Generation Of Design Alternatives Research Articles

Semiautomatic Exploration of Conceptual Design Spaces through Parametric Shape Variability and Additive Manufacturing

Design ideation activities that involve the manipulation of geometry rely heavily on manual input. For feasibility reasons, the generation of design alternatives must often be limited, particularly when these alternatives need to be prototyped and tested. This paper describes a conceptual design strategy that leverages variational three-dimensional geometry to automatically generate a large number of design alternatives from a template model and their corresponding physical prototypes for evaluation and testing. In our approach, 3D geometric variations are produced automatically from a single design concept modeled parametrically, which are then used to generate 3D-printable files. Our method is suitable for design scenarios where real-world testing is preferred over virtual simulation and requires designers to consider a concept idea as a family of solutions, instead of a single design option. Our strategy enables an effective exploration of conceptual design spaces in highly constrained situations and facilitates parallel prototyping, which is known to produce better results than serial prototyping. We demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method through a case study that involves the design of an instrument for ophthalmic surgery for extracting an intraocular lens (IOL) from the eye. Using our approach, nine unique concept families comprising a total of 150 designs were rapidly and successfully prototyped and tested.

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.

Educational tool based on a morphological matrix for design alternative generation for use in railway wagon design

Over the past 20 years, undergraduate railway engineering education has been on the rise in Brazil. However, a long period without investments in the sector led to the absence of up-to-date material in Portuguese to back up the teaching of specific courses in the program. To help bring the program up to speed, this work presents the development of a wagon design support tool, based on the principles of the design methodology process. The proposed tool combines data from the national railway sector with classic tools such as functional modeling and the morphological matrix. As the result, an instrument that directs the student to a more realistic solution for the design possibilities is presented to support wagon design. One of the observed benefits is the focus shift from the search to the analysis of the technical possibilities arising from using the working principles presented.

A framework for generating and evaluating façade designs using a multi-agent system approach

Digital design paradigms in architecture have been rooted in representational models which are geometry centered and therefore fail to capture building complexity holistically. Due to a lack of computational design methodologies, existing digital design workflows do little in predicting design performance in the early design stage and in most cases analysis and design optimization are done after a design is fixed. This work proposes a new computational design methodology, intended for use in the area of conceptual design of building design. The proposed methodology is implemented into a multi-agent system design toolkit which facilitates the generation of design alternatives using stochastic algorithms and their evaluation using multiple environmental performance metrics. The method allows the user to probabilistically explore the solution space by modeling the design parameters’ architectural design components (i.e. façade panel) into modular programming blocks (agents) which interact in a bottom-up fashion. Different problem requirements (i.e. level of daylight inside a space, openings) described into agents’ behavior allow for the coupling of data from different engineering fields (environmental design, structural design) into the a priori formation of architectural geometry. In the presented design experiment, a façade panel is modeled into an agent-based fashion and the multi-agent system toolkit is used to generate and evolve alternative façade panel configurations based on environmental parameters (daylight, energy consumption). The designer can develop the façade panel geometry, design behaviors, and performance criteria to evaluate the design alternatives. The toolkit relies on modular and functionally specific programming modules (agents), which provide a platform for façade design exploration by combining existing three-dimensional modeling and analysis software.

Generation of design alternatives of vertical passenger seat for standing cabin concept in commercial transport aircraft

Standing cabin concept, whereby the passengers are transported during flight in their standing position, has been proposed as one of the measures to make flying more affordable to the mass public. The vertical seat, or also known as standing seat, is an essential element for the implementation of this new cabin concept as it will determine the compliance to the governing aviation regulations and also the level of safety and comfort for the passengers. Up until now however, there is no vertical seat design that has been approved for use inside the commercial transport aircraft cabin. Therefore, this study presents the generation of alternative designs for the vertical seat through the use of systematic engineering design methodology with the use of supporting design tools such as Quality Function Deployment (QFD) chart and Morphological Matrix. Five alternative concepts of the vertical passenger seat design have been developed for further assessment study to select the best one among them.

BIM-based Iterative Tool for Sustainable Building Design: A Conceptual Framework

Building sustainability is a multi-dimensional concept that is increasingly becoming a focus of the mainstream construction industry. The choice of right materials, techniques, and systems for a building project was always important to ensure built environment sustainability but these days it has also become a difficult and confusing task owing to the availability of a wide array of processes, systems, techniques and materials (PSTM). To achieve sustainable design a responsive design process able to assess and optimize the use of a variety of available PSTM options is required. The purpose of the study reported in this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of a futuristic BIM-based Design Iteration (BIM-DIT) tool for selecting PSTM combinations during design. Such development can support decision-making process during the design stage of residential buildings by assisting the design team in the generation of design alternatives. The model development includes discussion of various components necessary for development and successful working of the hypothetical tool. The conceptual model development exercise shows that the hypothetical BIM-DIT tool can significantly benefit from the pre-existing design approaches in the built environment. The discussion shows that the PSTM combination selection approach used for BIM-DIT tool will help decision makers with precise knowledge of available options for achieving truly sustainable building projects. Although model development is largely inspired by pre-existing approaches, the use of these approaches for finding appropriate PSTM combinations through the involvement of all three sustainability dimensions is relatively new. Further development in this area can play a significant role in building design related decision-making.

An integrated neuro-genetic approach incorporating the Taguchi method for product design

Product design is a multidisciplinary activity that requires the integration of concurrent engineering approaches into a design process that secures competitive advantages in product quality. In concurrent engineering, the Taguchi method has demonstrated an efficient design approach for product quality improvement. However, the Taguchi method intuitively uses parameters and levels in measuring the optimum combination of design parameter values, which might not guarantee that the final solution is the most optimal. This work proposes an integrated procedure that involves neural network training and genetic algorithm simulation within the Taguchi quality design process to aid in searching for the optimum solution with more precise design parameter values for improving the product development. The concept of fractals in computer graphics is also considered in the generation of product form alternatives to demonstrate its application in product design. The stages in the general approach of the proposed procedures include: (1) use of the Taguchi experimental design procedure, (2) analysis of the neural network and genetic algorithm process, and (3) generation of design alternatives. An electric fan design is used as an example to describe the development and explore the applicability of the proposed procedures. The results indicate that the proposed procedures could enhance the efficiency of product design efforts by approximately 7.8%. It is also expected that the proposed design procedure will provide designers with a more effective approach to product development.

생성 알고리즘을 활용한 기후 적응형 건축물 외피의 통합 디자인 프로세스

As a method to adapt to rapid climate change, Climate Adaptive Building Shells (CABS) system gains great attention these days. Integration of CABS in building system needs interdisciplinary research efforts to enhance design quality from early design stage. The purpose of this study is to incorporate performance-oriented design process, BIM-based collaborative design, and design optimization methods to improve design productivity. To reach the purpose, diverse software was integrated to expand conventional design method. Next, classification of building shells components, design alternative generation by a generative design method, information processing for environmental analysis, and alternative evaluation methods are studied. This research can contribute to the design process development of CABS.

G-BIM Framework and Development Process for Integrated AEC Design Automation

The integration and automation of the whole design and implementation process has become a pivotal factor in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) projects, especially regarding recent technological developments and emergent drivers in the field. Extant literature has highlighted a series of recurrent problems in process integration, especially at the conceptual design stage. This study presents the adoption of Generative Building Information Modelling (G-BIM) workspaces as an emerging technology. This has the potential to leverage conceptual design innovation in AEC projects. It builds upon the findings of an initial survey, and proffers a framework for using generative BIM workspaces at the conceptual design stage. This framework highlights the links and dependencies between generative/parametric tools and BIM applications to expedite information transition using generative tools primarily based on neutral BIM standards. Limitations of tools and approaches for providing accurate project information models are also captured in this framework. This paper demonstrates an overview of the G-BIM framework and the developed conceptual tool. Moreover, it reports on the challenges and opportunities associated with existing software applications. Findings reveal that the application of Generative Design (GD) can significantly enhance the design experience by assisting designers in the iterative generation of design alternatives and parameterisation processes. This framework purposefully integrates BIM with GD to enhance the design process at the conceptual design stage. This forms the rubrics for a working prototype which actively engages GD methods into a single dynamic BIM environment – the results of which will be presented in later works.

Diseño paramétrico orientado a la performance

This article presents the concept of building performance and shows how BIM models can support design processes that focus on performance optimization. Parametric modeling is discussed as a key technology for such optimization since it allows for the computational generation of design alternatives. The potentials for collaborative and multidisciplinary design promoted by domain expertise embedded in parametric models, is also reviewed in the context of sustainable design, structural analysis and fabrication.

Modular design and improvement of the management system in the smart home with the use of interval multiset estimates

The paper addresses modular design and improvement/extension of the management system in the smart home and the building automation system (BAS). The design procedure is based on the hierarchical morphological multicriteria design (HMMD) approach: (a) construction of a tree-like system model, (b) generation of design alternatives for leaf nodes of the system model, (c) the bottom-up process: (i) selection of design alternatives for system parts/components and (ii) composition of the selected alternatives into a resultant combination. Here, the HMMD approach with interval multiset estimates for design alternatives is used. The system improvement scheme is based on the following: (a) upgrade of the system components (strategy 1), (b) system extension by adding an additional part (strategy 2). The multiple choice problem with interval multiset estimates for improvement operations is used in system improvement procedure. Two basic applied illustrative numerical examples are considered: (1) a modular management system for the smart home and (2) a modular building automation system consisting of four parts.

A decision support system for super tall building development

SUMMARYSuper tall building projects commonly inherit a slow and lengthy decision making process due to financial uncertainties, in spite of large investments. However, current decision‐making practices depend upon detailed cost estimating and scheduling during the design development phase and not rough cost estimating and scheduling during the schematic design phase. Discrepancies between a project budget and program with estimated construction cost and construction period often result in architect and consultants having to perform costly re‐design work. To mitigate these issues, this study proposes a decision support system (DSS) model. An interim design development phase is introduced between the schematic design phase and the design development phase. Design alternative generation, database, cost and schedule estimation modules are developed. The design alternative generation module provides design alternatives that change proportionately in response to increases or decreases in the number of building stories. The database module is established for cost and schedule estimation modules. The cost and schedule estimation modules produce construction costs and construction period for design alternatives. Finally, the proposed DSS is validated through the case study of an ongoing real super tall building. Ultimately, the new DSS can assist project control groups in performing efficient and financially beneficial decision making in terms of construction cost and construction period. This research provides a fundamental step towards the development of the DSS for super tall building projects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A combined heuristic and indicator-based methodology for design of sustainable chemical process plants

The current emphasis on sustainable production has prompted chemical plants to minimize raw material and energy usage without compromising on economics. While computer tools are available to assist in sustainability assessment, their applications are constrained to a specific domain of the design synthesis problem. This paper outlines a design synthesis strategy that integrates two computer methodologies – ENVOP Expert and SustainPro – for simultaneous generation, analysis, evaluation, and optimization of sustainable process alternatives. ENVOP Expert diagnoses waste sources, identifies alternatives, and highlights trade-offs between environmental and economic objectives. This is complemented by SustainPro which evaluates the alternatives and screens them in-depth through indicators for profit and energy, water, and raw material usage. This results in accurate identification of the root causes, comprehensive generation of design alternatives, and effective reduction of the optimization search space. The framework is illustrated using an acetone process and a methanol and dimethyl ether production case study.

Product design enhancement using apparent usability and affective quality

In this study, apparent usability and affective quality were integrated in a design framework called the Usability Perception and Emotion Enhancement Model (UPEEM). The UPEEM was validated using structural equation modeling (SEM). The methodology consists of four phases namely product selection, attribute identification, design alternative generation, and design alternative evaluation. The first stage involved the selection of a product that highly involves the consumer. In the attribute identification stage, design elements of the product were identified. The possible values of these elements were also determined for use in the experimentation process. Design of experiments was used to identify how the attributes will be varied in the design alternative stage and which of the attributes significantly contribute to affective quality, apparent usability, and desirability in the design evaluation stage. Results suggest that product attributes related to form are relevant in eliciting intense affect and perception of usability in mobile phones especially those directly related to functionality and aesthetics. This study considered only four product attributes among so many due to the constraints of the research design employed. Attributes related to aesthetic perception of a product enhance apparent usability such as those related to dimensional ratios.

Diseño paramétrico orientado a la performance

Este artículo presenta el concepto performance de edificios y cómo las tecnologías CAD/BIM pueden soportar el desarrollo de diseños orientados a su optimización. Se discute técnicas de modelamiento paramétrico que pueden ayudar a construir procesos colaborativos a partir de la explicitación de reglas de diseño, del análisis de alternativas y la selección de soluciones.

Modular System Synthesis: Example for Composite Packaged Software

The paper describes a framework for synthesis of a composite system (packaged software) on the basis of interconnected system components when the components and their interconnection (compatibility) are evaluated upon ordinal coordinated scales. Hierarchical multicriteria morphological design is used including generation of design alternatives (DAs) for system components and their combining into the target system while taking into account weighted interconnectibility among DAs. This composition problem is based on building a morphological clique. Composite decisions are analyzed by a quality vector which involves the ordinal effectiveness of components and their interconnection. A numerical example demonstrates the hierarchical design (integration) of the system, improvement of obtained design decisions, and multistage design.

An integrated prototyping and knowledge representation procedure for customer-oriented product design

Design alternative generation is regarded as a key activity in Product Design and Development (PDD) by determining the success of a PDD project. This study presents a design alternative generation procedure that integrates a design prototyping approach and a rule-based system to improve PDD efficiency. This approach aids designers in identifying design parameters and values in the development process and the rule-based system assists designers to link user requirements with design characteristics. In addition, an external computer programming procedure is established to identify variables and develop form representation for the design components. A case study on cup design is used to illustrate and validate the proposed approach. The results demonstrated the potential of the approach in enhancing the efficiency of conventional product design expert systems and providing the designer with a rapid way to generate design alternatives.

Method for the Automatic Generation of Timber Connection Patterns

This paper describes a method for the automatic rule-based generation of design alternatives for structural connections between timber members. Using this method, a computer program for generating a list of connection options for two timber members was created. Such a computer program may be useful to engineers, architects, and others involved in the design and detailing of timber frame structures.

An Approach for Product Line Design Selection Under Uncertainty and Competition

An approach in product line design is presented in which a line of products is selected while accounting for their market potential. In this approach, the product line design selection is viewed as a selection problem with two main stages: design alternative generation and product line design evaluation and selection. The focus of this paper is on the product line design evaluation and selection stage. Issues considered include a large variety of customers’ preferences, market competitions, multiple business goals, uncertainties in several factors that are used for evaluating the design alternatives, and commonality among the alternatives in a product line. Because of the combinatorial nature of the problem, a genetic algorithm is used in the evaluation stage. Product line design selection of a cordless screwdriver is used as a demonstration example. The emphasis in the example is more on the approach and not in the details of the example per se.

Information infrastructure of engineering collaboration in a distributed virtual enterprise

Engineering design is a central theme of many engineering projects. Engineering design targets a wide range of engineering artefacts, such as products and production systems, and involves many kinds of engineering activities that must collaborate to accomplish the common mission of an engineering project. This collaboration process depends heavily on information from many different sources that represent fragments of engineering data in many different forms. This paper presents a theoretical approach to engineering collaboration in the process of designing production systems. The paper presents an information infrastructure that supports engineering collaboration by integrating various kinds of information (e.g. design data and knowledge) and activities (e.g. system modelling, generation of design alternatives, design validation, and decision making). A rigorous process of engineering collaboration is proposed. An information model of production systems is outlined for integrating information and activities at four levels of abstraction. The information infrastructure can be used to promote engineering collaboration in a distributed virtual enterprise, improve current practice of system design, and facilitate the development of information environment for engineering collaboration.