Architectural Design Process Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence Islamic Architecture (AIIA): What Is Islamic Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

Revisiting the long-debated question: “What is Islamic architecture?”, this research article aims to explore the identity of “Islamic architecture (IA)” in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as the novel opportunities and cultural challenges associated with applying AI techniques, such as the machine learning of Midjourney in the context of IA. It investigates the impact factors of AI technologies on the understanding and interpretation of traditional Islamic architectural principles, especially architectural design processes. This article employs a quantitative research methodology, including the observation of works of artists and architectural designers appearing in the mass media in light of a literature review and critical analysis of scholarly debates on Islamic architecture, spanning from historical perspectives to contemporary discussions. The article argues for the emergence of a continuous paradigm shift from what is commonly known as “postmodern Islamic architecture” (PMIA) into “artificial intelligence Islamic architecture” (AIIA), as coined by the authors of this article. It identifies the following impact factors of AI on IA: (1) particular requirements and sensitivities, inaccuracies, and biases, (2) human touch, unique craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of cultural issues, (3) regional variation, (4) translation, (5) biases in sources, (6) previously used terms and expressions, and (7) intangible values. The significance of this research in digital heritage lies in the fact that there are no pre-existing theoretical publications on the topic of “Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence”, although an extensive set of publications interpreting the question of the definition of Islamic architecture, in general, is found. This article is pivotal in analyzing this heritage-inspired design approach in light of former criticism of the definition of “Islamic architecture”, which could benefit both theorists and practitioners. This theoretical article is the first in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the second (practical) article is an analytical evaluation of the Midjourney architectural virtual lab, defining major current limits in AI-generated representations of Islamic architectural heritage.

Design and implementation of breast cancer prediction system based on machine learning

With the increasing incidence of breast cancer worldwide, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer has become the key to improving patient survival and quality of life. As a powerful data analysis tool, machine learning is increasingly widely used in the medical field, especially in disease prediction and assisted diagnosis. This paper aims to design and implement a machine learning-based breast cancer prediction system to improve the early diagnosis rate of breast cancer and reduce medical costs. Through an in-depth analysis of the global incidence of breast cancer and the current application of machine learning in the medical field, this study clarified the importance of breast cancer prediction and the problems existing in the existing prediction system. This paper further discusses the theoretical basis of machine learning in breast cancer detection, evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used machine learning algorithms, and reviews the latest research progress in this field at home and abroad. In the part of system design and implementation, the architecture design, data flow and processing process of the prediction system, as well as the method of data preprocessing and feature selection are introduced in detail. In addition, this paper also constructs a machine learning model suitable for breast cancer prediction, and carries out systematic implementation and testing through the actual development environment. In the discussion section, the applicability of machine learning model in breast cancer prediction is analyzed, the causes of model inefficiency are discussed, and the corresponding solutions are proposed. Finally, the paper summarizes the content of the full text, points out the limitations of the research, and puts forward the direction of future research. The results of this study not only provide a new technical means for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, but also provide valuable experience for the application of machine learning in the medical field.

Artificial Intelligence in Architecture: Integration into Architectural Design Process

Artificial Intelligence in Architecture: Integration into Architectural Design Process

Montage as process of knowledge mobilization in architectural design

Drawing on findings from an ethnographic study, the paper at hand provides an example of a pronounced way of working with montage as a means of mobilizing knowledge in the architectural design process. With reference to a specific design project, the paper follows architecture students systematically exploring and structuring the problem’s space of possibilities by applying montage. Highlighting the methodological rigor and logical coherence their procedure involves, the paper elaborates on montage as an effective method and traceable exploratory process. Presenting and discussing this empirical data, the paper aims at showing how montage allows for apprehending a problem in a holistic manner while at the same time facilitating its analysis into separate parts. In this way, montage engenders the mobilization of knowledge, which can be implicated to the case at hand.

A Generative Design Approach to Improving the Environmental Performance of Educational Buildings in Hot Arid Climates. (Assiut National University as a Case Study)

The architectural design process is complex, involving diverse objectives that may be contradictory, and on which orientation exerts significant influence. The artificial intelligence application, Generative Design facilitates solving multi-objective design dilemmas through the creation and evaluation of numerous design alternatives. However, its exploration in educational buildings in hot arid climates remains limited. Given the impact of spaces’ function distribution, this study aims to optimize it in the typical plans of educational buildings. Employing a multi-objective design approach to enhance environmental performance. The study is conducted and evaluated in national universities in Egypt as a case study, specifically in Assiut City. The results revealed that the optimum design for a certain objective has not equated to optimal performance for other goals, highlighting an inherent contradiction between them. Among 26,334 possible alternatives for spaces’ function distribution, the difference between the optimal scenario and the least favourable one is significant for the parameters related to study spaces: natural daylighting, and visual comfort, ranging from 10% to 24%, besides around 1% difference for parameters related to the whole building, including energy consumption, thermal comfort, and carbon emission. This research offers a framework applicable to various building types. Additionally, it encourages decision-makers to adopt a no-cost sustainable design approach.

Generative artificial intelligence and building design: early photorealistic render visualization of façades using local identity-trained models

Abstract This paper elucidates an approach that utilizes generative artificial intelligence (AI) to develop alternative architectural design options based on local identity. The advancement of AI technologies has increasingly piqued the interest of the architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management industry. Notably, the topic of “visualization” has gained prominence as a means for enhancing communication related to a project, especially in the early phases of design. This study aims to enhance the ease of obtaining design images during initial phases of design by drawing from multiple texts and images. It develops an additional training model to generate various design alternatives that resonate with the identity of the locale through the application of generative AI to the façade design of buildings. The identity of a locality in cities and regions is the capacity for the cities and regions to be identified and recognized as a specific area. Among the various visual elements of urban and regional landscapes, the front face of buildings may play a significant role in people’s aesthetic perception and overall impression of the local environment. The research proposes an approach that transcends the conventional employment of three-dimensional modeling and rendering tools by readily deriving design alternatives that consider this local identity in commercial building remodeling. This approach allows for financial and temporal efficiency in the design communication phase of the initial architectural design process. The implementation and utilization of the proposed approach’s supplementary training model in this study proceeds as follows: (i) image data are collected from the target area using open-source street-view resources and preprocessed for conversion to a trainable format; (ii) textual data are prepared for pairing with preprocessed image data; (iii) additional training and outcome testing are performed using varied text prompts and images; and (iv) the ability to generate building façade images that reflect the identity of the collected locale by using the additional trained model is determined, as evidenced by the findings of the proposed application method study. This enables the generation of design alternatives that integrate regional styles and diverse design requirements for buildings. The training model implemented in this study can be leveraged through weight adjustments and prompt engineering to generate a greater number of design reference images, among other diverse approaches.

Evaluation of the Benefits of Immersion Virtual Reality for Multi-Users for Promoting Social Interaction in the Atypical Architectural Design Process

Evaluation of the Benefits of Immersion Virtual Reality for Multi-Users for Promoting Social Interaction in the Atypical Architectural Design Process

Sunlight Autonomy for Buildings: A New Methodology for Evaluating Sunlight Performance in Urban and Architectural Design

ABSTRACT Due to urbanization and growing density in cities in the past century, metrics were introduced to assess daylight performance such as minimum sunlight hours and the daylight factor. The paper initially explores the shortcomings of early-stage daylight and sunlight evaluation methods. A novel methodology called Sunlight Autonomy (SA) is proposed for evaluating sunlight performance in buildings. The SA is based on the “Exposure to sunlight” criteria in EN 170307 “Daylight in Buildings,” where a computational method is used for the evaluation on a specified day. The SA concept expands the analysis temporally over the entire year, and spatially on building facades, leading to new metrics for a point of evaluation, and spatial metrics for buildings. The SA methodology is analyzed in a case study across four European cities. The SA metrics on facades between February 1st and March 21st, days in EN 17037, led to differences up to 63%. This revealed a significant shortcoming in EN 17037, relevant for Nordic regions. The differences of spatial metrics between March 21st and 50% of the year were within 5%, and up to 33% between February 1st and 75% of the year. The timestep affects the metrics and a window evaluation showed that the error of a 10-minute analysis was within 5% of daily insolation and 5 days for the annual SA. The potential of these metrics for urban planning and the architectural design process is examined. The interaction between SA and EN 17037, as well as other ongoing research developments, is discussed.

Bioclimatic design strategy of vernacular architecture in the south-east of China: a case study in Fujian, China

Abstract Vernacular architecture provides valuable insights into bioclimatic design, an integral part of the architectural design process. This study aims to investigate the bioclimatic design strategies used in vernacular architecture in southeastern China, with the goal of inspiring energy-efficient restoration and contemporary architectural design. Initially, the Mahoney Table was used to identify a priori bioclimatic design strategies, serving as a reference for the field survey conducted in three distinct landscape regions. Subsequently, a field survey was conducted to identify and summarize the characteristics of 907 vernacular buildings across 63 settlements, focusing on their bioclimatic potential and categorizing them into five aspects of bioclimatic strategies. The results revealed that bioclimatic design strategies vary in response to local conditions, deviating from the recommendations of the Mahoney Table. This underscores the significance of empirical studies on vernacular bioclimatic design strategies. The findings from this study have practical implications for guiding regional building practices in areas with similar climates and landscapes.

The Applications of Generative Adversarial Networks in Architecture Design: A Systematic Review

Purpose: To review and analyze the research status of the application of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in the field of architecture design. Methods: This study followed the latest PRISMA guidelines and systematically collected relevant research literature from domestic and international sources. In-depth analysis was conducted on 95 representative Chinese and English language articles. During the analysis process, three dimensions of intelligent architectural generation methods were comprehensively and deeply explored: the data application scale, algorithm type, and architectural design process. Results: (1) GANs have been applied to various processes in architectural design practice, from design generation, development, and evaluation to final solution expression; (2) GANs can be applied at different architectural scales, ranging from large-scale complex functional buildings to refined layout designs of residential units; (3) the appearance of GANs enables designers to quickly present design results at various stages, greatly improving work efficiency; and (4) at present, GANs also have many shortcomings, mainly reflected in the accuracy of the data and the usability of tools. Conclusion: Improvements in computer performance and the enrichment of data resources have promoted the widespread application of intelligent architectural generation methods. GANs have great potential in the field of architectural design and can provide a more efficient, flexible, and diverse design process. However, further research and development are needed to address the challenges and limitations of using GANs in this field.

Architectural Design Process and its Impact on Studio Class Performance among Architecture Students of a Private University in Nigeria

Architectural Design Process and its Impact on Studio Class Performance among Architecture Students of a Private University in Nigeria

Design and Evaluation of an Asynchronous VR Exploration System for Architectural Design Discussion Content

Design discussion is crucial in the architectural design process. To enhance the spatial understanding of 3D space and discussion effectiveness, recently, some systems have been proposed to support design discussion interactively in an immersive virtual environment. The entire design discussion can be archived and potentially become course materials for future learners. In this paper, we propose an asynchronous VR exploration system that aims to help learners explore content effectively and efficiently anywhere and at any time. To improve effectiveness and efficiency, we also propose a summarization-to-detail approach with the application space by which students can observe the visualization of spatial summarization of actions and participants’ dwell time or the temporal distribution of dialogues and then locate the important or interesting region or dialogue for further exploration. To further explore the discussion content, students can call the preview to see the time-lapse animation of the object operation to understand the change in models or playback to view the discussion details. We conducted an exploratory user study with 10 participants to evaluate user experience, user impression, and effectiveness of learning the design discussion course content using our asynchronous VR design discussion content exploration system. The results indicate that the interactive VR exploration system presented can help learners study the design discussion content effectively. Participants also provided some positive feedback and confirmed the usefulness and value of the system presented. Our applications and lessons learned have implications for future asynchronous VR exploration systems, not only for architectural design discussion content, but also for other applications, such as industrial visual inspections and educational visualizations of design discussions.

Coincidental values of responding to climate in contemporary Chinese architectural design

ABSTRACT Relying solely on equipment and uncritical adoptions of technological strategies to control climate conditions can result in problems of the detachment of climate from the architectural design process, monotonous forms and lack of regional characteristics. To address these problems that may arise in contemporary China, research on the coincidental values generated with the climate-responsive operations including expressions of aesthetics, culture, emotions, regional characteristic is of great significance. The paper examines coincidental values of responding to climate by analyzing architects’ text descriptions of 263 design works from the year 2000 to 2021. The results provide a framework of 27 types of coincidental values as references for climate-responsive architectural designs. Mechanisms of creating coincidental values and subtle regional characteristics are revealed through analyses of these 27 types. Based on these findings, the paper proposes suggestions for contemporary Chinese climate-responsive designs, calling for more various cultural expressions beyond traditional or vernacular cultures, more interactions with positive aspects of climate, and broader range of the compromise between human behaviors and climate conditions.

Integrating building services in the early stages of Architectural design: A primer for Architects and Architectural students

This paper delves into the pivotal role of building services in the initial stages of architectural design, with a primary focus on architects and architecture students. Recognizing the critical interplay between architectural design and building services, this study aims to guide professionals and aspiring architects toward the development of functional and sustainable buildings. In the contemporary architectural landscape, the integration of building services is increasingly recognized as fundamental to the success of any construction project. As buildings become more complex and sustainability gains precedence, architects must adeptly incorporate building services considerations from the project's inception. The paper begins by highlighting the key building services involved in the early stages of design, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other essential systems. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between architectural aesthetics and the seamless integration of these services, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that optimizes both form and function. The educational dimension of this paper is tailored to architecture students, addressing the gap in curricula that often neglects the intricate relationship between architectural design and building services. By incorporating real-world examples and interactive learning exercises, the paper seeks to empower the next generation of architects with the knowledge and skills needed to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also functionally efficient and environmentally sustainable. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift in the architectural design process, where building services are not treated as mere appendages but as integral components shaping the very essence of architectural creations. Through a collaborative and informed approach, architects and students alike can contribute to the realization of buildings that stand as testaments to both visionary design and responsible, sustainable construction practices. Key Words: Building services, architectural design, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, fire safety.

Using text-to-image generation for architectural design ideation

Text-to-image generation has become very popular in various domains requiring creativity. This article investigates the potential of text-to-image generators in supporting creativity during the early stages of the architectural design process. We conducted a laboratory study with 17 architecture students, who developed a concept for a culture center using three popular text-to-image generators: Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E. Through standardized questionnaires and group interviews, we found that image generation could be a meaningful part of the design process when design constraints are carefully considered. Generative tools support serendipitous discovery of ideas and an imaginative mindset, enriching the design process. We identified several challenges of image generators and provided considerations for software development and educators to support creativity and emphasize designers’ imaginative mindset. By understanding the limitations and potential of text-to-image generators, architects and designers can leverage this technology in their design process and education, facilitating innovation and effective communication of concepts.

Architectural alchemy: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for inspired design – a comprehensive study of creativity, control, and collaboration

Abstract The research paper contends that Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a collaborative partner in architectural design, rather than merely a utility tool. To substantiate this argument, a three-phase, nine-test investigation evaluating the strengths and limitations of two prominent AI platforms: Midjourney AI and Stable Diffusion was undertaken. These platforms synergize human creativity and AI capabilities through features like text prompts and image references, thereby fostering innovative avenues in architecture. Our analysis indicates that Midjourney AI is proficient in generating initial design concepts, largely thanks to its extensive data libraries, but is deficient in design refinement and user control. Conversely, Stable Diffusion empowers designers with greater control via features like ControlNet but sacrifices visual clarity due to its smaller generative models. Both platforms share a common flaw: an overemphasis on aesthetics and shape at the expense of functional understanding. Building upon these empirical observations, the paper outlines strategies for designers to reasonably leverage AI in optimising workflows. It confirms two key hypotheses concerning the interplay of creativity, control, and collaboration, emphasising that both human architects and AI systems benefit from iterative feedback and continuous adaptation. In summary, the study posits that AI is not just an adjunct technology but a transformative force with the capacity to fundamentally alter architectural design processes, paving the way for a new paradigm where human expertise and machine capabilities converge for enriched design outcomes.

The Place of Ekphrasis in the Formation of Architectural Narrative

In the architectural design process, the architect(designer) engages in an internal dialogue with themselves, the object of their design, and other stakeholders. This dialogue, in turn, takes place through language and reveals a narrative. Within the architectural design, this language is established through (architectural) representation/ drawing. However, architectural drawing possesses symbolic and semantic layers akin to any language. This study focuses on these layers through “ekphrasis”, which is based on the relationship between visual and verbal representation, and asks: “How does ekphrasis as a method relate to the meaning of architectural drawing, and how does it find a place for itself in the architectural narrative?” In this study, the text-meaning-drawing relationship is examined using the deconstruction method and case study techniques. Therefore, a drawing workshop was conducted utilizing Homer’s Iliad, as it was the first ekphrastic text. The findings are then discussed in relation to the role of ekphrasis in shaping the architectural narrative.

ARCHITECT YO MING PEI. THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE OF MUSEUM BUILDINGS

Famous Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei was born in Guangdong, China in 1917.He traveled to the United States in 1935. Initially educated at the University of Pennsylvania, he continued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Architecture in 1940) and Harvard Graduate School of Design (Master of Architecture in 1946). I.M. Pei is widely praised for his bold design and clear geometric forms in his project. His career spanned 60 years and left many outstanding architectural works. I.M. Pei, revered as "the consummate master of modern architecture," his architectural philosophy was deeply influenced by modern art. During that era, New York City was known as the center of modern art. Among them, abstract expressionism, conceptualism and minimalism were on full display here. Many famous artists held grand exhibitions here and established their own studios. I.M. Pei spent most of his life in this place. When American modern art reached its peak in New York, many architects decided to use primitive forms to convey a concise and powerful artistic language, which also became their iconic design style. I.M. Pei's design philosophy is global. He emphasized: "In the architectural design process, there are three key aspects that require special attention: the first is the integration of the building with its environment; the second is how to handle space and form; and finally, from the user's point of view, to correctly solve functional problems. In this paper, the study analyzes the structural features of 12 architectural spaces of art museums designed by I.M. Pei in the context of the time line. It compares the similarities and differences in the spatial structure of the architecture of art museums built in the same time period as well as between different historical eras. The study focuses on analyzing the form and content of space and draws on the theoretical framework of contemporary architecture, namely the concepts of space within modernism. As a result of the analysis, two key characteristics of Pei's architecture are highlighted: sculptural and geometric.

Reshaping concrete

Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs) struggle to meet the demand for affordable housing in their growing cities. There are several reasons for this, but a major constraint is the high cost of construction materials. In LEDCs, material costs can constitute 60 to 80 percent of the total cost of residential construction. Nonetheless, their construction mimics the materially inefficient practices of the More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs), which were developed to reduce labor over material costs. As a result, prismatic beams and flat slabs are often used despite their structural inefficiency. The mounting use of steel-reinforced concrete structures in LEDC cities also raises concern for the environmental costs of construction; construction accounts for 20-30 percent of LEDC carbon emissions. This research addresses these challenges with a flexible and accessible methodology for the design and analysis of materially efficient concrete elements that may reduce the economic and environmental costs of urban construction. Designed for the constraints of LEDCs, structural elements are optimized to reduce the embodied carbon associated with the concrete and reinforcing steel while resisting the required loads of a standard building structure. The optimization method includes a novel approach to 3D-shape parameterization, as well as a decoupled analytical engineering analysis method that accounts for the key failure modes and constraints of reinforced concrete design. This method is then built into an open-source toolkit, combined with machine learning for real-time analysis and visualization, and tested using lab- and full-scale prototypes. The goal of this research is to present several generalizable methods that are applicable and accessible to LEDC building designers. These methods can enable the design of concrete elements for multiple performance criteria such as structural behavior, acoustic transmission, and thermal mass. They can also enable an accessible design practice through machine learning, real-time iterative workflows, and visualization tools that include the end-user in the architectural design process. This paper provides a high-level overview of ongoing research that explores how materially efficient design methods might enable sustainable development through low-cost, low-carbon concrete structural systems for affordable housing in LEDCs.

Flexibility; a critical concern in concept development in the early stages of architectural design process (case study: universities in Tehran)

Flexibility; a critical concern in concept development in the early stages of architectural design process (case study: universities in Tehran)