstruction Based on Sensed Object Location Information

The continuous collection of data on the state of facilities appears increasingly feasible due to advances in sensing technologies. In this context, we explore the application of tag-based location-sensing to reconstruct models of existing buildings. We describe tagbased building representations, which are complete under certain conditions for the automated conversion to boundary-based building representations. The latter have a rich structure and are useful for various construction-related applications. We describe and demonstrate with a system prototype how spatial reasoning methods facilitate the conversion process.

Space Classification from Point Clouds of Indoor Environments Based on Reconstructed Topology

Reconstruction of as-built building models from point cloud data is a challenging problem with promising applications in the construction industry. In this paper, we outline the general concept of a data processing pipeline that produces fully three-dimensional, semantically rich and topologically valid as-built building models. Point cloud data is processed with a combination of histogram, voxel-based and RANSAC-based methods to detect surfaces of spaces and building components. Topological relations between building components (walls, slabs) are derived from a space partitioning that is generated from detected surfaces. The output from topology reconstruction is used as input for a space classification procedure which involves assigning functional properties to spaces. Each step in the data processing pipeline is illustrated with examples. Limitations of the proposed approach are discussed and an outlook of future development in this area is given.

Use Cases for Improved Analysis of Energy and Comfort Related Parameters Based on BIM and BEMS Data

A facility passes through several life cycle phases: conceptual design, design development, construction, use, reuse, remodeling, and demolition. In each phase, documents are created by architects, engineers, technical planners, and contractors that reflect the facility’s state at certain points in time. Information exchange is achieved with commercial or open data exchange standards. Using building information modeling (BIM), complex three-dimensional and semantically rich building models are feasible that facilitate planning and data exchange in project teams and through the whole lifecycle. Such models have significant potential not only for design and construction, but also to improve building operation. This paper investigates how BIM may be applied to improve operational efficiency in facilities. More specifically, the aim is to achieve improved reporting and visualization of energy and comfort related parameters, as well as their engineering and commissioning, by application of BIM in combination with building energy management systems (BEMS). We present use cases that will guide the development of a novel dynamic BIM concept in which facility data are combined with building management system data. As a conclusion, an analysis of the feasibility of the use cases in terms of information availability is provided.

A VR-based user study on the effects of vision impairments on recognition distances of escape-route signs in buildings

In workplaces or publicly accessible buildings, escape routes are signposted according to official norms or international standards that specify distances, angles and areas of interest for the positioning of escape-route signs. In homes for the elderly, in which the residents commonly have degraded mobility and suffer from vision impairments caused by age or eye diseases, the specifications of current norms and standards may be insufficient. Quantifying the effect of symptoms of vision impairments like reduced visual acuity on recognition distances is challenging, as it is cumbersome to find a large number of user study participants who suffer from exactly the same form of vision impairments. Hence, we propose a new methodology for such user studies: By conducting a user study in virtual reality (VR), we are able to use participants with normal or corrected sight and simulate vision impairments graphically. The use of standardized medical eyesight tests in VR allows us to calibrate the visual acuity of all our participants to the same level, taking their respective visual acuity into account. Since we primarily focus on homes for the elderly, we accounted for their often limited mobility by implementing a wheelchair simulation for our VR application.