Architectural Design Tools Research Articles

Considerations on Optimization as an Architectural Design Tool

Some architects use design processes that conceive each architecture as a model to be optimized with tools borrowed from various disciplines. Therefore, modelling in architecture may assume the role of an interpretative tool for complex phenomena, capable of guiding a design towards its best possible configuration. Today, we can work with discrete data with extreme efficiency. Consequently, we can also create models in architectural design with a new approach that aims to contain and generate large amounts of information. It is precisely by analyzing that information, with various tools of applied mathematics and through the strength of correlation, that modelling may interpret complex phenomena. In both approaches, the search for optimization may shape the purpose of modelling in architectural design. This contribution addresses the evolution and role of optimization in architectural design with an interdisciplinary approach.

Neighbourhood Modelling for Urban Sustainability Assessment

Climate change is becoming a dominant concern for advanced countries. The Paris Agreement sets out a global framework whose implementation relates to all human activities and is commonly guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which set the scene for sustainable development performance configuring all climate action related policies. Fast control of CO2 emissions necessarily involves cities since they are responsible for 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) is clearly involved in the deployment of SDG 13 (Climate Action). European Sustainability policies are financially guided by the European Green Deal for a climate neutral urban environment. In turn, a common framework for urban policy impact assessment must be based on architectural design tools, such as building certification, and common data repositories for standard digital building models. Many Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment (NSA) tools have been developed but the growing availability of open data repositories for cities, together with big-data sources (provided through Internet of Things repositories), allow accurate neighbourhood simulations, or in other words, digital twins of neighbourhoods. These digital twins are excellent tools for policy impact assessment. After a careful analysis of current scientific literature, this paper provides a generic approach for a simple neighbourhood model developed from building physical parameters which meets relevant assessment requirements, while simultaneously being updated (and tested) against real open data repositories, and how this assessment is related to building certification tools. The proposal is validated by real data on energy consumption and on its application to the Benicalap neighbourhood in Valencia (Spain).

Daylighting Analysis and Simulation Tools in Architectural Design:Review of Tools and Compatibility with Architectural CAD Platforms

Purpose: This research is a review of current and past daylighting simulation tools from the perspective of the Architect, one of the key stakeholder in the integration of the science of daylighting into architectural practice. The review is evaluated based on criteria identified through existing literature. First, a review of integration and interoperability with mainstream architectural CAD platform is initiated and second an evaluation of select tools were performed based on a simple simulation task involving a typical classroom. Method: Over fifty daylighting simulation tools are categorized based on its integration and plotted on an “integration matrix” to illustrate compatibility with mainstream architectural software. The matrix is used as a basis to identify daylighting simulation tools for further evaluation. Evaluation of the tools are based on functionality, ease of use, and visualization. Result: Findings include recent increase in available daylighting simulation tools in the form of plug-ins to existing architectural CAD platforms. In addition, the integration matrix provides valuable information to architects and designers in the selection of Daylighting Simulation Tool, one of the key hurdles that designers face in the implementation of daylighting in architectural design practice. Furthermore, the evaluation of the tools provides information in the aid and development of future Daylighting Simulation Tools.

ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ И УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПРОЕКТАМИ В ОБЛАСТИ ЦИФРОВОЙ СРЕДЫ

The article discusses the issues of digital transformation of information modeling of real estate objects. Innovative architectural design tools are used to efficiently exchange between isolated information storages when using big data, the Internet of Things, digital twins and artificial intelligence throughout the life cycle in the implementation of investment and construction projects. The influence of virtual and augmented reality using digital technologies on predictive modeling of construction objects, identification and hedging of potential risks, optimization of the construction process and monitoring of the implementation of projects in the field of construction has been substantiated.

No-Greenery Line and Greenery-View Factor, New Architectural Design Tools

The paper proposes a new tool for evaluation of the degree of visual contact with the outdoor greenery, the Greenery-View factor (GV), intended to be easy to grasp and simple to use. It starts with the construction of a No-greenery line (similar to the No-sky line) on the vertical section of the building with the neighbouring greenery included. No-greenery line divides the space into a part with the view to the greenery and the rest of the room from which the greenery is not visible. To find out the part of the floor area of the room from which the greenery can be seen, the section-point between the no-greenery line and the line representing the eye-level is projected down at the floor plan. The GV factor stands for the part of the floor area with the view to the greenery expressed as a percentage of the whole floor area of the room. The No-sky line and the No-greenery line can be used together by architects and urban planners as extremely simple and powerful couple of graphical tools. The paper discusses also how the GV factor could be implemented in the new European daylight standard EN-17037 Daylight in buildings (2018).

An immersive performative architectural design tool with daylighting simulations: a building information modeling-based approach

PurposeIn performative architectural design, daylighting is a crucial design consideration; however, the evaluation of daylighting in the design process can be challenging. Immersive environments (IEs) can create a dynamic, multi-sensory, first-person view in computer-generated environments, and can improve designers' visual perception and awareness during performative design processes. This research addresses the need for interactive and integrated design tools for IEs toward better-performing architectural solutions in terms of daylighting illumination. In this context, building information modeling and performance simulations are identified as critical technologies to be integrated into performative architectural design.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a design science research (DSR) methodology involving an iterative process of development, validation and improvement of a novel and immersive tool, HoloArch, that supports design development during daylighting-informed design processes. HoloArch was implemented in a game engine during a spiral software development process. HoloArch allows users to interact with, visualize, modify and explore architectural models. The evaluation is performed in two workshops and a user study. A hybrid approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection was adopted for evaluation. Qualitative data analyses involve interviews, while quantitative data analyses involve both daylighting simulations and questionnaires (e.g. technology acceptance model (TAM), presence and system usability scale (SUS)).FindingsAccording to the questionnaire results, HoloArch had 92/100 for SUS, a mean value of 120.4 for presence questionnaire (PQ) and 9.4/10 for TAM. According to the simulation results, all participants improved the given building's daylighting performance using HoloArch. The interviews also indicated that HoloArch is an effective design tool in terms of augmented perception, continuous design processes, performative daylighting design and model interaction. However, challenges still remain regarding the complete integration of tools and simultaneous simulation visualization. The study concludes that IEs hold promising potentials where performative design actions at conceptual, spatial and architectural domains can take place interactively and simultaneously with immediate feedback.Originality/valueThe research integrates building information modeling (BIM), performative daylighting simulations and IEs in an interactive environment for the identification of potentials and limitations in performative architectural design. Different from existing immersive tools for architecture, HoloArch offers a continuous bidirectional workflow between BIM tools and IEs.

Robotic processing of crooked sawlogs for use in architectural construction

In this paper, ideas and methods for utilising crooked sawlogs in construction are presented. The paper discusses a current problematic reality and, through a selected scenario, proposes a workflow that handles a series of challenges that arises when working with irregular wood. Through an investigative working method and by utilising computation and digital manufacturing technologies, the workflow integrates material properties with architectural design tools. The research focusses on oak logs which have been discarded by the timber industry due to their irregular shapes. Oak is a hardwood with structural properties, but often grows into crooked geometries. Through procedures for 3D-scanning, data handling, analysis, and evaluation methods, informed machining and utilisation of the logs are made possible. Numerous crooked sawlogs are handled in parallel physical and digital stockpiles. The digital stockpile holds layers of information generated from the sawlogs. When given an input geometry, the workflow matches the geometry with sawlogs found in the digital stockpile, and using procedures for developing and detailing, a realised version of the geometry can be machined and constructed using digital fabrication methods. The workflow includes multiple custom-made methods and algorithms for handling the complex and different shapes and data of crooked sawlogs in a highly digitised machining and fabrication environment. A constant link and the dialogue between digital data and physical reality are maintained and used actively in both design and fabrication strategy. The suggested up-cycling of irregular sawlogs using non-standard methods is a critical articulation of today’s linear material economy as the research illustrates how the natural forms and properties of materials can be used to rethink existing design and material practise. This paper is an expansion and further development of work presented at ACADIA 2019 (Larsen et al. in Ubiquity and autonomy, The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, Austin, 2019).

Near Zero-Energy Buildings in Lebanon: The Use of Emerging Technologies and Passive Architecture

Architecture always aims to find solutions for problems around the world. One of the major trends at present relates to energy consumption and climate change. Construction is responsible for 18% of CO2 emissions. However, continuing to use fuel as a main source of energy consumption for economic reasons, as it is the cheapest raw material and most easily available material for most of the Arab countries, results in a negative environmental impact on the quality of life in these countries. This paper investigates a new design concept and decision-supporting tools for zero-energy buildings. Based on critical thinking as a new mechanism to create a hierarchy of designing a building, the research presents the experience of the author in teaching architecture courses for postgraduates for five years (ARCH 662: Architecture Design and Decision-Supporting Tools and Arch 663: Advanced Sustainable Architecture). The result of this research could be new methodologies that help and guide the architect in creating more zero-energy buildings in their countries. In addition, the spread of knowledge in the future generation of architects in architecture schools will mean that new designers believe in protecting and taking care of their environment, which will increase awareness of environmental issues and improve the quality of life in these countries.

Developing a fabrication workflow for irregular sawlogs

In this article, we suggest using contemporary manufacturing technologies to integrate material properties with architectural design tools, revealing new possibilities for the use of wood in architecture. Through an investigative approach, material capacities and fabrication methods are explored and combined towards establishing new workflows and architectural expressions, where material, fabrication and result are closely interlinked. The experimentation revolves around discarded, crooked oak logs, doomed to be used as firewood due to their irregularity. This project treats their diverging shapes differently by offering unique processing to each log informed by its particularities. We suggest here a way to use the natural forms and properties of sawlogs to generate new structures and spatial conditions. In this article, we discuss the scope of this approach and provide an example of a workflow for handling the discrete shapes of natural sawlogs in a system that involve the collection of material, scanning/digitisation, handling of a stockpile, computer analysis, design and robotic manufacturing. The creation of this specific method comes from a combination of investigation of wood as a material, review of existing research in the field, studies of the production lines in the current wood industry and experimentation through our in-house laboratory facilities. As such, the workflow features several solutions for handling the complex and different shapes and data of natural wood logs in a highly digitised machining and fabrication environment. This up-cycling of discarded wood supply establishes a non-standard workflow that utilises non-standard material stock and leads to a critical articulation of today’s linear material economy. The project becomes part of an ambition to reach sustainable development goals and technological innovation in global and resource-intensive architecture and building industry.

Rekonstruktion von Evidenz. Forensic Architectures 77sqm_9:26min

Abstract The essay focuses on the investigative methods of Forensic Architecture (FA) and in particular the architectural design tools used to build reconstructions of incidents and their spatio-temporal relations. FA’s retrospective investigation of the murder of Halit Yozgat in Kassel in 2004 spotlights the NSU complex as a composite of institutional and structural racism as well as questioning the dubious activities of the Intelligence Service in the NSU case.

Materializing Convection

This essay uses a physical modeling technique from mechanical engineering, the filling box, as a speculative architectural design tool. In the filling box, dyed salt water is injected into acrylic models submerged within a tank of fresh water, simulating the introduction of cold air into a warm environment or, when mirrored, the introduction of warm air into a cooler environment. The models make complex and beautiful convective thermodynamic processes visible, revealing insights about environmental processes taking place within and around buildings. Mirror images of model studies are accompanied by writing that draws on the science of thermodynamics to explore the atmospheric milieu of architecture, aligning an increasingly ubiquitous concept in architectural design discourse – thermal variability – with a design technique that foregrounds this concern.

Exploring the Interplay between CAD and FreeFem++ as an Energy Decision-Making Tool for Architectural Design

The energy modelling software tools commonly used for architectural purposes do not allow a straightforward real-time implementation within the architectural design programs. In addition, the surrounding exterior spaces of the building, including the inner courtyards, hardly present a specific treatment distinguishing these spaces from the general external temperature in the thermal simulations. This is a clear disadvantage when it comes to streamlining the design process in relation to the whole-building energy optimization. In this context, the present study aims to demonstrate the advantages of the FreeFem++ open source program for performing simulations in architectural environments. These simulations include microclimate tests that describe the interactions between a building architecture and its local exterior. The great potential of this mathematical tool can be realized through its complete system integration within CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software such as SketchUp or AutoCAD. In order to establish the suitability of FreeFem++ for the performance of simulations, the most widely employed energy simulation tools able to consider a proposed architectural geometry in a specific environment are compared. On the basis of this analysis, it can be concluded that FreeFem++ is the only program displaying the best features for the thermal performance simulation of these specific outdoor spaces, excluding the currently unavailable easy interaction with architectural drawing programs. The main contribution of this research is, in fact, the enhancement of FreeFem++ usability by proposing a simple intuitive method for the creation of building geometries and their respective meshing (pre-processing). FreeFem++ is also considered a tool for data analysis (post-processing) able to help engineers and architects with building energy-efficiency-related tasks.

Experimental Use of Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) by Individuals as an Architectural Design Tool

The paper proposes the use of the Strategic Choice Approach as a way of structuring the architectural design process, done by individuals and partly supported by meetings and interviews with DMs, experts, and stakeholders. The aim is to stimulate a debate around the use of SCA and its possible merging with architectural design, also analysing how the micro-processes involved in this merging can work in practice. We reflect on the possible use of SCA to determine prescriptive conditions on physical form at a scale that is still intermediate between the single building and the urban tissue: the method is employed as a design tool to provide alternative transformation scenarios. It represents a way of approaching the challenge of planning in an uncertain world, eliciting guidelines and strategies, and furthermore it produces an architectural project or transformation in a physical sense. Moreover, by investigating what occurs during the different micro-processes with the interviewees, we focus on some behavioural issues and effects, in relation to the context, the models of the application and the different entities involved in the interventions. This proposal shows an application to a real-world problem, currently under debate by the City of Turin (Italy), the re-use of abandoned barracks located in a prestigious residential area.

Zloković’s Understandings of Reciprocal Concatenation

In this paper, we present Milan Zlokovic’s theorisation of reciprocal concatenation and its application in his architectural design. For two decades architect Milan Zlokovic (1898–1965), one of the founders of Modern Movement in Yugoslavia, studied what he called “the science of proportions”. His findings have not received the attention they deserve. Here we analyse his research on proportional method of reciprocal concatenation through the ancient concept of analogy, the correlation among proportional systems, an ideal set of preferential numbers and the use of proportional dividers. Based on his theoretical views, we examined proportions in two of his buildings: the Elementary School in Jagodina (1937–1940) and the Teacher Training School in Prizren (1960). Finally, we show that Zlokovic combined reciprocal concatenation with various proportional systems, proving it to be a valuable tool for contemporary architectural design.

The Expression of Architectural Decoration Engineering Design Effect Based on Computer Aided Software

Abstract: In the 21st century,the domestic economic level has been improved rapidly.At the same time, it has made great progress in the field of building decoration engineering. The building decoration industry has the characteristics of a knowledge-intensive, highly comprehensive and large-scale investment. With the progress of society, architectural decoration design tools have also been with the progress in the building decoration engineering computer-aided design of a wide range of popular applications, change the original product design and production model, the formation of a new architectural decoration engineering design model,which is the biggest change in the decoration industry. For example, the computer technology used in architectural design work, the use of computer technology to collect the corresponding reference materials and computer-aided design to replace the traditional hand-painted and soon. Computer graphics softwarehas the advantages of reasonable layout, easy modification and convenient storage. Thus,computer-aided software is applied in the field of architectural decoration engineering design,which drives the design of building decoration engineering to a higher level. The application of computer aided software can fully reflect its important role in the design of architectural decoration engineering.

Nonlinear Shaping Architecture Designed with Using Evolutionary Structural Optimization Tools

The paper explores the possibilities of using Structural Optimization Tools (ESO) digital tools in an integrated structural and architectural design in response to the current needs geared towards sustainability, combining ecological and economic efficiency. The first part of the paper defines the Evolutionary Structural Optimization tools, which were developed specifically for engineering purposes using finite element analysis as a framework. The development of ESO has led to several incarnations, which are all briefly discussed (Additive ESO, Bi-directional ESO, Extended ESO). The second part presents result of using these tools in structural and architectural design. Actual building projects which involve optimization as a part of the original design process will be presented (Crematorium in Kakamigahara Gifu, Japan, 2006 SANAA“s Learning Centre, EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland 2008 among others). The conclusion emphasizes that the structural engineering and architectural design mean directing attention to the solutions which are used by Nature, designing works optimally shaped and forming their own environments. Architectural forms never constitute the optimum shape derived through a form-finding process driven only by structural optimization, but rather embody and integrate a multitude of parameters. It might be assumed that there is a similarity between these processes in nature and the presented design methods. Contemporary digital methods make the simulation of such processes possible, and thus enable us to refer back to the empirical methods of previous generations.

Enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings through the use of BIM: The case for embedding parameters during design

Abstract: A building design is typically created by a collaboration of professionals. Whilst the advent of BIM tools makes the assessment of the performance of an iterative design possible, these tools are not commonly used, due to traditional practice prevailing, technical limitations including differing data formats, and industry resistance to innovation. Timely consistent feedback throughout the design process, as major design decisions are made, could enable the enhancement of energy efficiency. However, current design guidelines are typically not in digital rule form, preventing the automated checking and validation of developing design models. Furthermore, architectural design tools have poor connections to thermal and environmental analysis software, which is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge of the data requirements of other disciplines both upstream and downstream. This paper explores the potential for embedding parameters within architectural model files to enable the enhancement of energy efficiency at the design stage and through the design process. It explores the architectural to energy analysis data exchanges, and demonstrates the way in which energy efficiency parameters can be embedded within model files to inform decision making at the conceptual design stage. The paper found that by using tools readily available, it is possible to add value during the design process through the use of BIM, with improved design outcomes as the result. The need to develop new workflows between the disciplines as a result of this different approach was highlighted. This enhanced practice is more responsive and can support better communication within project teams through providing timely information and feedback, providing analysis before optimisation for energy efficiency.

Image projection as an architectural design tool

ABSTRACTThe modern viewer is familiar with the cinematic paradigm, in which he or she is fixed in a darkened auditorium. However, current audio-visual technologies introduce new viewing modes. This article explores the spatial properties of the projection system (projector, screen surface, projection beam and the viewer), during the transition from analogue to digital technology, with paradigms from the 1960s’ expanded cinema to current multimedia installations, in particular works defined as digitally expanded cinema. Our aim is to explore how the projection space can be combined with architectural space, using expanded cinema design principles.

BUILDING PERFORMANCE SIMULATION AS AN EARLY INTERVENTION OR LATE VERIFICATION IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: SAME PERFORMANCE OUTCOME BUT DIFFERENT DESIGN SOLUTIONS

INTRODUCTIONCurrent green building practice has been largely advanced by an integrated design process. This integrated design process involves multiple disciplines, such as architecture, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The design method heavily relies on utilizing building performance simulation to illustrate how design parameters affect the energy consumption and quality of the indoor environment before actual design decisions are made (Anderson, 2014). The architectural design tools in the integrated design process supersede traditional geometrical exploration instruments, such as Sketchup, Revit, ArchiCad, and Rhino (Negendahl, 2015). More building performance simulating tools, such as Ecotect, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Radiance, and EnergyPlus, have been developed to help architects measure building performance (e.g., natural ventilation, daylighting, solar radiation, and energy uses) in the design process and attain green building standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The information presented by these tools guide architects at a certain level in achieving green building goals. However, building simulation is generally beyond the architect's knowledge domain. Many architects have difficulty in understanding these technical terms and models, as well as their design implications. Therefore, specific consultants have emerged to help architects grasp the meanings of these numbers and models, which require architects to implement a high level of design collaboration and coordination (Aksamija, 2015; Gou & Lau, 2014). Simulation consultants can work in parallel with architects at the early design stage to intervene in the conceptual and schematic design; they may also work behind architects to verify the building performance after the design is finished and make their design green through technical alterations.Most existing literature argues for an early intervention of building performance simulation in the architectural design process and explores different algorithms or models for optimal intervention (Degens, Scholzen, & Odenbreit, 2015; Sick, Schade, Mourtada, Uh, & Grausam, 2014; Svetlana Olbina & Yvan Beliveau, 2007). However, the difference between early intervention and late verification is often not investigated. Few qualitative studies can help understand how the building performance simulation is actually implemented, and how it influences the quality of design solutions in addition to the quantity of performance outcomes. The current research presents two case studies that compare building performance simulation as an early intervention and a late verification tool in the architectural design process, which contextualizes the building simulation research in real building practices.

Parametric design applications in architectural acoustics—Generation and optimization of reflective surfaces for specific source/receiver combinations

This investigation considers the potentials of what are normatively visual parametric design tools, within acoustics design thinking. The typical workflow inherent to most room acoustic software consists of architectural design followed by analysis. In response to the emergence of parametric tools in architectural design, like Rhino and Grasshopper, acoustic designers now have the potential to carry out some analysis through visualization in a more streamlined manner. Furthermore, parametric tools carry the capability to alter the typical workflow from “design followed by analysis” to a more integrated design and analysis workflow, or in some cases even a set criteria followed by a set of design solutions. Through investigation and application of these idea as a part of a recent Master of Architecture thesis project at Judson University, I have been able to develop and test specific parametric definitions which define and visualize reflecting surface potentials based on set source and receiver area criteria.