Topological and Dimensional constraints based optimal placement of Layout Entities using Clustering and Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Layout planning involves the placement of layout entities, such as kitchen, living-room, office-space, in a house or building in appropriate positions conforming to topological and dimensional constraints. This paper harnesses varied approaches at different phases for optimal layout planning. These include Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of architecture that optimizes the layout design in buildings and houses. Vaastu Shastra is used to provide the topological structure of layout entities (LE) and for finding appropriate positions for them in the layout. Using the topological constraints, the entities are first divided into four groups: North-East (NE), South-East (SE), North-West (NW) and South-West (SW). Multi-Population Genetic Algorithm (MPGA) is next employed to find topological relations between layout entities. Finally, Entity Planning Genetic Algorithm (EPGA) is used to optimally place the groups in the layout incorporating these topological relations and preserving the various dimensional constraints. The dimensional constraints include the length and width of the layout entities, aspect ratios of the length and width of the layout entities, and the length and width of the layout itself. The system is implemented in AutoCAD as a tool and Auto Lisp as a programming language.